ERASMUS CBHE South Mediterranean ERASMUS-EDU-2026-CBHE-REGION-3

CBHE funds international higher-education partnerships that strengthen universities and systems in eligible third countries not associated to the Programme. Aligned with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement, it supports quality, modernisation, and responsiveness in higher education to address socio-economic recovery and global challenges. The action is expected to contribute to the overarching priorities pre-defined by the European Commission.

Strand 1: Fostering access to cooperation in higher education (10 projects)

Strand 2: Partnerships for transformation in higher education (8 projects)

Strand 3: Structural reform projects (1 project)

In Region 3 – South Mediterranean, the overarching priorities apply. For Strands 1 and 2, the applicable priorities are further detailed in the regional context as follows:

• Green Deal: Projects should contribute to an inclusive, long-term socio-economic recovery and tap into the Region’s economic potential by supporting the circular and green economy as well as urban development. Priorities include increasing climate awareness, sustainability and resilience, specifically in the key sectors of agriculture, energy and water management. Furthermore, academic cooperation should aim to provide applicable answers to environmental challenges, including desertification, biodiversity loss and use of natural resources.
• Digital transformation: Projects should seize the digital transition by working on digital literacy, skills and entrepreneurship. In parallel, digital solutions can provide new means to reach out to vulnerable communities. Cooperation opportunities also lie in digital infrastructure and connections, where heightened reliability, capacity and security will support regional economic integration.
• Integration of migrants: Education access for displaced persons and refugees is a priority objective for the entire Region. Support intra-regional initiatives on credential and degree recognition as well as regional credit transfer systems. Opportunities and jobs, as referred to in the other regional priorities, should be inclusive of all, including migrants and displaced persons.
• Governance, peace, security and human development: Commitment to the rule of law, human and fundamental rights, equality, democracy and good governance are the bedrock of stable, fair and prosperous societies. Initiatives on peace and security, intercultural dialogue and women empowerment are encouraged, hereby driving respect for diversity, tolerance and strengthening the Mediterranean partnership.
• Sustainable growth and jobs: Improving education systems governance and addressing structural causes of schools dropouts are crucial to meet youth aspirations and to address persisting economic and gender inequalities. An integral part to this process is developing primary and secondary teacher education and in-service training. Stronger linkages between the academic, research and business world are to be stimulated, with education programmes addressing current and future skills needs, not in the least entrepreneurship. Innovation hubs and start-ups help generate local employment opportunities and prevent brain drain. Particular attention is to be paid to women participation.

For Strand 3 and given the nature of the Strand, which aims at supporting structural reforms in the third countries not associated to the Programme, projects must address the needs of higher education in the country(ies) concerned at large.

For “national / regional-only” CBHE projects (i.e. within one non-associated third-country region),the following requirements apply: at least 2 EU/associated countries (with 1 HEI each) and exactly 1 eligible third country not associated — but that third country must contribute at least 2 HEIs.