For the first time under the Erasmus+ programme, 12 Irish higher education institutions will be able to send and receive students and staff to regions outside of the EU/EEA.

The development which will link the selected institutions with over 70 universities on all continents has been made possible by the award of over €1m by the Erasmus+ National Agency at the Higher Education Authority. The successful institutions were formally congratulated by Damien English TD, Minister for Skills, Research and Innovation at an event in Iveagh House, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, St Stephen's Green, Dublin.

RCSI (Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland) received an award for pioneering in the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility Programme. Professor Marc Devocelle received the award on behalf of RCSI as the College's Erasmus Officer. Prof Devocelle is also Associate Professor of Chemistry at RCSI. The success of the award is a testament to the submissions and work of the RCSI School of Pharmacy and School of Postgraduate Studies.

HEA Chief Executive Tom Boland comments: "I congratulate the institutions which have been successful and have demonstrated their intention to spread Ireland's global educational reach. Education at all levels has been at the heart of the development of Ireland and there is much we can contribute from that experience. But equally in a world where interdependence is a growing necessity - there is much we can learn from partners in all parts of the globe. This initiative supported by the Erasmus+ programme is a most positive step in that direction." 

The funding which is provided under the International Credit Mobility action of Erasmus+ will support student and staff mobilities to and from over 70 universities in Algeria, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Egypt, Georgia, Hong Kong, Israel, Kosovo, Lebanon, Malaysia, Morocco, New Zealand, Palestine, Russian Federation, Serbia, South Africa, Thailand, Ukraine and the USA.

Of more than 270 students and staff who will benefit from the funding almost 120 will be from Irish higher education institutions.