In 2002 the European Commission adopted Programme Alßan, a high level scholarship programme specifically addressed to Latin America, with duration until 2010. Along five annual calls, to start studies between 2003 and 2007, a total of 3319 applicants from 18 Latin American countries were selected to receive an Alßan scholarship to conduct Master, Doctorate or advanced Specialisation training in 17 European Union member states, of their free choice, benefiting thus from the excellence of the Higher Education in the European Union.

With the end of the 5th Call, in December 2006, the annual calls for applications to0 Programme Alßan ended. It is expected that new programmes, to be announced by the European Commission, will continue and reinforce cooperation between Latin America and the European Union in Higher Education area.

Thus, no more calls for applications to Alßan scholarships will be opened.