Erasmus+ is the European Union’s major funding programme supporting education, training, youth, and sport across Europe and beyond. The EU’s flagship education programme offers grants for students, staff, and learners to study, train, or volunteer abroad.
For the 2021–2027 period, Erasmus+ has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion, focusing on social inclusion, green and digital transitions, and democratic participation.focuses on social inclusion, green and digital transitions, and democratic participation.
Latest News: UK rejoins Erasmus+
In December 2025, the UK and EU agreed that the UK will rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027.
- Launch Timeline: a dedicated UK National Agency website is expected by Summer 2026.
- First Year: participation begins in the 2027/2028 academic year, with over 100,000 UK participants expected to benefit.
- Interim Period (2026): for the 2026/2027 academic year, UK students should continue to use the Turing Scheme for outward mobility.
Opportunities for Individuals
Individuals cannot apply directly for most grants but must participate through a registered organization.
- Higher Education: Students can study or take traineeships abroad (2–12 months). Doctoral students can undertake short-term physical mobility (5–30 days).
- Vocational Education (VET): Apprentices and VET learners can take work placements or attend skills competitions abroad (up to 12 months).
- Schools: Pupils can participate in group exchanges (2–30 days) or individual study periods at partner schools.
- Youth: Individuals aged 18–30 can join youth exchanges or participate in the DiscoverEU travel pass program.
- Adult Education: Learners can participate in individual or group mobility to improve skills.
- Sport: Grassroots sports staff and coaches can engage in job shadowing or coaching assignments abroad.
Key Priorities for 2026
The 2026 program guide highlights several sharpened focus areas:
- Inclusion: Enhanced financial support for participants with fewer opportunities.
- Green Travel: Rail and sustainable transport are now the default for trips under 500km.
- Mental Health: Projects are now explicitly expected to address the wellbeing and psychological safety of participants.
- Girls in STEM: New emphasis on concrete data and interventions to encourage girls into STEM fields.
How to Get Involved
- Check with your institution: Contact your university’s international office or your school/employer’s Erasmus+ coordinator.
- For Organizations: Consult the 2026 Erasmus+ Programme Guide for detailed eligibility and application rules.
- Application Deadlines: Most “Key Action 1” (mobility) deadlines occur in February and October 2026, while “Key Action 2” (cooperation) deadlines are typically in March 2026.
- Application Portal: Official applications and project management are handled through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a cross-border exchange programme which gives new or aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs running small businesses in other Participating Countries. The exchange of experience takes place during a stay with the experienced entrepreneur, which helps the new entrepreneur acquire the skills needed to run a small firm.
Use the Erasmus+ Projects Platform to find past results or the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps platform for current applications.
