Capacity Building in the field of higher education Strand 3 (ERASMUS-EDU-2024-CBHE-STRAND-3)

The Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) action supports international cooperation projects based on multilateral partnerships between organisations active in the field of higher education. The activities and outcomes of CBHE projects must be geared to benefit the eligible third countries not associated to the Programme, their higher education institutions and systems. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, this action supports the relevance, quality, modernisation and responsiveness of higher education in third countries not associated to the Programme in addressing socio-economic recovery, growth and prosperity and reacting to recent trends, in particular economic globalisation but also the recent decline in human development, fragility, and rising social, economic and environmental inequalities.

The action is expected to contribute to the overarching priorities of the European Commission:

• Green Deal (stimulate green jobs, climate neutral society, environmental-climate-sustainability awareness, green and circular economy)
• Digital transformation (development and uptake of digital skills, digital pedagogy, connectivity solutions, digitalisation, artificial intelligence)
• Integration of migrants (promote access to education and recognition of degrees and credentials)
• Governance, peace, security and human development (promotion of rule of law, human and fundamental rights, equality, democracy and good governance, and fight against corruption)
• Sustainable growth and jobs (support employability, tackle mismatch between education and labour market demands)

as well as to the external dimension of EU internal policies in the field of education.

Projects under this Strand shall support efforts in third countries not associated to the Programme to develop coherent and sustainable systems of higher education to meet their socio-economic needs and broad ambition to create a knowledge-driven economy. Mainstreaming and upscaling of successful results as well as synergies with ongoing or pipeline support in the area under bilateral support programmes are also elements of this Strand. Structural Reform projects will address the needs of eligible third countries not associated to the Programme to support sustainable systemic and structural improvement and innovation at the level of the higher education sector. By involving the competent National Authorities (notably Ministries of Education) of third countries not associated to the Programme, HEIs, research institutions and other relevant authorities/bodies and stakeholders, these projects will particularly:

• Promote cooperation and mutual learning among and between national public authorities to foster systemic improvement and innovation in the higher education sector.
• Promote inclusive higher education systems that can provide the right conditions for students of different backgrounds to access learning and succeed. Particular attention should therefore be paid to people with fewer opportunities.
• Increase the capacities of HEIs of third countries not associated to the Programme, bodies in charge of higher education and competent authorities (notably Ministries) through their participation in the definition, implementation and monitoring of reform processes to modernise their higher education systems, particularly in terms of quality assurance, governance, and financing.
• Identify synergies with ongoing EU initiatives in the third country(ies) not associated to the Programme in areas covered by Erasmus+.

Projects under this Strand shall support efforts in third countries not associated to the Programme to develop coherent and sustainable systems of higher education to meet their socio-economic needs and broad ambition to create a knowledge-driven economy. Mainstreaming and upscaling of successful results as well as synergies with ongoing or pipeline support in the area under bilateral support programmes are also elements of this Strand. Structural Reform projects will address the needs of eligible third countries not associated to the Programme to support sustainable systemic and structural improvement and innovation at the level of the higher education sector. By involving the competent National Authorities (notably Ministries of Education) of third countries not associated to the Programme, HEIs, research institutions and other relevant authorities/bodies and stakeholders, these projects will particularly:

• Promote cooperation and mutual learning among and between national public authorities to foster systemic improvement and innovation in the higher education sector.
• Promote inclusive higher education systems that can provide the right conditions for students of different backgrounds to access learning and succeed. Particular attention should therefore be paid to people with fewer opportunities.
• Increase the capacities of HEIs of third countries not associated to the Programme, bodies in charge of higher education and competent authorities (notably Ministries) through their participation in the definition, implementation and monitoring of reform processes to modernise their higher education systems, particularly in terms of quality assurance, governance and financing.
• Identify synergies with ongoing EU initiatives in the third country(ies) not associated to the Programme in areas covered by Erasmus+.

The following minimum composition must be respected:

• at least 2 EU Member States or third countries associated to the Programme;
  • each of these countries must involve at least 1 HEI.
• at least 1 eligible third country not associated to the Programme;
  • each participating country must involve at least 2 HEIs312 and the national competent authority (e.g. Ministry) responsible for higher education in the country.
• The number of participating organisations from third countries not associated to the Programme must be equal to or higher than the number of participating organisations from EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme. 

Indicative 2024 CBHE budget per Region (in EURO):

The indicative 2024 CBHE budget of Strand 3 per Region (in EURO) and the indicative number of projects

In the Regions where the indicative budget is indicated as zero, normally projects in these Regions cannot be funded. Please note that there is a flexibility of transferring budgets between the Strands.

• HEIs located in an EU Member State or in a third country associated to the Programme must hold a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE).
• HEIs established in eligible third countries not associated to the Programme must be recognised as such by the competent authorities, with their affiliated entities (if any). They have to offer full study programmes leading to higher education degrees and recognised diplomas at tertiary education qualifications level.