Third call for Arqus Twinning 2.0 projects

The Alliance has agreed on the general financial terms on which the minimum contribution for travel and subsistence costs is calculated. However, financial conditions may vary depending on the availability of funding at each partner institution.

The basic grant is awarded for each group consisting of 3 to 5 students and, depending on the university, it is calculated on unit costs or real costs policy without exceeding the following amounts :

• Travel costs: 450,00 EUR per student.
• Individual support: 79,00 EUR per day per student, covering the whole duration of the visit (3 to 5 days + 2 additional days for travel).

This activity is funded through universities’ own funds. Lecturers are responsible for the funding of their travel and living costs, which can be covered through Erasmus+ dedicated funding schemes or other funds that each institution may have allocated to increase the impact of the action.

For this third edition, applications will be open to members from:

• The University of Granada
• The University of Lyon1
• The University of Minho
• The University of Padua
• The University of Wroclaw

The Selection Committee aims to approve a maximum of 6 Twinnings 2.0 (12 groups involved), taking into account the availability of funds from the universities. If necessary, the Selection Committee may opt for funding a project only partially.

See details in the full programme (PDF document below)

Academics can apply for Twinning activities by submitting their applications via the dedicated form.

Lecturers can look for an Arqus partner through the specific padlet.

The application form has to be filled in by one representative on behalf of both the institutions participating in the call.

Through the application, applicants will be required to provide their contact details and information about their study field, as well as to present the overall project, its genesis, aims, learning outcome and impact, along with a provisional programme for the implementation.

Timeline:

• The call is open until 31 May 2026;
• Start of period eligible for Twinning visits: September 2026;
• End of period eligible for Twinning visits: Summer 2027.

See details in the full programme (PDF document below)

The selection will be conducted  taking into account the following criteria:

1. Learning outcomes (clearly explained and linked to the field of study of the students);
2. Implementation strategies;
3. Sustainability of the action (follow-up and further development of the project);
4. Expected impact on the participants and the institution;
5. Applications related to the main Arqus II themes (European identity heritage, digital transformation and artificial intelligence; climate change and environmental sustainability) are prioritized. Applications based on other topics will also be considered.

An eligibility check of applications will be made by Arqus reference staff prior to the selection.

The number of eligible applications approved for funding will be subject to the availability of funds. The selection committee may propose adjustments to the selected projects in terms of number of days and/or students participating according to the available funds.

A reserve list will be made out of the eligible applications not approved for funding.

The selection committee will be composed of academic experts in different study fields and/or members from the “Arqus on the moves” working group.

Each university should nominate at least one member.

Grant notification will be provided to applicants by  22 June 2026 and duly launched on the Arqus website accordingly.

Successful applicants will be required to inform the Selection Committee of their acceptance of the grant. The deadline for acceptance will be specified in the grant notification. Those who accept the grant are responsible for implementing the programme in accordance with the minimum eligibility requirements.

If scheduled visits need to be postponed or cancelled, the applicants must inform the Selection Committee no later than 1 month prior to the date of departure.

The Selection Committee can reallocate unused funds to any other eligible project proposal not previously selected.

The applicants will be in charge of selecting the students who will take part in the activities following the internal regulations of their institutions and respecting principles of equality and transparency. The name and data of selected students must be communicated to the responsible contact person at each university (see Article 8) before the beginning of the activities (even online). Each institution will be responsible for covering the mobilities of their own outgoing participants in accordance with internal time frames and regulations. 

After each visit, applicants are required to report on the final results of their Twinning 2.0, detailing the actual results in comparison with the expected outcomes. The report should be submitted within 1 month after the visit to the concerned contact person (contacts below).