European Universities alliances advocate to include third-country HEIs in Erasmus Without Papers

Eight European Universities alliances urge the European Commission to grant full Erasmus Without Papers (EWP) network access to technically capable third-country Higher Education Institutions. This push aims to enhance international student mobility and support the digital transition by developing innovative infrastructure and digital skills.

Una Europa, 4EU+, Circle U, CIVIS, ENHANCE, EUTOPIA, EUonAIr and UNITA and their partner universities declare in a joint position paper, they are ready to work closely with both the European Commission and respective Erasmus+ National Agencies to continue to refine EWP together in a collaborative effort to deliver outstanding mobility experiences accessible to every student.

The express ambition of EWP is to design a digital workflow that 'leaves no university behind'. Therefore, we advocate for increased inclusivity and accessibility of the EWP network by opening up to those institutions in third countries not associated to the Erasmus+ programme, who wish to and are technically able to be part of it", says the document Erasmus Without Paper (EWP): Involvement of third countries. 

The signing alliances emphasise the importance of ongoing engagement with student representation groups to ensure the EWP reflects student needs and priorities. The position paper presents concrete examples of the fruitful collaboration between European Universities alliances and their partners in third-country higher education institutions. 

The value of third-countries in EWP

Students across Europe and beyond are calling for a more international approach to higher education, reflecting global interconnectedness, the co-signing alliances say. To meet this demand, EU higher education institutions, and European Universities alliances in particular are increasingly seeking global partnerships, aligning with EU policies and Erasmus+ funding.

Many alliances include third-country HEIs, such as those in the UK, Switzerland, and Ukraine, essential for their strategies. However, separate administrative procedures for these partnerships create hurdles for students and staff, they argue. Integrating international student data into the EWP network could streamline processes and reduce administrative workloads.

Please read the full position paper here

_{Photos: UNIL & UofG}

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