In a recent impact study, practically everyone interviewed considered the programme as one of the most, if not the most, important instruments for supporting the reform of higher education in their country. With such overwhelming positive responses, the Commission considers the continuation of the programme important and has therefore launched the fourth phase spanning the period 2007-2013. The fourth phase of the Tempus programme was launched in January may receive up to 52.5 million euros of EU funding.

With Tempus, the Commission wants to create an area of cooperation in the field of higher education between the European Union and partner countries surrounding the EU. Tempus promotes the voluntary convergence with EU developments in higher education deriving from the Lisbon Strategy to create more jobs and growth, and the Bologna Process to establish a European Area of Higher Education. With such overwhelming positive responses in a recent impact study, the Commission considers the continuation of the programme important and has therefore launched the fourth phase spanning the period 2007-2013. The European Commission also considers Tempus as an important element in its neighbourhood policy.

Also, the first call for proposals under the new phase of the programme was launched in January 2008, with a deadline for the submission of project proposals set on 28 April. New projects under this call will start at the end of 2008. The second call for proposals under Tempus IV is likely to be organised towards the end of 2008, with projects starting in the 2009-10 academic year. Project duration is from 2 to 3 years.

All conditions and criteria to apply for Tempus funds are laid out in the text of the call for proposals which is available in English, German and French on the Commission's website. Application forms can also be downloaded. The first call for proposals under Tempus IV was closed on 28 April. The second call for proposals is likely to take place towards the end of 2008.

The fourth phase of the Tempus programme was launched in January with a total budget for the first call for proposals of €51 million, and individual projects receiving possible funding between €0.5 and €1.5 million.