Erasmus+: EU funding programme for education, mobility and cooperation

Updated on 27 July 2026

Erasmus+ is the European Union's funding programme for education, training, youth and sport. During the 2021–2027 programming period, the programme supports the international mobility of learners and professionals, the development of European partnerships, and innovative education and training projects.

As one of the EU's flagship funding programmes, Erasmus+ strengthens the European Education Area by promoting cross-border cooperation, knowledge exchange and innovation in education and training. Universities, schools, vocational education and training (VET) providers, businesses, public authorities and other organisations benefit from a wide range of funding opportunities for international cooperation.

Programme at a glance

Programme: Erasmus+
Funding period: 2021–2027
Funding authority: European Union / European Commission
Target groups: Universities, research organisations, schools, vocational education and training providers, youth organisations, businesses, public authorities, associations and other organisations
Funding priorities: International mobility, European cooperation, education and training projects, institutional capacity building, youth and sport
Applications: Depending on the funding action, applications are submitted either through the relevant Erasmus+ National Agencies or via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ promotes European cooperation in the fields of education, training, youth and sport. The programme aims to improve the quality of European education systems, strengthen international cooperation and help people develop professional, linguistic and intercultural competences.

The programme contributes to:

• promoting international mobility across Europe;
• fostering innovation in education and training;
• strengthening European knowledge exchange and technology transfer;
• preparing learners and professionals for the digital and green transitions; and
• enhancing Europe's long-term competitiveness. 

Universities and research organisations, in particular, benefit from Erasmus+ through international cooperation, joint degree programmes, staff mobility and the development of long-term European networks.

What does Erasmus+ fund?

Erasmus+ supports a broad range of activities across the education and training sector, including:

• Mobility opportunities for students, apprentices, school pupils, teachers, researchers, administrative and support staff
• Cooperation between universities, educational institutions, businesses, research organisations and public authorities
• European partnerships for developing innovative teaching and learning approaches
• Digital education, blended learning and new training opportunities
• Capacity building and institutional development
• European Universities alliances
• Jean Monnet Actions promoting excellence in European Union studies
• Erasmus Mundus Joint Master's programmes
• Projects in the fields of youth and sport 

The three Key Actions of Erasmus+

The programme is organised around three main funding actions (Key Actions).

Key Action 1 (KA1): Learning Mobility

KA1 supports the mobility of individuals, including students, apprentices, teachers, trainers, administrative staff and other education professionals undertaking study, training or teaching activities abroad.

Key Action 2 (KA2): Cooperation and Partnerships

KA2 supports cooperation between organisations from different European countries. Its objective is to develop innovative educational approaches, implement joint projects and establish sustainable European partnerships.

Key Action 3 (KA3): Support to Policy Development

KA3 supports measures that contribute to the development and modernisation of European education, youth and sport policies and encourages dialogue between policymakers and relevant stakeholders.

The four priorities of Erasmus+

All Erasmus+ projects contribute to four overarching priorities defined by the European Commission:

• Inclusion and Diversity – promoting equal opportunities and inclusive access to education for everyone.
• Digital Transformation – strengthening digital skills and supporting innovative digital learning approaches.
• Environment and Climate Action – promoting sustainable mobility and contributing to the objectives of the European Green Deal.
• Participation in Democratic Life – fostering active citizenship, shared European values and civic engagement. 

Who can apply?

Depending on the funding action, Erasmus+ is open to:

• Universities and higher education institutions
• Research organisations
• Schools
• Vocational education and training providers
• Youth organisations
• Businesses and SMEs
• Public authorities and municipalities
• Associations, foundations and non-governmental organisations
• European networks and consortia 

Individuals generally participate through their educational institution or organisation.

Application process

The eligibility rules, funding conditions and application deadlines are set out in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide published by the European Commission.

Depending on the funding action, applications are submitted either to the relevant Erasmus+ National Agency or centrally via EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Current calls for proposals can also be found on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal.

Summary

Erasmus+ is one of the European Union's most important funding programmes for education, training, youth and sport. By supporting international mobility, European cooperation and innovative education projects, Erasmus+ strengthens the European Education Area and promotes international collaboration. Universities, research organisations, businesses and many other organisations benefit from numerous opportunities to establish international partnerships and successfully implement collaborative projects.

How does BayFOR support you?

The Bavarian Research Alliance (BayFOR) advises Bavarian universities, research organisations, businesses and other stakeholders on European funding programmes for research and innovation.

In the context of Erasmus+, BayFOR primarily supports projects with a research and innovation focus, for example by helping organisations identify suitable European funding opportunities, develop international partnerships and explore synergies with other EU programmes, particularly Horizon Europe.

Please note: BayFOR is not a general advisory service for Erasmus+. For detailed information on Erasmus+ funding actions, eligibility criteria, application procedures and current calls for proposals, applicants should contact the relevant Erasmus+ National Agencies.