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- External Programmes and Policies
Co-operation with industrialised countries
The EU has set up joint study programmes with industrialised countries, particularly in North America and the Asia-Pacific region, that provide financial support for student mobility. Such co-operation enhances the quality of higher education and vocational training for both partners and promotes greater intercultural understanding.
EU policies aim to reform higher education systems, making them more flexible, coherent and responsive to the needs of society. Only by doing this can the EU continue to promote standards of international relevance in education and training.
International dialogue, comparison and competition help drive improvements in the quality of education systems. Collaborating with the world’s most developed countries and testing educational approaches and standards against each other contribute to this process.
The Commission first made formal agreements with the US and Canada on co-operation in higher education and vocational training in 1995. These were renewed in 2006.
In addition, several initiatives operate with other industrialised countries, including Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea.
Summary factsheet of EU co-operation with industrialised countries 
Objectives and activities
The overall aims are to:
- Promote better relations between European and partner countries' citizens, and improve understanding of cultures, languages and institutions.
- Facilitate the acquisition of skills needed for the global knowledge-based economy.
The main activities are:
- Joint/double degree projects, launched with the US in 2006, which support consortia of higher education institutions in creating integrated joint study programmes, with students from the two sides spending a substantial period of study in the partner country and receiving either a joint or a double degree;
- Joint mobility projects which are set up and run by a group of higher education and/or vocational education and training institutions from the EU and a partner country. Activities focus on short-term mobility of students (typically one semester) with recognition of study abroad periods, joint curriculum development, and exchange of trainees, teaching staff or administrators;
- Policy dialogue and projects which address strategic issues related to education and training systems and policies of the EU and its partner countries. Activities include studies, seminars, working groups and benchmarking exercises. Relevant issues include recognition of qualifications and accreditation.