TEMPUS IV for higher education

 

The Tempus programme supports the effort of the Partner Countries to modernize their higher education systems, and creates opportunities for cooperation among higher education actors of the EU and the Partner Countries, who work together on projects. It also enhances understanding between cultures, as it promotes a people-to-people approach and promotes convergence with EU developments in higher education, to encourage job creation and economic growth.

It finances three types of actions: Joint Projects, Structural Measures and Accompanying Measures. Joint Projects are based on multilateral partnerships between higher education institutions in the EU and the Partner Countries, that develop, modernise and disseminate new curricula, teaching methods or materials, boost a quality assurance culture and modernise the management and governance of higher education institutions. Structural Measures projects contribute to the development and reform of higher education institutions and systems in Partner Countries, enhancing their quality and relevance and increasing their convergence with EU developments. Accompanying Measures comprise dissemination and information activities, such as thematic conferences, studies, consultation of stakeholders, etc.

 

The programme announces Calls for Proposals under the first two actions, to which partnerships made up of consortia of organisations including higher education institutions, businesses, ministries, NGOs and others from the EU and Partner Countries can apply. Accompanying Measures are contracted through calls for tender or framework contracts. It also promotes international and regional cooperation, which generates better communication and new networks of personal and professional contacts between the academic worlds of EU and Partner Countries. The Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) is in charge of the implementation of Tempus.

It follows on from Tempus III implemented from 2000-2007.

• Supports the transition and modernisation processes in higher education in the partner countries;
• Facilitates Joint Projects working towards new curricula, teaching methods and materials;
• Promotes Structural Measures contributing to the reform of higher education systems and institutions;
• Advances convergence with EU developments, to promote job creation and economic growth;
• Cooperates with the Erasmus Mundus programme that funds higher education students and teaching staff mobility activities.