Study in Europe Initiative: enhancing the attractiveness of Europe as a study destination for global talent

The contract duration for both Lot 1 and Lot 2 is 48 months, commencing from the date the contract enters into force. While a specific start date is not provided, the "Contract conditions of December 2024" are referenced.

Key milestones and phases include:

• Inception Report: This report must be submitted within two months of the contract's signature. It should detail an overall activity plan for the entire contract period, the approach for each work package, and a detailed plan for the initial 18 months.
• Interim Progress Reports: Three interim progress reports are required in total, with one submitted every 12 months after the contract comes into force.
• Final Report: This report is due within 60 days of the contract's completion.
• Monitoring Meetings: The contractor(s) and the contracting authority will hold bi-weekly meetings to review progress and plan tasks. These meetings will occur either physically in Brussels (twice a year) or via video conference.

The core scope of work for this tender is divided into two main lots: "Lot 1 – Study in Europe" and "Lot 2 - Erasmus Mundus Support Initiative". The overall contract requires the contractor to ensure coordination, management, and monitoring, including planning, reporting, quality control, and communication with the contracting authority. The contractor must also provide a detailed description of objectives, activities, a work plan, methodology, deliverables, and a quality control plan, identifying potential challenges and proposing solutions. Dedicated managers must be nominated, and the working language for the entire implementation period will be English. A team of experts with necessary academic, managerial, and technical expertise, including IT, data protection, and IPR, must be established and managed. All reports and deliverables must be in English and submitted electronically.

For Lot 1 – Study in Europe, the core deliverables and work packages include:

• Work Package 1: Knowledge, evidence and strategic insights
• International student mobility trends and market insights reports (max 150 pages).
• Thematic analyses (25 pages).
• Competitor benchmarking analysis (20 pages).
• Insight briefs (5 pages on average).
• Presentation and dissemination materials (e.g., PPTs, short explainer videos, policy summary leaflets).
• Work Package 2: Strategic communication and branding
• Update of the communication strategy.
• Communication strategy implementation plan (including annual mapping of study fairs, stakeholders, and multipliers).
• Adaptation/update of existing visual identity and brand guidelines.
• Re-editing of existing video clips for social media and study fairs.
• Update of existing Study in Europe leaflet, brochure, poster, and roll-up banners.
• Adaptation, creation, and provision of supplementary materials and complementary advertising.
• Update of the Study in Europe campaign toolkit.
• Update of two existing wall panels (stand and counter kits) and design of visuals.
• Quarterly editorial calendars.
• Yearly update of all country profiles.
• Article proposals showcasing Europe as a study destination and student experience.
• Testimonial proposals from international students/alumni or HEI staff.
• Work Package 3: Digital marketing campaigns and social media activities
• Paid Digital Advertising Campaigns (four annual sets, minimum annual budget of EUR 550,000 per set).
• Quarterly planning and performance reports.
• Annual Study in Europe Day - concept and organisation of up to 3 editions.
• Monthly editorial calendars for social media posts (including visuals and testimonials).
• Monthly reports on social media posts.
• Work Package 4: Study fairs and events
• Organisation of study fairs with a clear European profile.
• Work Package 5: Management
• Inception report.
• Interim progress reports (3).
• Evaluation summaries after each key activity.
• Consolidating main findings and recommendations.
• Handover package.
• Final report.
• Work Package 6: Study in Europe Alumni Network
• Development of strategy and roadmap for the network.
• Survey to map existing alumni networks.
• Database of Study in Europe Alumni networks.
• Stakeholder consultations with national alumni organisations.
• Consolidating main findings and recommendations.
• Handover package.
• Final report.

For Lot 2 - Erasmus Mundus Support Initiative, the core deliverables and work packages include:

• Work Package 1: Analysis and policy support
• Study "Increasing the Impact of the EM Scholarships – Conditions to Attract and Retain Talent in Europe".
• Visual summary.
• Work Package 2: Events
• 3 cluster meetings in Brussels and their reports.
• 3 onsite thematic study visits in EU MS/third countries and their reports.
• 4 kick-off meetings in Brussels.
• Work Package 3: Promotion
• Dissemination plan for outputs from WP1 and WP2.
• Promotional materials for (online) information events.
• Specific content addressing the HE community.
• Work Package 4: Networking & exchange
• Management, maintenance, and moderation of the existing EMC platform.
• Advisory committee management documents (working modalities, terms of reference, governance, EMC platform handover).
• Work Package 5: Management
• Inception report.
• Interim progress reports (3).
• Evaluation summaries after each key activity.
• Work Package 6: Communication and Dissemination
• Consolidating main findings and recommendations for future activities.
• Handover package.
• Final report.