The Guild of European Research-intensive Universities published recommendations to improve the Erasmus+ programme

The Guild member universities issued recommendations on how the European Commission could make the student grant system more fair, simple and sustainable. To make this happen, the network’s members call for the Commission to draw up an ambitious budget for the next programme in 2028–2034.

According to Jaanika Haljasmäe, the Erasmus Programme Coordinator at the University of Tartu, it is commendable that the programme offers students more and more opportunities for international learning experiences, including outside the Erasmus countries. Increasing attention is paid to involving disadvantaged groups and integrating sustainable practices. On the other hand, the grant system has become increasingly complicated and less transparent for students.

“In Europe, we have the common goal to make the international learning experience a normal part of each student’s education. Universities have a long experience organising mobility, supporting students and listening to their feedback. We believe that the grant system has become too complex, causing uncertainty in students planning their mobility,” Haljasmäe explained.

The Erasmus+ programme aims to develop international cooperation between higher education institutions by supporting international mobility for learning and traineeships.

Read The Guild’s full recommendations on the website.