Capacity building in Higher Education: South Mediterranean

The ERASMUS-ED… is a European Union grant opportunity aimed at Capacity Building in Higher Education specifically targeting the South Mediterranean region. This program provides support to strengthen and modernize higher education institutions within eligible countries. The call is forthcoming, with an opening date set for December 4, 2025, and a submission deadline of February 10, 2026. It operates under the ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants scheme, which simplifies funding processes by providing fixed amounts rather than reimbursements. The total budget allocated for the South Mediterranean Region is €12.6 million, divided among three strands: Strand 1 with €4.24 million for 10 projects, Strand 2 with €7.18 million for 8 projects, and Strand 3 with approximately €1.18 million for 1 project. All institutions must form a consortium to apply, mandating participation from at least two EU Member States or associated countries and two eligible non-associated third countries. Eligible applicant types include higher education institutions, organizations active in education, labor market sectors, and related areas, primarily targeting those within the South Mediterranean countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia. The focus of the projects must align with regional priorities like the Green Deal, digital transformation, integration of migrants, governance, as well as economic growth and job creation. Projects can be in various phases: Strand 1 focuses on foundational capacity-building for newer and less experienced institutions; Strand 2 supports transformation and scaling innovations in higher education; and Strand 3 is aimed at significant structural reforms at national levels. Applications are to be submitted through a single-stage procedure with a maximum length of 40 pages. The evaluation process is expected to run from March to June 2026, with successful applicants being notified by July 2026. Grant agreements are set to be signed by November 2026, allowing projects to begin in early 2027. Funding arrangements suggest that while grants cover full project costs, contributions from project partners in the form of in-kind support may enhance proposals. Overall, this grant opportunity is crucial for fostering international cooperation and addressing various socio-economic and educational challenges within the South Mediterranean region.

The Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) call under the Erasmus+ Programme (ERASMUS-EDU-2026-CBHE) aims to fund international higher-education partnerships to strengthen universities and systems in eligible third countries not associated with the Programme. The call is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Agreement, supporting quality, modernization, and responsiveness in higher education to address socio-economic recovery and global challenges. It also contributes to broader EU external policy goals, including Global Gateway initiatives and the Pact for the Mediterranean. The total indicative budget for the 2026 CBHE call is €113,117,100, divided into three strands: Strand 1 with €23,359,660, Strand 2 with €60,135,486, and Strand 3 with €29,621,954. For Region 3 (South Mediterranean), the indicative budget is €12,600,472, with the following distribution and indicative number of projects: Strand 1: €4,239,411 (10 projects) Strand 2: €7,183,447 (8 projects) Strand 3: €1,177,614 (1 project) The call is structured in Regions and Strands. In Region 3 - South Mediterranean, the overarching priorities apply. For Strands 1 and 2, the applicable priorities are further detailed in the regional context as follows: Green Deal: Projects should contribute to an inclusive, long-term socio-economic recovery and tap into the Region’s economic potential by supporting the circular and green economy as well as urban development. Priorities include increasing climate awareness, sustainability and resilience, specifically in the key sectors of agriculture, energy and water management. Furthermore, academic cooperation should aim to provide applicable answers to environmental challenges, including desertification, biodiversity loss and use of natural resources. Digital transformation: Projects should seize the digital transition by working on digital literacy, skills and entrepreneurship. In parallel, digital solutions can provide new means to reach out to vulnerable communities. Cooperation opportunities also lie in digital infrastructure and connections, where heightened reliability, capacity and security will support regional economic integration. Integration of migrants: Education access for displaced persons and refugees is a priority objective for the entire Region. Support intra-regional initiatives on credential and degree recognition as well as regional credit transfer systems. Opportunities and jobs, as referred to in the other regional priorities, should be inclusive of all, including migrants and displaced persons. Governance, peace, security and human development: Commitment to the rule of law, human and fundamental rights, equality, democracy and good governance are the bedrock of stable, fair and prosperous societies. Initiatives on peace and security, intercultural dialogue and women empowerment are encouraged, hereby driving respect for diversity, tolerance and strengthening the Mediterranean partnership. Sustainable growth and jobs: Improving education systems governance and addressing structural causes of schools dropouts are crucial to meet youth aspirations and to address persisting economic and gender inequalities. An integral part to this process is developing primary and secondary teacher education and in-service training. Stronger linkages between the academic, research and business world are to be stimulated, with education programmes addressing current and future skills needs, not in the least entrepreneurship. Innovation hubs and start-ups help generate local employment opportunities and prevent brain drain. Particular attention is to be paid to women participation. For Strand 3 and given the nature of the Strand, which aims at supporting structural reforms in the third countries not associated to the Programme, projects must address the needs of higher education in the country(ies) concerned at large. In addition, each applicant will need to identify in Part A of the application form one of the overarching priorities, which are defined by the European Commission and reflected in the Programme Guide. This is compulsory. Please note multiple priorities cannot be selected. Beyond the applicable overarching priorities, and in order to respond to the various challenges in the third countries not associated to the Programme, the CBHE action in Region 3 is composed of three specific Strands: Strand 1: Fostering access to cooperation in higher education This strand is designed to attract less experienced HEIs and small-scale actors to the CBHE action to facilitate access to newcomer organizations, through small-scale projects and primarily focusing on the following areas within third countries not associated with the Programme: HEIs from least developed third countries not associated to the Programme HEIs located in remote regions/areas of third countries not associated to the Programme Newcomers or less experienced HEIs and Faculties from third countries not associated to the Programme Students and staff with fewer opportunities. Activities aiming at enhancing the management/administrative capacity of the targeted HEIs, such as: reforming and modernising the university governance, including the enhancement of services in particular for the benefit of students (student guidance, counselling and job orientation etc.); establishing or strengthening international relations offices and elaborating internationalisation strategies; establishing new or developing existing quality assurance units and processes/strategy within HEIs; creating or increasing the capacity of planning and evaluation units; enhancing mechanisms for communication and dissemination of results from international cooperation projects; building capacities to support students and staff mobility activities. Activities aiming at ensuring high quality and relevant education, such as: modules or study programmes, technical or professional orientations of programmes; establishing intensive study programmes bringing together students and teaching staff from participating HEIs for shorter study periods; developing capacities for postgraduate students and academic staff as well as promoting their mobility; implementing training courses for HEI academic staff; creating synergies and strengthening the links with the business sector and with private or public organizations active in the labor market and in the fields of education, training and youth. Activities aiming at increasing the accessibility of the students/staff with fewer opportunities, such as: developing remote and inclusive learning pathways and opportunities by relying on digital technology and e-learning for vulnerable students; updating the digital technology to develop specific services aiming at ensuring equal and fair learning opportunities to students with disabilities; promoting initiatives aiming at positive discrimination by empowering women and ethnic/religious minorities; developing initiatives addressing and reducing barriers faced by disadvantaged groups in accessing learning opportunities; contributing to creating inclusive environments that foster equity and equality, and that are responsive to the needs of the wider community. Strand 2: Partnerships for transformation in higher education This strand shall introduce new approaches and initiatives in higher education having a significant and long-term impact on the targeted HEIs beyond the projects' lifetime and as such benefit society as a whole. Projects should pursue: Innovation in higher education and Reform in HEIs. development, testing and adaptation of innovative curricula in terms of content [key competences and transversal skills, (entrepreneurship, problem-solving, green jobs etc.)], structure (modular, joint…) and teaching/learning methods [including the use of open and flexible learning, virtual mobility, open educational resources, blended learning, Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC), etc.]; development, testing and implementation of new learning methods, tools and materials (like new multidisciplinary curricula, learner-centred and real problem-based teaching and learning) through practical training and placements of students; introduction of Bologna-type reforms (three-level cycle system, transparency tools such as credit systems and Diploma Supplement, quality assurance, evaluation, National/Regional Qualification Frameworks, recognition of prior and non-formal learning, etc.) at institutional level; introducing practical training schemes, internships and study of real-life cases in business and industry, which are fully embedded in the curriculum, recognised and credited; introducing dual learning systems bridging tertiary studies with upper secondary VET as a means to boost the employability of graduates; development of solutions for challenging issues, product and process innovation (students, professors and practitioners together); development and testing solutions to pressing social demands not addressed by the market and directed towards vulnerable groups in society; addressing societal challenges or relating to changes in attitudes and values, strategies and policies, organisational structures and processes, delivery systems and services; support the creation of centres, incubators for innovation, technology transfer and business start-ups, and the integration of education, research and innovation at institutional/regional/national level; development and testing of continuous education programmes and activities with and within enterprises; set-ups to trial and test innovative measures; exchanges of students, researchers, teaching staff and enterprise staff for a limited period; providing incentives for involvement of enterprise staff into teaching and research; reform of governance and management systems and structures at institutional level (incl. quality assurance methods and systems, financial management and HEI autonomy, international relations, student services and counselling, career guidance, academic and research boards, etc.); development of strategies and tools for the internationalisation of HEIs (international openness of curricula, interinstitutional mobility schemes), and their capacity to network effectively in research, scientific and technological innovation (scientific cooperation and knowledge transfer, etc.); development, adaptation and delivery of tools and methods for the upskilling, evaluation/assessment, professionalisation and professional development of academic and administrative staff, for the initial training of teachers and continuous career development. For Strand 2 in this Region (South Mediterranean), priority will be given to the development of innovative joint study programmes in the Euro-Mediterranean region, enabling the design and implementation of innovative joint curricula by higher education institutions from both sides of the Mediterranean. Strand 3: Structural reform projects This strand shall support efforts in third countries not associated to the Programme to develop coherent, inclusive and sustainable systems of higher education to meet their socio-economic needs and broad ambition to create a knowledge-driven economy, including in the fields of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), through Structural Reform projects that involve the competent National Authorities (notably Ministries of Education) of third countries not associated to the Programme as well as HEIs, research institutions and other relevant authorities/bodies and stakeholders. The proposal page limit is 40 pages, as described in the call document. The evaluation criteria, scoring, threshold, and process are also detailed in the call document. Key dates for the call are: Publication of the call: 26 November 2025 Deadline for submitting applications: 10 February 2026, 17:00 (Brussels Time) Evaluation period: March-June 2026 Information to applicants: July 2026 Signature of grant agreement: November 2026 Relevant documents for the call include: Call document Application form templates (Standard application form (ERASMUS BB and LSII), Detailed budget table (ERASMUS LSII)) Guidance (ERASMUS Programme Guide, How to manage your lump sum grants, Guide for applicants) Model Grant Agreements (MGA) (Lump Sum MGA) Additional documents (ERASMUS+ Work Programme, ERASMUS Regulation 2021/817, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509, Rules for Legal Entity Validation, LEAR Appointment and Financial Capacity Assessment, EU Grants AGA — Annotated Model Grant Agreement, Funding & Tenders Portal Online Manual) For help related to this call, applicants can contact EACEA-EPLUS-CBHE@ec.europa.eu. Additional support resources include the Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ and the IT Helpdesk. In summary, this Erasmus+ CBHE call provides funding for international partnerships aimed at strengthening higher education in third countries, particularly in the South Mediterranean region. The call focuses on three strands: fostering access to cooperation, partnerships for transformation, and structural reform projects. Applicants must align their projects with the overarching priorities of the European Commission and address specific regional challenges related to the Green Deal, digital transformation, integration of migrants, governance, and sustainable growth. The call encourages the involvement of less experienced HEIs and promotes innovation, quality, and accessibility in higher education. The total budget for the call is significant, and the indicative timeline provides a clear roadmap for applicants.

Eligible Applicant Types: The eligible applicant types include Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), small-scale actors, competent National Authorities (notably Ministries of Education), research institutions, and other relevant authorities/bodies and stakeholders in eligible third countries not associated to the Programme. The call is designed to attract less experienced HEIs and small-scale actors to the CBHE action to facilitate access to newcomer organisations. Funding Type: The funding type is a grant, specifically ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants (ERASMUS-LS). Consortium Requirement: The opportunity appears to require a consortium, as it involves international higher-education partnerships. Strand 3 specifically mentions projects that involve competent National Authorities as well as HEIs, research institutions and other relevant authorities/bodies and stakeholders. Beneficiary Scope (Geographic Eligibility): The geographic eligibility is for third countries not associated to the Programme, with a specific focus on Region 3 (South Mediterranean). Target Sector: The target sector is higher education, with a focus on capacity building, modernisation, and responsiveness in higher education systems. It also includes areas like green economy, digital transformation, integration of migrants, governance, peace, security, human development, sustainable growth, jobs, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths). Mentioned Countries: The opportunity focuses on Region 3 - South Mediterranean, but does not explicitly list the countries within that region. It refers to third countries not associated to the Programme. Project Stage: The project stage varies depending on the strand. It can range from fostering access to cooperation (Strand 1) to partnerships for transformation (Strand 2) and structural reform projects (Strand 3). This suggests projects can be in the development, validation, or demonstration stages. Funding Amount: The total indicative budget for the 2026 CBHE call is €113,117,100. For Region 3 (South Mediterranean), the total indicative budget is €12,600,472, distributed across the three strands: Strand 1 has €4,239,411, Strand 2 has €7,183,447, and Strand 3 has €1,177,614. The budget per project is variable, depending on the strand and the specific activities. Application Type: The application type is an open call, with a single-stage submission process. Nature of Support: Beneficiaries will receive money in the form of lump sum grants. Application Stages: The application process involves a single stage. Success Rates: The success rates are not explicitly mentioned, but the indicative number of projects to be funded in Region 3 (South Mediterranean) is 19, which can be used to estimate the success rate based on the number of applications received. Co-funding Requirement: The document does not explicitly state whether co-funding is required. Summary: The Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) call under the Erasmus+ Programme aims to fund international higher-education partnerships that strengthen universities and systems in eligible third countries not associated to the Programme. The call supports quality, modernisation, and responsiveness in higher education to address socio-economic recovery and global challenges, aligning with the SDGs and the Paris Agreement. The call is structured into regions and strands, with Region 3 focusing on the South Mediterranean. There are three strands: Fostering access to cooperation in higher education, Partnerships for transformation in higher education, and Structural reform projects. Eligible applicants include HEIs, National Authorities, research institutions, and other relevant bodies in eligible third countries. The funding is provided as lump sum grants, and the application process involves a single stage. The total indicative budget for the call is €113,117,100, with €12,600,472 allocated to Region 3. The call prioritizes areas such as the Green Deal, digital transformation, integration of migrants, governance, peace, security, human development, sustainable growth, and STEM. The deadline for submitting applications is 10 February 2026.