Partnerships for Excellence: European Universities – European Degree exploratory action

Overview

Supports higher education institutions in designing and implementing transnational joint programmes at bachelor, master, or doctoral levels to meet criteria for the joint European degree label. Targets consortia aiming to develop practical models and evidence for broader adoption of the European degree, with a focus on engineering.

Who Can Apply

Higher education institutions (HEIs) and consortia of HEIs from eligible countries. Eligibility extends to public or private entities active in higher education, including research institutions and other relevant organizations, provided they are legally established in an eligible country.

Funding Details

Total budget: EUR 12 million. Funding rate: Up to 80% of eligible costs. Grant amount: Maximum EUR 500,000 per project. Co-funding: Required for the remaining 20% of eligible costs.

What Is Funded

Design, adaptation, and implementation of innovative and inclusive transnational joint programmes at bachelor, master, or doctoral levels. Activities must align with the criteria for the joint European degree label, including curriculum development, quality assurance, recognition mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement. Exploration of the European degree concept in engineering is encouraged.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Not explicitly specified. Projects must demonstrate a clear pathway to meeting the criteria for the joint European degree label, implying a focus on advanced programme development and institutional collaboration.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-16
• Deadline: 2026-03-16T23:00:00Z (Brussels time)
• Evaluation period: Late March–June 2026
• Applicant notification: September 2026
• Grant agreement signature: December 2026

Application Process (High-Level)

Single-stage submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants must use the provided application form templates and adhere to page limits and formatting requirements outlined in the call document.

Post-Award Obligations

Reporting requirements include periodic technical and financial reports, dissemination of project results, and compliance with EU visibility guidelines. Grantees must provide evidence of progress toward the joint European degree label criteria.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: EU Member States and associated countries (as defined in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide). Application language: English.