Aim

"Capacity-building projects in the field of higher education" are transnational cooperation projects run through multilateral partnerships.

These projects support higher education institutions and related organisations in countries outside the EU to

• modernise and become more international and accessible
• increase their cooperation with institutions in EU and associated countries
• voluntarily converge with higher education developments in the EU
• promote intercultural awareness and understanding

The most common activities are based around

• developing curricula
• modernising governance and management in education institutions and systems
• strengthening relations between higher education and its wider economic and social environment

Types of partnership

Partnerships are set up between higher education institutions from

• 33 European countries and
• countries from ten other regions across the world

These countries are known as "EU Member States or countries associated to the Programme" and "third countries not associated to the Programme".

The shape of the partnership and the profiles of organisations vary according to the funding strand.

Opportunities

Organisations should formulate project proposals that meet their needs, and which fit one of three strands:

Strand 1: Fostering access to cooperation in higher education

Designed for organisations which are new to working with Erasmus+, in countries or regions generally less active in Erasmus+, or to support disadvantaged groups.

Strand 2: Partnerships for transformation in higher education

Aim to have a large and wider impact on innovation, university/business relations and institutional governance.

Strand 3: Structural reform projects

Focus on the macro level of policy reforms which are needed to foster internationalisation,  where national authorities and ministries are involved.

Outside Europe’s neighbouring regions, these projects must be aligned with the EU's Global Gateway priorities for external cooperation.

How to apply

Calls for proposals are published on an annual basis.

Organisations submit their application for funding to the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Rules and eligibility

Please consult the Programme Guide for

• the number and profile of participating organisations in each partnership
• funding rules and budget and which costs are eligible
• other important information on how to structure your project for evaluation