Priority themes under Tempus are defined around the main components of the EU's higher education modernisation agenda and are therefore structured in the following three building blocks:

* Curricular Reform
Modernisation of curricula in academic disciplines identified as priorities by the Partner Countries, using the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), the three cycle system and the recognition of degrees

* Governance Reform
o University management and services for students
o Introduction of quality assurance
o Institutional and financial autonomy and accountability
o Equal and transparent access to higher education
o Development of international relations
* Higher Education and Society
o Training of non-university teachers
o Development of partnerships with enterprises
o Knowledge triangle education-research-innovation
o Training courses for public services (ministries, regional/local authorities)
o Development of lifelong learning in society at large
o Qualifications frameworks « less