Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe.
Launched in 1987, the “Erasmus” programme was originally established to promote closer cooperation between universities and higher education institutions across Europe. Over time, the programme has expanded and is now referred to as Erasmus+, or Erasmus Plus, combining the EU’s different schemes for transnational cooperation and mobility in education, training, youth and sport in Europe and beyond.
The ‘Erasmus+’ programme concluded its first funding cycle from 2014 to 2020 and is now in its second cycle, spanning from 2021 to 2027. Noted for its participation among staff, students, young people, and learners across age groups, as of 2023, the programme has engaged over 14 million participants in various education, training, youth and sport mobility activities.
It has an estimated budget of €26.2 billion. This is nearly double the funding compared to its predecessor programme (2014-2020).
The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.
It supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and the European Skills Agenda. The programme also:
- supports the European Pillar of Social Rights
- implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027
- develops the European dimension in sport
- Erasmus+ offers mobility and cooperation opportunities in:
- higher education
- vocational education and training
- school education (including early childhood education and care)
- adult education
- youth
- sport
More information at: https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
