Malaysian universities may be able to receive grants from European institutions, with the Higher Education Ministry's plans to increase ties between both regions.

"To be launched in March, the MY-EU Link programme will encourage collaborations between Malaysian and European higher education institutions," said minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

"Hopefully, through the programme, Malaysian universities will have the opportunity to bid for European research grants."

Mohamed Khaled was speaking to reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MoA) between Mahsa University College and Northumbria University, UK, here yesterday.