The Erasmus Programme is a European Union education and training programme which aims to increase the quality of higher education in Europe. For this purpose, the Programme promotes co-operation between higher education institutions in Europe. These partnerships and mobility activities are financially supported by the Programme.
Besides cooperation between higher education institutions the Erasmus Programme promotes cooperation between higher education institutions and labour markets so that universities meet the needs of labour market and graduates have better opportunities for employment.
The European Commission is responsible for the overall implementation of  the Erasmus Programme. Actions are managed by national agencies in the 33 participating countries or by Executive Agency for Education, Audovisiual and Culture (EAEAC) based in Brussels.

Who is Erasmus?

Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, born on October 27 1466 and died on July 12 1536, known as Erasmus of Rotterdam, or simply Erasmus, was a Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, social critic, teacher and theologian. His name was given to the program due to his contributions to European art and science and his impact on the philosophy of education of his age. One of the most famous and amusing quotes from the noted scholar and translator Erasmus was, "When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes."