Global value


Erasmus Mundus programs are highly prestigious. Every year, the European Commission selects a limited number of new ones that comply with strict criteria. The most important of these are excellent academic quality, great value both on the European level as well as globally, and appeal to top international students.


Erasmus Mundus programs are directed by a consortium of universities in at least three European countries. Through close co-operation, they offer comprehensive programs with complementary specializations. In some cases, non-European universities are also involved. The students are required to take part in the program at two of the universities. They are subjected to a strict selection procedure and study in a stimulating international "peer group" taught by guest professors from across the world.


The European Commission also provides them with considerable annual financial support. Moreover, international companies and laboratories or public services are directly involved. Upon the completion of the programs, the students receive either a double or a joint degree. In this way, the European Commission strives to attract the best international students to Europe and, at the same time, ensures that European universities are able to compete on a global scale.

Knowledge - triangle


"The most striking aspect of this year's European selection is that the majority of the consortia include non-European universities. Moreover, companies are also members of many of them", Piet Henderikx of K.U.Leuven's International Office says. On the Master's and doctoral levels, Europe has endorsed the perspective that research and innovation or the valorization of knowledge for companies or public services must go hand in hand with the programs themselves. "The knowledge-triangle: research-innovation-education will be central to European policy in the coming years", Henderikx concludes.


Focus on the networks of international universities and companies


The newly approved K.U. Leuven Erasmus Mundus programs build on the knowledge triangle. "As one of the top universities in Europe and the world with respect to innovation and knowledge valorization, K.U. Leuven has many assets at its disposal", Vice Rector for International Policy Professor Bart De Moor says. "A number of elements should also be considered in the context of our new international policy. We are endeavoring to improve both incoming and outgoing mobility and to strengthen our international position", De Moor explains further.