Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. It offers opportunities for learning mobility and transnational cooperation in the fields of school education, vocational education and training, higher education, adult education and youth. The programme is open to participants of different ages and organisations with diverse backgrounds: young people, pupils, students, graduates, adult learners, teaching and administrative staff, schools, higher education institutions, adult education providers, NGOs, companies, institutes, social partners, cultural and sport organisations, local and regional bodies and other public and private institutions active in the fields of education, training, youth and sport.
Among activities supported by the programme are study periods and teaching and training periods abroad, courses, traineeships, placements, exchanges, job shadowing, youth activities and workshops etc. Organisations engaged in transnational cooperation among institutions can develop and implement innovative practices and organise networking events, meetings, working sessions, conferences etc. All those interested in joining the Erasmus+ programme apply for funding through their national agencies – the full list and contacts can be found here: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/contacts/national-agencies.
The Erasmus+ programme is divided into Key Actions, with national agencies responsible for implementation of Key Action 1 (Learning mobility of individuals) and Key Action 2 (Cooperation partnerships). More information about the structure of the programme can be found in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide. For other segments of the programme that are managed centrally, please contact the European Education and Culture Executive Agency: https://www.eacea.ec.europa.eu/index_en.
Regardless of the field in which funding is sought, applicants are always encouraged to carry out activities that support horizontal priorities of the programme – inclusion and diversity, green practice, digital practice and participation. In order to provide support and improve the quality of the programme, the European Commission has established a number of different SALTO resource centres that are active in their respective areas.
