Erasmus Programmes
The European Union funds various Erasmus initiatives (named after Erasmus, the Renaissance scholar), namely the Erasmus Mundus scholarship and the Erasmus+ programme.
The initiatives are aimed at enhancing quality in higher education through scholarships and academic co-operation between the EU and the rest of the world.
Erasmus Mundus
The Erasmus Mundus initiative supports Joint Programmes (Masters Courses and Doctorates) that are operated by groups of higher education institutions from the EU and (since 2009) across the world. They provide an integrated course and joint or multiple degrees (such as double degrees) following study or research at two or more of the higher education institutions involved in the programme.
Erasmus Mundus funds a number of scholarships for students on Erasmus Mundus Masters Courses. These scholarships are awarded to the top students for one or two years, regardless of their field of studies. Several French institutes of higher education offer joint Master's programmes.
Since 2010, fellowships have also been available for doctoral candidates who are following one of the Joint doctorates that are offered. New European joint doctorates (EJD) were set up in the framework of Horizon 2020, the European Union programme for Research and Innovation.
Scholarships cover participation costs, subsistence costs, and insurance for the duration of the study period. Many students also benefit from a contribution to travel costs.
Applying for an Erasmus Mundus programme:
Applications are made on the website of the relevant programmes. Search for programmes on the Erasmus Mundus Catalogue. https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/scholarships/erasmus-mundus-catalogue_en
Most programmes require applications to be submitted between October and January for courses starting the following academic year. Interested students should click on the URL of the master and contact the consortium directly for information on courses, application procedures and scholarship availability.
Erasmus Plus
Erasmus + is a European Union programme that supports education, training, youth and sport. Through it, students can benefit from a mobility (exchange) scholarship in Europe.
In the framework of bilateral agreements between institutions of higher education. Erasmus+ also offers mobility scholarships from and to France. They cover travel and accommodation costs. Find out more from the institution you are currently enrolled in.
Individual Mobility
One key action of the Erasmus + initiative is to encourage student and staff mobility (exchange). Since its creation in 1987, the programme has expanded into partner countries outside the European Union. In its 30 years of existence, over 3 million European students have taken advantage of it.
In South Africa, Erasmus+ programmes exist between South African universities and universities in Europe, typically within a particular degree (such as BCom Business Studies, an engineering degree, etc). The Erasmus+ programme allows for the top students in the particular degree programme to study for one semester at the partner university, with funding.
The European Commission defines the priorities and objectives for the Erasmus+ programme. The EACEA (Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency) manages the programme at the European level, while the Erasmus + agency coordinates it in France.