Turning back the clock to the Education Awards 2026 earlier this year, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences has been named winner of the Best Erasmus Programme award, recognised for a Global North-South collaboration with Stellenbosch University that reimagined the student role, pioneered interactive co-taught pedagogies, and delivered the world's first research course in Global Surgery, setting a new benchmark for equitable, future-focused medical education.

The programme's defining characteristic is its approach to student participation. Rather than positioning students as recipients of an international learning experience, the collaboration treated them as genuine co-creators, embedding their input into the design and delivery of the programme itself. That shift in philosophy produced a learning environment that is more dynamic, more responsive, and more reflective of the diverse perspectives that a Global North-South partnership is uniquely placed to bring together.

The delivery of the world's first research course in Global Surgery gives the programme a historic distinction that reflects the ambition at its core. By combining interactive pedagogy with substantive academic innovation and genuine cross-institutional collaboration between Ireland and South Africa, RCSI has demonstrated what Erasmus partnerships can achieve when they are pursued with bold intent and a clear commitment to equity and knowledge exchange.

Strong evidence of learner satisfaction and best practice across all assessed areas gave judges a comprehensive picture of a programme delivering on every dimension it set out to address.

Judges were clear in their praise. "This entrant highlighted the rich benefits of the Erasmus programme, demonstrating impactful knowledge exchange, research, and international collaboration. The bold, equitable co-creation model, combined with genuinely interactive pedagogy, has resulted in strong evidence of learner satisfaction and best practice across all areas. This programme stands as a clear example of the power of Erasmus in fostering global connections and academic excellence," the panel stated.

The Best Erasmus Programme award recognises Erasmus programmes in Ireland that have brought the highest level of enrichment and growth to students, assessed across innovation, teaching and research standards, student experience, and the strength of partnerships and collaborations built to support the programme's delivery and impact.

The Education Awards 2026 gala took place on 16 April at the Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co. Meath.

For the complete 2026 winners list, category insights, and institution profiles, visit the official Education Awards website and subscribe to the newsletter for updates and insights.