About EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Higher Education (SCOPE-HE)

SCOPE-HE is an EU-funded programme under the EU–ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package within the EU Global Gateway initiative. The programme contributes to strengthening connectivity between the EU and ASEAN and within ASEAN through cooperation in higher education, research, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), supporting long-term human capital development and regional integration.

About the programme

Implemented across ASEAN and the European Union, SCOPE-HE brings together policymakers, higher education institutions, and vocational education stakeholders to strengthen collaboration and mutual understanding. This includes enhancing academic mobility, improving the comparability of qualifications frameworks, and supporting cooperation between institutions, policymakers, and industry.

The programme focuses on key thematic areas, including the green transition, the blue economy, and digital transformation. Through these areas, SCOPE-HE contributes to sustainable development, strengthens skills and innovation, and supports more resilient education and training systems across the region.

EU and ASEAN representatives during SCOPE-HE activities, reflecting the programme’s commitment to strengthening cooperation in higher education, research, and skills development

Programme approach

SCOPE-HE adopts a comprehensive approach to strengthening sustainable connectivity through higher education cooperation. The programme combines policy dialogue, institutional collaboration, and practical implementation to support long-term and systemic impact.

Through its activities, SCOPE-HE brings together policymakers, higher education institutions, and vocational education stakeholders to foster mutual understanding, enhance the comparability of systems, and support cooperation aligned with regional priorities.

The programme is structured around three complementary result areas, which together contribute to strengthening mobility, research collaboration, and the alignment of education and training with labour market needs across ASEAN and between ASEAN and the EU.

Objective

Our Objective

The overall objective of SCOPE-HE is to improve sustainable connectivity between the European Union and ASEAN, as well as within ASEAN. The specific objective is to increase exchanges and people-to-people connections in higher education, TVET and research within ASEAN as well as between the EU and ASEAN, with a focus on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the development of digital and green skills.