European, global and intercultural dimension in curriculum development

In the Republic of Moldova, several national policy initiatives and measures aim to embed European, global and intercultural dimensions into university curricula. The Government’s alignment with the European Higher Education Area (EHEA) and participation in Erasmus+ programme support curriculum modernisation, inclusion and internationalisation through partnerships and cross-border exchange activities. National seminars and policy dialogues with EU and Higher Education Reform Experts (HEREs), in the frame of Erasmus+ programme, further promote inclusion, diversity and global engagement as core elements of higher education reform. Projects like Promoting and developing intercultural education led universities to integrate intercultural education modules into bachelor and master programmes. As an example, the University Curriculum in Intercultural Education for future teachers, provides them with the necessary recommendations to foster intercultural understanding and inclusive teaching practices. 

Teaching /learning of foreign languages

The Framework plan for bachelor's, master's and integrated higher education includes a compulsory component aimed at developing general skills and competences. This comprises one or two foreign language courses applied to the field of professional training, delivered in the first and second years of study. Depending on students’ initial language proficiency at admission, the institution may certify their level of foreign language competence (at least B2 level) upon course completion, in addition to the standard semester assessment. Higher education institutions are also encouraged to design and expand the delivery of course units or modules taught in foreign languages.

Partnerships and networks

The Programme on the Internationalisation of Higher Education for the years 2026–2028, approved by ministerial order, sets out the strategic directions for the development of the international dimension of the higher education system in the Republic of Moldova. Its aim is to enhance the quality of education, increase the international visibility of higher education institutions, and strengthen their integration into the European Higher Education Area, within the context of the country’s accession process to the European Union. The Programme serves as a coordination and support instrument for internationalisation processes at both system and institutional levels. Its ultimate objective is to foster an open, competitive and attractive academic environment, capable of promoting academic mobility, international cooperation, the recruitment of international students, and the active participation of higher education institutions in the Republic of Moldova in international networks and joint programmes with institutions abroad.

Moldova has been a full member of the Bologna Process / European Higher Education Area since 2005 and is represented in the Bologna Follow-up Group (BFUG). The ENIC Moldova is the academic recognition body which actively participates in the work of European and world networks for the promotion of mobility and recognition of foreign higher education qualifications (ENIC and NARIC network), is a member of European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (INQA) and a Governmental Member of European Quality Assurance Register (EQAR).

Moldovan higher education institutions are partners in numerous international networks, as follows:

Erasmus+ Programme – the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. Moldova has been participating in the Erasmus+ Programme since 1994. As an eligible non-associated third country under Erasmus+ Programme, Moldova has so far participated primarily in projects related to higher education and youth. Over this time, more than 80 TEMPUS projects have been implemented in higher education institutions in Moldova, alongside about 40 capacity-building projects in higher education and over 30 Jean Monnet projects, more than 5000 mobilities for students and academic staff in Higher Education and more than 8000 mobilities in the field of Youth. Since 2022, new cooperation opportunities have also been extended to the fields of Vocational Education and Training (VET), Youth and Sport. 

ESN Moldova (Erasmus Student Network Moldova) is the national branch of the European Erasmus Student Network, supporting international student mobility. The organisation helps integrate foreign students into Moldovan universities, promotes cultural and educational exchanges, and organises events, workshops, and networking activities for the academic community.

Horizon Europe - the Republic of Moldova participates in the European research and innovation programme Horizon Europe (2021–2027) as an associated country. This status enables Moldovan research institutions, universities, companies and organisations to access competitive funding and engage in international consortia. Participation in Horizon supports research capacity-building, knowledge transfer, innovation and integration into the European Research Area, contributing to the modernisation of the national research system and enhancing overall competitiveness.

European Universities Alliances - are part of a flagship initiative of the European strategy for universities. They encompass 73 European Universities Alliances with almost 650 higher education institutions from all across Europe. Currently, 3 Moldovan higher education institutions are associated partners in 4 European Universities Alliances 

European University Association (EUA) - is the collective voice of the universities of Europe, institutions that have shaped our world for a millennium. For over two decades, EUA has played a key role in building university communities across the whole of Europe and creating a coherent system for European higher education and research. EUA is a community of over 900 members and affiliates. It represents universities and national rectors’ conferences in 48 European countries, as well as affiliated organisations and networks based both in and beyond Europe. 

International Association of Universities (IAU) - founded in 1950, under the auspices of UNESCO, IAU is the leading global association of higher education institutions and organisations from around the world. The IAU convenes and connects almost 600 Members from more than 120 countries.

Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) - founded in Montreal in 1961, the AUF is the world's largest university network, with over 1,000 member institutions in 120 countries. With nearly 200 offices in 60 countries, AUF is present in close proximity to all stakeholders in the educational and university ecosystem.

UNICA - is an institutional Network of Universities from the Capitals of Europe. It was founded in 1990, and it is currently made up of 52 universities from 38 capital cities of Europe, combining over 180.000 university staff and 2.000,000 students.