On 4 November 2011, the European Commission’s Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency published the fifth call for proposals as part of the fourth phase of the Tempus programme (2007-2013). The overall aim is to promote multilateral cooperation among higher education institutions, authorities and organisations from EU member states and partner countries covered by the European Neighbourhood Policy (focused on parts of Eastern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa), as well as Russia, for the reform and modernisation of higher education. Two major cooperation schemes are included in the call: 

• “Joint Projects” addressing modernisation and reform at the university level and the transfer of knowledge between universities, organisations and institutions from the EU and partner countries; and 
• “Structural Measures” projects seeking to contribute to the development of higher education systems in partner countries, the structural reform of higher education systems and strategic framework development at the national level.

Earlier this summer, the European Commission announced a EUR 17 million increase (compared to last year) in the budget allocated to the fourth phase of Tempus. Overall, EUR 47 million have been earmarked to strengthen the Tempus programme. The funds are mainly targeted at the improvement of teaching and learning, and quality assurance and management of higher education institutions. More detailed information about the eligibility criteria, national and regional priorities of the call, the distribution of available funding by country and other parameters can be found in the call announcement and the application guidelines on the website of the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agenc

European Commission

Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency, Tempus IV - 5th call for proposals