Erasmus Mundus

Period: 2004-2008

Budget: EUR 230 million

The Erasmus Mundus programme is an education programme that aims to increase the quality of European higher education by establishing cooperation and a link between the many higher education institutions in the Union and third countries.

While the programme allows students and scholars access to quality higher education in Europe and abroad , thereby promoting intercultural understanding , the specific objectives can be identified as:

• Promote a quality European higher education both within and outside of the European Union

• Allow graduates and scholars from all over the world access to an education in the European Union

• Establish cooperation between European Union and third-country institutions

• Increase the quality and profile of higher education in the European Union

In order to achieve these objectives, the programme is broken down into four components:

• Masters Courses
The Masters Courses must be offered by at least three universities in different European countries, with a study period at two of the three universities and a joint diploma.

• Scholarships
This scholarship will be given to third-country graduate students and scholars to study in or work for the Masters programmes.

• Partnerships
European Universities involved in the Erasmus Mundus programme are encouraged to establish partnerships with third-country universities.

• Attractiveness
The programme also seeks to increase the profile of and interest in European higher education.

To help achieve the four components, a variety of tools and actions are supported:

• Develop joint educational programmes and cooperation networks to exchange information, experience and good practice

• Encourage and support mobility between the Community and third countries

• Encourage cultural understanding and language learning

• Support projects that increase the quality of higher education

• Analyze higher education through an international perspective

Participants in the programme may come from EU Member States, Candidate Countries, EEA/EFTA and all other third countries

In order for the program to achieve its objective, it must have the support and cooperation of the education institutions and other national and international actors, including:

• Institutions of Higher Education

• Students with a first degree from a higher education institution

• Scholars, researchers and lectures

• Staff at higher education institutions

• Any other higher education public or private bodies

More information

Decision No 2317/2003/EC of the European Parlament and of the Council of 5 Devcember 2003 establishing a programme for the enhancement of quality in higher education and the promotion of intercultural understanding through cooperation with third countries (Erasmus Mundus) (2004 to 2008) PDF