By EuAsiaNews,
Brussels : EU Commissioner for education, and culture, Jan Figel, launched here Monday evening the new EU scholarship programme for non-EU countries, Erasmus Mundus II, for the period 2009-2013.
“European success story in education is now becoming more global and even more open. Erasmus Mundus in 5 years achieved almost 10.000 highly talented students or scholars coming to European universities for their studies. For the next 5 years I think we can double this figure,” Figel told the launch ceremony held at the European Commission.
The Earsmus Mundus programme offers the opportunity to third-country students to obtain a degree in Europe, and to academics to share know-how and to contribute to study programmes through teaching or research activities whilst avoiding the brain drain and favouring vulnerable groups
In 2009-13, the EU will increase its support to the most highly-talented students and professors from countries outside the EU with grants to take part in joint programmes in Europe.
It will also extend the scope of the programme to the doctoral level and give more financial support to European students.
The expected budget for Erasmus Mundus II will be an indicative amount of 950 million euro.
The Erasmus Mundus I from 2004 – 2008 offered more than 10,000 scholarships to students and academics from all over the world, with a combined budget of 609 million euro.
It contributed 33 million euro (2005-2009) for scholarships to Indian post-graduate students .