Erasmus is the part of the new Lifelong Learning programme (2007-2013) that focuses on higher education. A number of different actions exist under the Erasmus programme, two of the most relevant ones are:

- Mobility of Individuals - Intensive Programmes: These are short programmes of study, which encourage efficient and multinational teaching of specialist topics and allow teaching staff to exchange views on teaching content and new curricula approaches. These activities can be one-off or repeated over a number of years.

- Multilateral projects - Curriculum development projects: Provide support for the joint development and implementation/dissemination of study programmes and European modules between higher education institutions from several countries at batchelor, master and doctoral level. Particular importance is placed on cooperation with the professional world and the world of enterprise. Projects typically last for 3 years for development of whole study programmes and two years for European modules.

Higher education institutions holding an Erasmus University Charter (see http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/socrates/erasmus/charter_en.html). Eligible countries are the 27 EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey. Proposals are accepted from partnerships consisting of a minimum of three different countries, including one partner organisation established in an EU Member State.

The previous call under the Lifelong Learning programme had a budget of EUR 784 million. The level of grants awarded is likely to vary considerably, depending on factors such as type of project and number of countries involved.

The next call is due to be published towards the end of 2007 with a likely deadline of 1st March 2008

For more information visit http://ec.europa.eu/education/programmes/llp/structure/erasmus_en.html