European University Alliances have issued a joint call for the European Commission to extend Erasmus+ KA131 funding rules to better support students enrolled in joint degree programmes across multiple institutions. The request, detailed in a position paper released in late May 2026, comes from eight alliances representing dozens of universities spanning more than two dozen European countries.
Background on European University Alliances and Erasmus+ KA131
The European Universities Initiative, launched in 2019 under the European strategy for universities, has grown to encompass 73 alliances involving nearly 650 higher education institutions. These transnational partnerships aim to foster deeper collaboration in teaching, research, and innovation, including the development of joint programmes and the European Degree concept.
Erasmus+ KA131 refers to the Key Action 1 mobility strand for higher education students and staff within Europe. It funds physical, blended, and virtual mobility activities, with grants covering travel, subsistence, and organisational costs. Current rules include a 12-month cap on the total duration of mobility periods funded under certain streams, which alliances argue restricts the viability of multi-year joint degrees where students must study at partner universities in different countries.
The Joint Position Paper and Its Core Arguments
The signatory alliances—INGENIUM, EU-CONEXUS, UNITA, YUFE, RUN-EU, FORTHEM, ULYSSEUS, and EURECA-PRO—released the document titled “Unlocking Erasmus+ KA131 for Joint Programmes.” They highlight that a March 2026 survey by the FOREU4ALL topical group identified 86 joint degree programmes already operating or in development within the alliances.
The paper proposes removing or adjusting the 12-month mobility limit for accredited joint programmes. This change would allow students to receive KA131 support for the full duration of their transnational studies without double-funding concerns, aligning mobility funding more closely with the ambitions of the European Degree.
Current Challenges for Joint Programmes
Joint programmes require students to complete credits or semesters at multiple partner institutions. Without dedicated long-term mobility funding, participants often rely on institutional budgets, national grants, or personal resources. This creates barriers for students from lower-income backgrounds and limits programme scalability.
Alliances report that existing KA131 rules, designed primarily for short-term exchanges, do not adequately accommodate the structured, multi-year mobility inherent in joint degrees. The result is underutilisation of these innovative programmes despite strong demand from students seeking international credentials.
Stakeholder Perspectives from Alliances and Institutions
Representatives from the involved alliances emphasise that extending KA131 would strengthen the European Higher Education Area by making joint programmes more accessible and sustainable. University leaders note that such funding would complement existing Erasmus+ support for blended intensive programmes and short-term mobility while addressing gaps in long-duration transnational education.
National agencies and ministries have provided varying levels of co-funding for alliance participation, but volatility in these supports underscores the need for stable EU-level mechanisms like an adjusted KA131 framework.
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Implications for Students and Academic Mobility
Extending KA131 eligibility could significantly increase participation in joint programmes. Students would gain clearer pathways to funded mobility periods that align with degree requirements, potentially boosting enrolment in fields such as engineering, environmental sciences, and social sciences where alliances have concentrated joint offerings.
Administrators highlight benefits for equity, as funding would reduce financial hurdles that disproportionately affect students from underrepresented regions or socioeconomic backgrounds.
Broader Context Within EU Higher Education Policy
The call aligns with ongoing efforts to advance the European Degree and transnational education under the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ programme, which has allocated approximately €1.2 billion to the European Universities Initiative. Alliances receive up to €14.4 million each over four years, with possibilities for bridge funding into the next multiannual financial framework.
Policy discussions around the next Erasmus+ programme and Horizon Europe synergies frequently reference the need for flexible mobility rules to support deeper integration among institutions.
Potential Impacts on University Operations and Collaboration
Universities within alliances would benefit from streamlined administrative processes for funding joint-programme students. This could encourage more institutions to develop or expand such programmes, fostering greater standardisation of quality assurance and recognition practices across borders.
Staff mobility under KA131 could also see indirect benefits if joint programmes lead to increased collaborative teaching and research activities.
Expert Views and Supporting Evidence
Position paper authors cite operational data from alliance members showing that current limits constrain programme design. They reference the growth of joint offerings—from short courses to full degrees—as evidence of demand that existing funding mechanisms have not fully met.
European Commission documents on the initiative underscore the role of alliances as laboratories for innovative educational practices, including joint degrees, reinforcing the timeliness of the funding adjustment request.
Future Outlook and Recommended Next Steps
Alliance representatives anticipate dialogue with the European Commission and national agencies in the coming months. They propose pilot adjustments within the 2026-2027 work programme as a pragmatic starting point.
Success would depend on clear eligibility criteria for accredited joint programmes, safeguards against double funding, and integration with existing quality frameworks such as those managed by the European Quality Assurance Register.
Actionable Insights for University Administrators
Institutions are encouraged to review their current joint-programme portfolios against KA131 guidelines and prepare data on mobility needs for potential pilots. Engaging with alliance coordinators can provide templates for advocacy and implementation planning.
Monitoring updates from the European Education and Culture Executive Agency will be essential as discussions progress.
