Brussels, 18/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - Starting in December 2002, European and Australian students will have the opportunity to study abroad under the LEAFSE project (Learning through Exchange - Agriculture, Food Systems and Environment), which is "the first example of collaboration between Australia and the EU in this area," commented Dr Brendan Nelson, Australia's Minister for Education. The EU and the Australian government have agreed to grant EUR 500,000 each for the three-year project. It will enable 36 students from each side to study abroad for one semester under a joint Master's programme. In addition to regular courses at host institutions, a specially designed unit will integrate learning outcomes for all students. The project involves four Australian institutions and four European institutions. Commenting on the cooperation scheme, Commissioner Viviane Reding said she was convinced that "Australian universities and postgraduate students will also be well represented in the future programme Erasmus World."