Possible Sources of Financial Assistance: Socrates/Erasmus (2000-2006)

General Description

The higher education section of SOCRATES II ("ERASMUS") continues and extends the European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students (the "ERASMUS programme"), established in 1987.

Key feature

While the promotion of 'physical mobility', mainly of students, constituted the main thrust of ERASMUS Phase I and II, the higher education Chapter of SOCRATES seeks to integrate such mobility into a wider framework of cooperation activities which aim at developing a "European Dimension" within the entire range of a university's academic programmes. "Bringing students to Europe, bringing Europe to all students" is the new spirit of ERASMUS: while student mobility retains a position of central importance within the programme, stronger incentives are now available to encourage universities to add a European perspective to the courses followed by students who do not participate directly in mobility.

More emphasis is consequently placed on teaching staff exchanges, transnational curriculum development and pan-european thematic networks. Wider dissemination of and participation in the results of this work are sought through specific support. ERASMUS also encourages universities to associate other public and private bodies from their surrounding regions with their transnational cooperation activities, thereby enhancing opportunities for inter-regional cooperation between the participating countries.

The EU budget of SOCRATES/Erasmus for 2000-2006 amounts to around 950 Mio ^ (of which approximately 750 Mio ^ for students grants). Additional funds are provided in each Country by public authorities, by the universities themselves and by other organisations.

Further information

www.soleoyouth.be/static/en/overview/erasmus_overview.htm

Deadline for application

March 1st to The European Commission (CD, IP)
May 15th to National Agency (mobility stipends)