Seminar on Erasmus+ held
Published: 04:01 PM,Jan 08,2025 | EDITED : 08:01 PM,Jan 08,2025
Dr Rahma Bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, opened the seminar in Muscat on Wednesday
MUSCAT, JAN 8
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) hosted a seminar on the Erasmus+ programme at the Middle East College in Muscat on Wednesday. This initiative bolsters educational collaboration between Oman and the European Union (EU).
Opened under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI), the event drew attendance from EU ambassadors to Oman, experts, cultural attachés and representatives from higher education institutions.
Dr Al Mahrouqi emphasised the significance of strengthening academic ties between Oman and the EU. She highlighted Erasmus+ as a strategic opportunity to foster scholarly cooperation and knowledge exchange, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 goal of building a knowledge-based economy. The programme is a catalyst for innovative solutions to global challenges, such as the transition to a green and digital economy.
Dr Al Mahrouqi noted several milestones, including 13 academic partnership agreements signed in 2023 between Omani and European universities. She also mentioned the Jean Monnet grant awarded to Dhofar University in 2024, which benefits 65 Omani students. Oman also boasts the highest number of recipients in the region for the fully funded Erasmus+ Mundus scholarships in the current cycle (2021-2027).
Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador of Italy to Oman, representing the EU Council’s local presidency, commended the progress of 'Erasmus+' in Oman. He lauded the efforts of Dr Al Mahrouqi and the enthusiasm of Omani students and academics. He emphasised the historical significance of the Erasmus+ programme in Europe, inspired by Sofia Corradi’s struggle to have her foreign studies recognised in Italy, which eventually led to the programme’s establishment.
Ambassador D’Elia encouraged Omani students to seize the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ to enrich their educational experiences and contribute to Oman’s development and prosperity.
Ahmed bin Khamis al Qatiti, MoHERI's Director of International Cooperation, highlighted Oman’s notable achievements in Erasmus+. He detailed that the programme allocated approximately €26 billion for its current cycle (2021-2027), with €5 billion earmarked for 2025. Oman ranked third regionally and first in the Gulf for the number of scholarships awarded for higher education studies.
Al Qatiti reported that over 150 Omani students and academics have benefitted from exchange scholarships, showcasing Oman’s dedication to enhancing higher education and academic development.
The seminar featured three panel discussions. Francesca Cornia from the European Commission provided insights into the student exchange programme. Representatives from Sultan Qaboos University, Nizwa University and the German University of Technology shared success stories. Discussions also included the Jean Monnet Research Programme, joint master’s programmes and the application process for Erasmus+ scholarships.
The seminar concluded with recommendations to review the ministry’s recognition systems, boost collaboration with private higher education institutions and EU lecturers, and enhance the promotion of Omani educational institutions. Increasing awareness about the importance of the Erasmus+ was also emphasised.
The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI) hosted a seminar on the Erasmus+ programme at the Middle East College in Muscat on Wednesday. This initiative bolsters educational collaboration between Oman and the European Union (EU).
Opened under the auspices of Dr Rahma bint Ibrahim al Mahrouqiyah, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation (MoHERI), the event drew attendance from EU ambassadors to Oman, experts, cultural attachés and representatives from higher education institutions.
Dr Al Mahrouqi emphasised the significance of strengthening academic ties between Oman and the EU. She highlighted Erasmus+ as a strategic opportunity to foster scholarly cooperation and knowledge exchange, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 goal of building a knowledge-based economy. The programme is a catalyst for innovative solutions to global challenges, such as the transition to a green and digital economy.
Dr Al Mahrouqi noted several milestones, including 13 academic partnership agreements signed in 2023 between Omani and European universities. She also mentioned the Jean Monnet grant awarded to Dhofar University in 2024, which benefits 65 Omani students. Oman also boasts the highest number of recipients in the region for the fully funded Erasmus+ Mundus scholarships in the current cycle (2021-2027).
Pierluigi D’Elia, Ambassador of Italy to Oman, representing the EU Council’s local presidency, commended the progress of 'Erasmus+' in Oman. He lauded the efforts of Dr Al Mahrouqi and the enthusiasm of Omani students and academics. He emphasised the historical significance of the Erasmus+ programme in Europe, inspired by Sofia Corradi’s struggle to have her foreign studies recognised in Italy, which eventually led to the programme’s establishment.
Ambassador D’Elia encouraged Omani students to seize the opportunities offered by Erasmus+ to enrich their educational experiences and contribute to Oman’s development and prosperity.
Ahmed bin Khamis al Qatiti, MoHERI's Director of International Cooperation, highlighted Oman’s notable achievements in Erasmus+. He detailed that the programme allocated approximately €26 billion for its current cycle (2021-2027), with €5 billion earmarked for 2025. Oman ranked third regionally and first in the Gulf for the number of scholarships awarded for higher education studies.
Al Qatiti reported that over 150 Omani students and academics have benefitted from exchange scholarships, showcasing Oman’s dedication to enhancing higher education and academic development.
The seminar featured three panel discussions. Francesca Cornia from the European Commission provided insights into the student exchange programme. Representatives from Sultan Qaboos University, Nizwa University and the German University of Technology shared success stories. Discussions also included the Jean Monnet Research Programme, joint master’s programmes and the application process for Erasmus+ scholarships.
The seminar concluded with recommendations to review the ministry’s recognition systems, boost collaboration with private higher education institutions and EU lecturers, and enhance the promotion of Omani educational institutions. Increasing awareness about the importance of the Erasmus+ was also emphasised.