What is Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is an EU programme that can help you travel to experience work, study or train in another country. Your time abroad on Erasmus+ can be from 2 days to 30 days or from 2 weeks to a year depending on the type of project you are on.

Erasmus+ is open to many people including:

• Pupils in school
• Students in higher education
• Students in vocational education and training
• Young people in youth organisations
• Adult learners

Staff in educational settings and youth workers can also access Erasmus+

You cannot apply directly to Erasmus+. You must apply through a participating organisation such as your school or college or place of work.

If the application is successful, you will get funding that usually covers your travel costs and the cost of living abroad. You may get funding to cover other costs too.

The application processes for Erasmus+ vary depending on which strand of funding you are applying for and whether the funding opportunity is managed by the National Agencies. More information on the application process, including templates and model application forms, can be found in the How to apply section.

Yes Ireland is a programme country and is eligible for all parts of Erasmus+.

UK and Northern Ireland
The UK ended its participation in the Erasmus+ programme on 31 December 2020. It is not possible for new Erasmus+ funding to include Northern Ireland.

You will generally get Erasmus+ funding to help cover your travel costs and living expenses such as accommodation and food. Any costs not related to these you will have to cover yourself. The amount of funding you get depends on the type of project you are on.

Extra funding is available to support people with disabilities and from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Only organisations can apply for Erasmus+ funding. .

Applications from participating organisations must support one or more of the four priorities of the Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027.

• Inclusive Erasmus+ aims to ensure equal opportunities for everyone
• Digital Erasmus+ aims to develop accessible and high-quality digital learning and training
• Green Erasmus+ encourages participants to build knowledge and understanding of sustainability and climate change and to use lower carbon transport
• Erasmus+ participation in democratic life supports active engagement in society

If you are at school, you can spend time abroad studying at a partner school. You can also go as part of a group to learn with other school students abroad.

If you are an adult learner, you can spend time at an adult learning organisation which may include class or work-based learning or job-shadowing. You can also study abroad as part of a group.

There are generally two application deadlines for organisations each year, one in spring and one in autumn.

Application dates for schools, vocational education and training, apprenticeships, adult education and youth organisations are published on the Erasmus website.

Key Action 1 Adult Education Mobility projects support adult educators and, for the first time, adult learners.

Any adult learner who is no longer in initial education or training that is returning to, or participating in, some form of non-vocational continuing learning (formal, non-formal, informal) or who experiences educational disadvantage or other obstacles that impacts their participation in a learning programme.

Adult Education organisations can empower their learners and provide professional development for their staff through Erasmus+. There are lots of opportunities to exchange knowledge and working methods with your peers in other countries taking part in Erasmus+.

Possible activities include:

• Individual and group mobility of adult learners who have fewer opportunities
• Teaching or training at a partner organisation
• Participating in courses or training abroad

What is a partnership project?

A partnership project is one where an organisation works with one or more of our schools to develop, transfer or implement innovative practices.

There are two types of partnership project: