Erasmus Mundus - Overview
Erasmus Mundus (2009-2013) - results and related documents
Erasmus Mundus (2004-2008) - results and related documents
History of the Erasmus Mundus programme
Erasmus Mundus (2004-2008)
Erasmus Mundus was first introduced in July 2001, when the European Parliament and Council received a Communication by the European Commission on strengthening EU-third country co-operation in higher education
. Following the positive reception of the Communication, the Commission adopted a programme proposal, Erasmus World
, in July 2002.On 5 December 2003, the Erasmus Mundus programme Decision
was adopted. It entered into force on 20 January 2004.In 2006, the Commission launched the Erasmus Mundus External Cooperation Window. This initiative complemented the Erasmus Mundus programme and offered scholarships for students (from undergraduate to post-doctorate level) and academics to encourage mobility between European higher education institutions and institutions from certain non-European countries. The External Cooperation Window has been integrated into Erasmus Mundus (2009-2013) as Action 2 of the programme.
Erasmus Mundus (2009-2013)
The Commission adopted its programme proposal for the second phase of Erasmus Mundus
in July 2007. This was based on an Extended Impact Assessment and an Online Consultation on the Future of the Erasmus Mundus Programme.The Decision for the second phase of the Erasmus Mundus programme
entered into force at the beginning of 2009.Political context
Inspired by the highly successful Erasmus programme (an internal EU programme supporting co-operation and mobility between European higher education institutions), Erasmus Mundus offers a valuable framework for exchange and dialogue between cultures. By supporting the mobility of students and academics throughout the world, Erasmus Mundus prepares its participants for life in a global, knowledge-based society.
The Erasmus Mundus programme has earned political support from governments, policy-makers and higher education institutions all over Europe. It is seen as a useful means to respond to the challenges European higher education faces today, in particular the need to stimulate the convergence of degree structures and to enhance the attractiveness of European higher education world-wide. These are themes central to the Bologna Process and to national reform of higher education in EU Member States.
Erasmus Mundus also coincides with the Lisbon Strategy, a commitment to making the European Union the most competitive knowledge-based economy in the world and a reference for high quality and excellence in education.
