Meer studenten kunnen van het Erasmus Mundus-programma profiteren (en)
Erasmus Mundus, the European co-operation and mobility programme which supports academic excellence and the attractiveness of European higher education worldwide and fosters cooperation with third countries, now enters a new phase with a substantially increased budget and a wider scope.
In 2009-13, the EU will increase its support to the most highly-talented students and professors from countries outside the EU with grants to take part in joint programmes in Europe. It will also extend the scope of the programme to the doctoral level and give more financial support to European students.
The expected budget for Erasmus Mundus will be an indicative amount of € 950 million from 2009 to 2013, a significant increase in the total allocation for partnerships under Erasmus Mundus and the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Windows during 2004 - 2008.
The European Commissioner for Education, Training, Culture and Youth, Mr Ján Figel' said: "The new, second phase of Erasmus Mundus builds on the phenomenal success of the first, and will, in the fullness of time, become the reference programme for promoting European higher education around the globe. I am particularly pleased that the European Parliament and the Council allocated such a significant increase in the funding for Erasmus Mundus. We are now able to expand the scope to include Doctoral level studies, and more generous grants will be made available for European students to study at participating higher education institutions outside the EU, making the two-way exchange of the world's best students and academic staff a reality under the programme. "
The European Commissioner for External Relations and Neighbourhood Policy, Mrs Benita Ferrero-Waldner emphasised the importance of this programme in building a more united world: "Erasmus Mundus enables the brightest students inside and outside the EU to fulfil their potential and maximise their opportunities in life. It ensures academic excellence and helps students forge a shared vision for the world. With this programme, the EU promotes knowledge transfer and multiculturalism in action, key factors of progress and development for all. Thus we are adding a crucial component in our external cooperation programmes, going beyond support for government reform programmes by strengthening people-to-people contacts in this very particular area. These contacts might be useful in the future given our globalized world."
More than 10,000 scholarships so far
In the period 2004-2008, Erasmus Mundus and the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Windows offered more than 10,000 scholarships to students and academics from all over the world, with a combined budget of € 609 million. The programme offered the opportunity to third-country students to obtain a degree in Europe, and to academics to share know-how and to contribute to study programmes through teaching or research activities whilst avoiding the brain drain and favouring vulnerable groups. Thanks to these exchanges and through cooperation with non EU partner countries the programme also made a significant contribution to the enhancement of intercultural dialogue and to the sustainable development of higher education in third countries.
The Erasmus Mundus programme (2009-2013) will fully integrate the former 'Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Windows' and continue to support partnerships between EU and non-EU higher education institutions as a basis for mobility among students and academics.
Erasmus Mundus 2009-13 launch events
The new phase of Erasmus Mundus will be marked with a launch conference under the auspices of the Czech Presidency, with representatives of higher education institutions, networks and associations, promotion agencies and other organisations from around the world.
16 February, 17.30-19.30: Welcome reception (following the meeting of the Education, Youth and Culture Council), La Piazza at Berlaymont, Brussels. Keynote speakers include Ondrej Liška, Minister of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic, and Marielle de Sarnez, Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur Erasmus Mundus.
17 February, 9.30-18.00: Launch conference, Management Centre Europe (MCE), Brussels. Keynote speakers include: Jakub Dürr, Vice-Minister (for European Affairs), Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports of the Czech Republic.
18 February, 9.30-17.30: Erasmus Mundus Infoday, Management Centre Europe (MCE), Brussels.
To find out more:
European Commission Press Release, 21 October 2008 (IP/08/1560):
The Commission welcomes the adoption of Erasmus Mundus II by the European Parliament
European Commission:
External Cooperation Programmes
Video News Release on Erasmus Mundus
Video News Release including Erasmus Mundus
Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency: