Erasmus+, the higher education programme of the European Union, is currently open for applications. The programme funds co-operation projects between Pakistani and European universities and offers scholarships to students and staff to study in Europe. The deadlines for students for full degree masters are in December and January. For universities to participate in Credit Mobility and Capacity building in Higher Education, the deadlines are in February.
Erasmus+ offers many opportunities for universities. Although the scholarship part of the programme is well-known in Pakistan, the new parts focusing on inter-university co-operation and capacity building need further introduction. "Capacity building projects could be very beneficial for universities in Pakistan. This can include curriculum development and modernisation, upgrading facilities and equipment, or improving university governance.
In 2016, only one capacity building application, among 107 selected for Asian countries, involved Pakistan. We need to create more awareness about the opportunities the Erasmus+ offers for Pakistani universities", said Anne Kofoed, Official from the European Union delegation during a seminar held at the Higher Education Commission in Islamabad. The seminar was part of a series of workshops being organised by the European Union in Pakistan in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission. The workshops aim to raise the awareness about the opportunities offered by the programme for Pakistani universities in order to encourage more applications.
Speaking at the seminar, Dr Mahmood Butt, Consultant Higher Education Commission thanked the EU delegation for the financial aid opportunities provided to students and higher education institutions through Erasmus+ programme of the EU. He hoped more Pakistani scholars will avail the opportunities being provided through the European Union.-PR