The main objective of HERMES is to develop training and scientific exchanges between European and the Middle East higher education institutions resulting in a strong sustainable contribution to the construction of a Euro-Mediterranean Higher Education and Research Area.

The specific objectives are to:

• To develop a sustainable international cooperation between the partner universities by facilitating students and staff exchanges on the north and east of the Mediterranean sea;
  
• To develop higher education teaching and learning capacity through the transfer of know-how and the exchange of best practices;
  
• To develop the networking of research laboratories in order to promote research and innovation;
  
• To promote mutual enrichment and intercultural understanding;
  
• To contribute to improving the employability of the individuals by giving them the appropriate skills as regards to the labour market and an international experience in the context of globalisation;​