The Agence Universitaire de la Francophonie (AUF) has announced the selection of the University of Jordan – Aqaba Branch as one of the beneficiary universities of the EUSEEDS Project (Empowering, Upskilling, and Spreading Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Skills), funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme.
The selection of the University of Jordan reflects its academic standing and its strategic role in enhancing youth employability, entrepreneurship, and digital competencies, in line with its mission to support sustainable development and respond to labor market needs.
The EUSEEDS project is being implemented across five Eastern Mediterranean countries—Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine—and aims to strengthen young people’s employability, entrepreneurial capacity, and digital skills, particularly in regions facing significant socio-economic challenges.
As part of the project, specialized university centers for employability and digital skills will be established or revitalized, contributing to improved professional integration for students, recent graduates, and marginalized groups.
In Jordan, five universities were selected to participate in the project: Al al-Bayt University, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, the Hashemite University, and the University of Jordan (Aqaba Branch).
The selection followed a rigorous evaluation process based on the expected impact of the project, institutional commitment, organizational capacity, and the ability of universities to ensure sustainability and integrate the initiative into their long-term strategies. Particular consideration was given to institutions located in areas facing social and economic challenges.
Through this initiative, AUF and its partners reaffirm their commitment to inclusive, innovative, and socially responsive higher education. Support for the selected universities has already begun, focusing on capacity building and the development of employability and digital skills centers.
The EUSEEDS project is led by AUF – Middle East, with a total budget of approximately €2.8 million, including €2.5 million funded by the European Union (89%). The project is implemented by a consortium of seven partners across six countries, including regional partners in Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine, as well as European partners from Cyprus and France.