Erasmus+ for Higher Education

Erasmus+ for Higher Education 2018 Call information

2 Erasmus+ for Higher Education About Erasmus+ Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. It runs for seven years, from 2014 to 2020, with organisations invited to apply for funding each year to undertake unique and worthwhile activities. It is a pre-requisite of participation in the programme that higher education institutions (HEIs) hold the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). Erasmus+ in the UK is managed by the UK National Agency, a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. Changing Lives, Opening Minds Through Erasmus+ HEIs can enable their students and staff to pursue stimulating opportunities for learning across Europe, and beyond, both inside and outside the classroom. Participants will gain valuable life-skills and international experience to help them develop personally, professionally and academically. As well as boosting skills and employability for participants, the programme will also aid modernisation in the higher education sector across Europe. Improvements to the quality of teaching and learning across your institution will enhance its reputation and its international standing. Erasmus+ and Brexit The UK Government has stated publicly that the United Kingdom is committed to continuing full participation in the Erasmus+ programme up until we leave the European Union. It will underwrite successful bids for Erasmus+ that are submitted while the UK is still a Member State, even if they are not approved until after we leave, and/or payments continue beyond the point of exit. Practical details regarding how this will be implemented will be discussed with the Department for Education (the UK s Erasmus+ National Authority). In the meantime the Government encourages UK applicants to continue to apply for funding until we leave the EU. More information is on the Brexit webpage at erasmusplus.org.uk/brexit-update

3 Key facts and figures Over its lifetime, Erasmus+ has a total budget of 14.7 billion for the development of knowledge and skills. A proportion of this budget is allocated to provide funding for higher education projects. Sport (1.8%) Jean Monnet (1.9%) Other (8.8%) Youth (10%) Higher education (43%) VET (22%) Education and training (77.5%) Education & Training Schools (15%) Adult education Unallocated (5%) (15%) With this funding, by 2020, the European Union aims to support: the mobility of two million higher education students within Erasmus+ programme countries and mobility of an additional 135,000 students to and from Erasmus+ partner countries; Mobility of around 300,000 staff from higher education; 200,000 students able to undertake Master s Degree mobility through the Master Loan Scheme and 25,000 scholarships for Joint Master Degrees; 25,000 Strategic Partnerships between over 125,000 institutions, building alliances within and between educational sectors and with outside partners; 150 Knowledge Alliances between 1,500 higher education institutions and enterprises; 1,000 Capacity-Building Projects between higher education institutions in programme and partner countries. erasmusplus.org.uk

4 Erasmus+ for Higher Education What can I do? There are a number of different funding streams available under Erasmus+ for which UK organisations involved in higher education (HE) can apply. These include degree awarding organisations as well as organisations offering courses leading to a degree. Higher education funding is available under decentralised and centralised activities. Decentralised activities are managed by the UK National Agency: Mobility for higher education students and staff. This activity is part of Key Action 1 of Erasmus+. Strategic Partnerships are part of Key Action 2 of Erasmus+. Centralised activities are run by the European Commission s Executive Agency in Brussels: Joint Master Degrees which come under Key Action 1 of Erasmus+. Knowledge Alliances and Capacity Building in the field of higher education which are covered under Key Action 2 of Erasmus+. Jean Monnet Activities is a separate action of Erasmus+. Information on all higher education funding opportunities can be found on our website at: erasmusplus.org.uk/higher-education-funding

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6 Erasmus+ for Higher Education Decentralised activities: Mobility for higher education students and staff (Key Action 1) Student mobility Erasmus+ offers UK undergraduate and postgraduate students in higher education from any academic discipline the opportunity to study or work abroad in one of the other 32 Programme Countries, as part of their degree. Students can study abroad for three months to 12 months, or work abroad for two months to 12 months. UK ECHE-holding institutions can also apply for funding for mobility to send and receive students and staff from beyond Europe, in Partner Countries. Master Loan Scheme affordable loans to assist with tuition and living costs when taking a master s in another country. Apply direct to the bank offering the loan. Visit erasmusplus.org.uk/master-loan for more information. Staff mobility Academic and administrative staff at institutions holding an ECHE can teach or train at another partner institution in Europe, for between two days and two months. This mobility activity covers: providing opportunities for students to improve their skills, enhance their employability and gain cultural awareness; staff benefitting from the transfer of knowledge and good practice, to learn from shared experience and discover new ideas for teaching and learning; helping institutions to modernise education provision and become more international in their outlook.

7 Funding Erasmus+ mobility grants are awarded to institutions based on their forecast participation rates, the available budget and certain criteria defined by the UK National Agency, such as past performance, and formalised through a Grant Agreement to offer: A monthly grant to students. Extra funding for students with special needs. Extra funding to disadvantaged students. Subsistence and travel grants for staff mobility. Organisational support for organisation, management and implementation of activities. erasmusplus.org.uk

8 Erasmus+ for Higher Education Mobility for higher education students and staff: International Credit Mobility (Key Action 1) UK ECHE-holding institutions can also apply for funding to send or receive staff and students to and from partner countries beyond Europe, called International Credit Mobility, which is part of Key Action 1. In 2018 there is around 9.5 million euro for this activity, for study and staff training or teaching abroad. In 2018 HEIs can also apply for funding for student traineeships. International Credit Mobility activity covers: students studying abroad for a minimum of three months up to a maximum of 12 months; students working abroad for a minimum of two months up to a maximum of 12 months; staff spending from five days up to two months teaching and/or training abroad; staff undertaking training in an enterprise. The same grants are available, but in different amounts, per student or staff member as listed on page 7. There are five separate European Union funding strands, called instruments, which make up the budget through 12 or more budget envelopes. These budget envelopes cover most of the regions of the world. There are then different rules and targets for inward and outward mobility for most budget envelopes. For more information please visit erasmusplus.org.uk/apply-for-international-credit-mobility

9 Strategic Partnerships (Key Action 2) Any UK organisation involved in HE can participate in a Strategic Partnership for HE, either as the lead or as a partner. Institutions from Programme Countries involved in the partnership must hold a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education. Types of Strategic Partnership activities include: working together to produce intellectual outputs such as policy recommendations, new curricula, resources for teachers and learners, new uses of ICT; dissemination of outputs, for example through events; blended mobility of students (physical mobility of less than two months combined with virtual mobility); joint staff training events and intensive study programmes (three days to two months); long-term teaching or training assignments (two to 12 months). These partnerships should help to deliver change not only in the organisations that participate directly in the action, but also in higher education systems by sharing the learning and good practices that emerge. Funding Up to 300,000 euro for two years or 450,000 euro for three years or a pro rata amount in between. erasmusplus.org.uk

10 Erasmus+ for Higher Education Case study University of the West of England The University of the West of England, Bristol was awarded funding for a two-year Erasmus+ Key Action 2 Strategic Partnership project When Looks Get in the Way with five partners from across Europe. Together they are developing an academic programme, producing extensive and culturally specific materials, for health professionals from a variety of specialist areas. This will provide training to enable them to identify and support patients with appearancerelated issues and body image concerns. In the short-term, this project will provide a unique, cost-effective, widely available and internationally transferable course, informed by the expertise of a range of partners.

11 Centralised activities: Joint Master Degree (Key Action 1) HEIs and non-academic partners can apply for up to 5 million euro funding to run an integrated international Master programme of excellent quality to attract the best students worldwide. The Master programme must be developed and delivered by at least three HEIs in three Programme Countries. Students get the chance to study on the programme leading to a joint or multiple degree, studying in at least two countries. Full scholarships are also available. Knowledge Alliances (Key Action 2) Knowledges Alliances enable a consortium of organisations to apply for up to 1 million euro funding to run transnational projects which bring higher education and business together to work on common issues. These projects are aimed at strengthening capacity for entrepreneurship and encourage innovation in higher education, business and the broader socio-economic environment. Capacity-Building Partnerships in Higher Education (Key Action 2) Capacity-Building Partnerships are transnational cooperation projects based on partnerships primarily between HEIs from Programme Countries and more than 150 eligible Partner Countries. Funding of up to 1 million euro is available for such projects which aim to achieve a long-lasting impact on the modernisation of Partner Countries HE institutions and systems. Jean Monnet There is a range of activity types eligible for funding of up to 300,000 euro per project. The European Commission s Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency manages these centralised activities. Please visit eacea.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-plus/ funding_en for more information, including application deadlines. erasmusplus.org.uk

12 Erasmus+ for Higher Education Why take part? Benefits to your institution The world is changing fast, and education systems need to modernise and adapt to new ways of teaching and learning and embrace the new opportunities that exist. Universities that take part in the programme have become more open and accessible to the outside world, rethinking their courses, teaching methods and support structures, in order to attract more students and establish new partnerships with institutions abroad. Ultimately, Erasmus+ will have a direct impact upon academic excellence, supporting institutions to deliver skills for the future. We find that our students return to Durham University with renewed vigour and fresh perspectives which in turn benefits the whole institution. Our incoming Erasmus+ students provide colour, diversity and enrich our student body and local community both academically and socially. Inez Janna Summers, Exchanges and Study Abroad Manager, Durham University The project provides us with opportunities to work with, learn from and build strong relationships with multiple partners. It not only enhances the profile of the faculty and university but also boosts the capacity of faculty members to work in their subject areas in challenging international contexts. Tony Mahon, Director for International Development, Canterbury Christ Church University

13 Benefits for your students A study on the impact of the European Union s Erasmus student exchange programme shows that graduates with international experience fare much better on the job market than those who have not studied or trained abroad. Erasmus+ also broadens horizons, increases social links and improves cultural awareness. Erasmus+ was undoubtedly one of the best decisions of my life and has opened so many doors and opportunities to me. I d never have got to where I am today in my career and my travels if I hadn t done Erasmus+! It s amazing to be part of this community of young Europeans that have experienced living, studying and working in another country over the last 30 years with Erasmus+ Virginia Stuart-Taylor, former Erasmus+ student from the University of Exeter (pictured below) Benefits for your academic and administrative staff Erasmus+ funding can also provide a revenue stream to enable staff to build upon existing partnerships and develop innovative projects. It was a great experience; they put together a fantastic programme for me that enabled me to see how another university operates within Europe, with different functions and processes, but with the same overarching aims of continually improving the student experience. I learned a great deal about higher education within a European context and it brought fresh insights to my own work. I also had a great time and made new friends. A staff member from the University of Arts London who went to Finland erasmusplus.org.uk

14 Erasmus+ for Higher Education How to apply A step-by-step guide to applying 1 Be an eligible ECHE-holding institution UK HEIs must have an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) to take part in the programme. If your institution is a Recognised or Listed Body you are eligible to apply for an ECHE, providing you offer courses at Foundation Degree/HND level or above. Post-secondary level vocational education institutions may also participate. 2 Decide on your activity Decide on the activity for your institution based on the funded activity allowed under a Key Action. Carry out research with colleagues, students and staff. 3 Find a partner Extend an existing partnership or find a new partner. Before any mobility can take place you will need to sign an Inter-Institutional Agreement.

15 4 Register on EU Login and obtain your PIC Create an EU Login account and register in the Portal to obtain a nine digit PIC (Participant Identification Code) which you and your partners will need in order to complete the eform. 5 Fill out the eform Choose the correct eform for your sector, Key Action and funding round. Ensure you have enough time to do this, check that all fields are correctly filled out and validate the form. Only then will you be able to submit. 6 Check the deadline and dates Check and double-check the deadline and the time for submitting your online application form. Also check the project start and end dates. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. Visit erasmusplus.org.uk/higher-education-funding for more information. erasmusplus.org.uk

16 Erasmus+ for Higher Education How to apply Top tips UK institutions with an ECHE can apply for Erasmus+ funding to run their mobility, partnership or other projects each year. For Key Action 1 and Key Action 2 there is generally one deadline in a calendar year. We publish these deadlines on the UK website as soon as they are announced by the European Commission. This is referred to as a Call for Proposals. Please note that all applications must be made by an organisation, not by individuals. Applications are made online. There is a specific electronic application form for each Key Action and sector, so it is important to download the correct form. Don t forget that you need to apply directly to the European Commission s Executive Agency for Joint Master Degrees, Knowledge Alliances and Capacity Building activities. Five top tips: 1. When applying for mobility funding under Key Action 1, be as accurate as possible in predicting numbers of mobilities. 2. Whether you have been successful or unsuccessful in applying for funding for a project, you can still apply for another project in the next funding Round. 3. Start your application well before the due date, in case there are any issues with IT on deadline day. 4. When your PIC is entered into an application form, the institutions details will be entered automatically. 5. Feeling confused by the jargon? Visit erasmusplus.org.uk/glossary for a glossary of terms. Read more top tips at erasmusplus.org.uk/toptips

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18 Erasmus+ for Higher Education Support from the UK National Agency Whether you are new to the programme, or have applied before, at the UK National Agency we are here to support you all the way, from application guidance through to managing your project. Erasmus+ information sessions these are aimed at newcomers, and take place each autumn in locations across the UK. Presentations from these sessions are published on our website. Guides for applicants for each Key Action and sector, the UK NA provides application guidance documents, available for download from our website. Application support webinars sign up to these online events, including a Q&A session, for more detail on the application process in the run up to the funding deadline(s). Advice sessions you can call or email us for specific advice about completing your application and we may also occasionally run extra advice webinars or events. Visit erasmusplus.org.uk/events for upcoming events. 2018 application deadlines There are two deadlines in 2018 for decentralised higher education funding applications: Key Action and activity Sector Deadline (11am, UK time) Key Action 1: Learning Mobility of Individuals Higher education 1 February 2018 Key Action 2: Strategic Partnerships Higher education 21 March 2018 Factsheets with key deadlines for 2018, including centralised activities in February and March, are available to download at erasmusplus.org.uk/funding-deadlines

19 Contact us The UK National Agency is a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. This page sets out how you can contact us for advice and guidance on Erasmus+. Enquiries on higher education funding T: 029 2092 4311 E: erasmus@britishcouncil.org Erasmus+ erasmusplus.org.uk @erasmusplusuk ukerasmusplus erasmusplus.org.uk

Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. The Erasmus+ UK National Agency is a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. December 2017