Education on centre stage
The development of higher education in the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf region, as well as improved student and academic mobility, are among the key areas of EU support. To build a common space of stability and prosperity between the EU and its partner countries in this region and foster political, social and economic development, a strong and educated human capital is a crucial factor.
Forging new partnerships between universities from EU Member States and the different partner countries helps to modernise curricula and teaching methods, build research capacities and improve graduate employability and institutional governance.
The Erasmus+ programme is one of the key initiatives for EU cooperation with the European partner countries in the MENA region in education, training, youth and sport. The budget dedicated to the South Mediterranean (i.e. Middle East and North Africa) for 2021-2027 is more than €333 million, while it amounts to €16.89 million for Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the Gulf countries.
Support includes the four main actions:
- Key Action 1 – Mobility of individuals: Opportunities for pupils, students, adult learners, trainees and young people, as well as for professors, teachers, trainers, educators, youth workers, sport staff, staff of education institutions and civil society organisations to undertake a learning and/or professional experience in another country.
- Key Action 2 - Cooperation among organisations and institutions: capacity building, institutional reform and related student and staff mobility.
- Key Action 3 - Support to policy development and cooperation: policy support and policy dialogue, including project/information offices and promotional activities in ENP partner countries.
- Jean Monnet actions
Overview of support to higher education in 2021-2027
International Credit Mobility
Short-term mobility for students and staff allows students to study at a foreign university for 2-12 months and obtain credits which are then recognised at the sending institution as part of their degree. In addition, for staff mobility, there is a possibility to apply for a grant for 6-50 days.
Since 2021, 25,083 people have participated in the mobility schemes that Erasmus+ programme provides, allowing for exchanges and mobility between the South Mediterranean and EU countries. For Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the Gulf countries, 1,351 people have participated.
Capacity Building in Higher Education
Capacity Building projects in Higher Education are 2 to 3 year-long projects implemented by multilateral partnerships of Higher Education institutions from both programme countries and partner countries with the aim of modernising higher education institutions and systems. These projects contribute to curriculum development activities as well as modernisation of governance and management of higher education institutions and systems. They also aim at strengthening relations between higher education and the wider economic and social environment.
Since 2021, 41 projects have been selected to benefit higher education institutions from the South Mediterranean region. As each project involves multiple partners, there have been 259 instances of South Mediterranean higher institutions participating in such projects. For Iraq, Iran and Yemen, 4 projects have been selected, with 26 instances of institutions participating.
Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees are full-degree scholarships to Master students from around the world covering tuition, travel, and a living allowance. The programmes last from one to two years during which students study in at least two different European countries. Upon graduation, they are awarded a joint or a double degree, or multiple degrees.
The EU funds additional scholarships for students from South Mediterranean countries. Institutions from the South Mediterranean countries can also deliver these programmes. Since 2021, 4 organisations from the region have been part of the Erasmus Mundus programmes, with another 35 instances of organisations joining as associated partners. 674 scholarships have been granted for the nationals of the South Mediterranean countries. For Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the Gulf countries, 3 have partaken as associated partners. 222 scholarships have been granted.
Jean Monnet Activities
Jean Monnet activities aim to develop EU studies worldwide. Modules, Chairs and Centres of Excellence promote excellence in teaching and research on the European integration process at higher education level. The programme also supports policy debate with the academic world through networks. Since 2021, 8 projects are managed by higher education institutions from South Mediterranean. There are currently 7 Jean Monnet Networks where the South Mediterranean institutions are participating or have participated. For Iraq, Iran, Yemen and the Gulf countries, 3 projects have been awarded.