What Is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s international mobility and cooperation programme in the fields of education, training, youth and sport. The current programme period covers the years 2021–2027.
The programme originated from the Erasmus Programme, which was launched in 1987 to support university students in studying abroad. The name “Erasmus” refers to Desiderius Erasmus, a Renaissance thinker who studied and worked in different European countries.
ERASMUS is also derived from the initials of European Community Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students.
The “+” symbol reflects the expansion of Erasmus from a programme primarily focused on university student exchanges into a broader programme covering education, training, youth and sport.
In the field of higher education, Erasmus+ supports:
- Student Mobility for Studies
- Student Mobility for Traineeships
- Staff Mobility for Teaching
- Staff Mobility for Training
- International partnerships and cooperation projects
The programme aims to help participants improve their academic and professional skills, develop their language proficiency, experience different cultures and gain international experience.
Erasmus+ Programme Countries
In current Erasmus+ terminology, the countries previously referred to as “Programme Countries” are classified as “EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme.” These countries may participate fully in Erasmus+ activities.
European Union Member States
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
Third Countries Associated to the Programme
- Iceland
- Liechtenstein
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Serbia
- Türkiye
For the current Erasmus+ country classification, click here.
Erasmus+ KA131 mobility activities are mainly implemented between EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme.
Student and staff mobility activities involving third countries not associated to the Programme may be implemented under KA171 International Credit Mobility, subject to the conditions and partnerships approved within the relevant project.
[Click here for further information about ICM-KA171.]