Joint European projects

The Tempus Programme focuses on the development of the higher education systems in European countries through co-operation with institutions from EU member states. The programme is based on the understanding that higher education institutions are of particular importance for the social and economic transition process as well as cultural development; they are also pools of expertise and of human resources and provide for the training of new generations of leaders.

The Tempus Programme provides grants on a co-financing basis to groups of universities co-operating together over two- or three-year periods to achieve objectives set out in structured projects and which are in line with the national priorities agreed with the partner countries.

These joint European projects are organised and run by consortia primarily composed of universities. Such consortia may also include non-academic partners such as companies, both public and private, business organisations, professional associations, public authorities at local, regional and national level (in particular ministries) or social partners.

Three types of joint European projects have been developed: a) curriculum development projects focus on the content and method of teaching in higher education institutions in the partner countries. They aim to create new courses or update for existing courses and to enhance the skills of teaching staff; b) university management projects focus on the restructuring of the management, organisation and administration of universities; and c) training courses for institution-building focusing on developing the administrative and institutional structures of the partner countries through the provision of courses aimed at improving the practical knowledge, and updating the skills, of non-academic staff.

Universities are the core members of project consortia. Non-academic partners such as companies (both public and private), business organisations, professional associations, public authorities at local, regional and national level (in particular, ministries) or social partners can also belong to consortia.

Projects should aim at sustainable results and impact at an institutional level. The goals of a project should always be viewed in the context of the wider environment. Every attempt should be made to co-operate with relevant individuals outside the consortium in order to achieve sustainable results.

A project consortium must include at least one university from each partner country involved in the project and at least one university in one EU member state, and one consortium member (university, institution or industry) in a different member state.

The deadline to submit the application form is December 15. For further information, one could contact Annhelica Scerri at the European Unit, University of Malta on 2340-2204 or e-mail annhelica.scerri@ um.edu.mt.