Nothing strengthens European identity more than personal encounters and living side by side, irrespective of national borders. This is also what Erasmus+ stands for, the EU’s programme for education and training, youth and sport (2021-2027).
Erasmus+ promotes mobility for learners and supports people of all ages to gain job-related and intercultural skills. The programme also promotes European and international cooperation in education. It helps the participating countries to modernize their education systems and youth work.
Erasmus+ currently covers the 27 EU member states as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, the Republic of North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye.
Since its launch in 1987, the programme has provided some 13 million people with funding, roughly one million of whom have been students and university staff in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does Erasmus+ support kindergartens and schools?
Through mobility projects (e.g. accreditation or short-term projects) for staff and school pupils; collaborative partnerships for large organizations or smaller-scale partnerships; eTwinning; the European School Education Platform
How does Erasmus+ support school pupils?
Through exchanges (individual or group), digital exchanges (e.g. eTwinning), joint projects for schools, the Europa macht Schule (Europe meets school) programme
How does Erasmus+ support apprentices and companies providing training?
Apprentices: internships abroad; trainers/teachers: job shadowing, observation visits, teaching and learning activities and continuing training measures (application for funding via educational establishments and organizations)
How does Erasmus+ support students, doctoral candidates and higher education institutions?
Through study abroad, internships abroad, Blended Intensive Programmes, blended mobility, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, the Europa macht Schule (Europe meets School) programme, mobility for university staff; funding for collaborations between higher education institutions
How does Erasmus+ support adult education?
Participants in courses and seminars at an adult education institution: stays abroad; staff at adult education centres: job shadowing, observation visits, teaching and learning activities as well as continuing training measures (application for funding via adult education centres for accreditation or for short-term projects)
2021-2027 programme generation
On 20 May 2021, the EU Parliament created the legal foundation for the 2021-2027 generation of the Erasmus+ programme. The regulation was applied retroactively from 1 January 2021.
The new generation of the programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions and on promoting young people’s participation in democratic life. What this actually looks like:
More budget, more mobility
The budget totals 28.4 billion euros – nearly double the budget of the previous programme (2014-2020).
More sustainability
To prevent funding of learning mobility from causing climate damage, participants whose travel duration exceeds applicable limits are eligible for additional funding if they use low-carbon transportation. Furthermore, virtual and blended learning are applied for preparation and follow-up.
More inclusion
Based on the European Union’s broad definition of inclusion, the National Agencies established inclusion strategies which fulfil the programme’s objective. Erasmus+ covers 100% of actual proven costs for travel and stay for participants with fewer opportunities.
The 2021-2027 programme generation significantly increases students’ social participation. Student grants have been increased by 150 euros per month. In addition, top-up funding of 250 euros per month is available to students with disabilities, for periods abroad with accompanying children, for people from a non-academic family background and for earn-while-you-learn students.
Editorial deadline for this text: 01.11.2024