EU Cooperation with Third Countries

Important funding rogrammes

Erasmus Mundus II

During its second phase in 2009 - 2013, this programme aims to improve the quality of European higher education and intercultural understanding by means of cooperation with third countries.

Erasmus Mundus II includes the implementation of joint programmes of outstanding scientific quality at the level of master and PhD students and the award of individual grants to students and PhD students from Europe and third countries. Furthermore, information and promotional activities are funded to increase the attractiveness of European higher education. By means of international studies or events, the image and visibility of European higher education is to be improved.

Tempus

The EU programme Tempus has been supporting the modernization of higher education in selected third countries since 1990 by means of funding structural measures and multilateral higher education networks. The overarching aim is the further development of higher education institutions and systems in partner countries and thereby the promotion of convergence with higher education policy developments in the EU. The programme is currently in its fourth programme phase (Tempus IV, 2007 - 2013) and focus on such target regions as Eastern Europe including Russia, Northern Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia, and the countries in the Western Balkans.

ATLANTIS (EU-USA) and TEP/TDP (EU-Canada)

The programmes promote transatlantic academic cooperation in the context of student and teacher mobility and partnership projects.

ICI ECP - Industrialised Countries Instrument Education Cooperation Programme (EU-Australia, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea)

The aim of this programme is to strengthen cultural and academic exchanges between EU Member States and the partner countries indicated above. Funding is provided for mobility projects for the development of curricula and implementation of short stays for students, teachers and administrative personnel.

ALFA - América Latina Formación Académica (Latin America)

The ALFA programme has been supporting economic and technological cooperation between the EU and Latin America since 1994 by means of funding higher education networks. ALFA III (2008-2012) places particular emphasis on the development policy aspect of higher education cooperation.

EDULINK and ACP Science & Technology Programme (Africa / Caribbean/Pacific)

EDULINK is the first EU funding programme for regional and intercontinental higher education cooperation between African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) and the EU. The programme aims at funding institutions of higher education in the areas of management/administration, teaching and research/technology. In addition to EDULINK, the ACP Science & Technology Programme focuses on funding the further development and strengthening of structures, management and innovation in the area of applied market-oriented research. Funding is provided for cooperation networks in the areas of the health care system, environment, renewable energies, transport, agricultural sciences and agricultural products, and sustainable trade.

Further information is available on the website of the National Contact Point.