Erasmus+ needs to be more global, say research universities

Feedback on academic mobility programme also flags IT problems and funding shortfalls

University groups have called for changes to the EU’s Erasmus+ programme for funding academic mobility. They want it to be more global and have more money for researchers who want to study in another country.

The EU has earmarked €26.2 billion over 2021-2027 for the programme, which aims to foster links between universities across Europe. The European Commission is conducting a mid-point evaluation of this iteration of Erasmus+, which has grown to support research ties and the flagship European Universities initiative, as well as more traditional student exchanges.