What is the Erasmus+ programme?

The objectives of the Erasmus+ programme are to

• support people’s educational, professional and personal development in the fields of education, training, youth and sport in Europe and the partner countries
• promote growth, employment, social cohesion and innovation
• strengthen European identity and active citizenship.

In addition, Erasmus+ promotes: 

• learning mobility of pupils, students, teachers and trainers, and cooperation, participation, excellence, creativity and innovation at the level of organisations in the field of education and training
• non-formal learning and active participation of young people and youth workers, and the cooperation, participation, creativity and innovation of youth organisations
• learning mobility of sport coaches and staff, and cooperation, inclusion, creativity and innovation at the level of sport organisations

For young people and adults, Erasmus+ offers an opportunity to go abroad to broaden their competence. Experience abroad strengthens the key skills and competence required in the changing world of work, widens the world view and improves self-knowledge.

The financial support provided by the programme promotes equal participation.

For organisations, Erasmus+ gives the keys to international cooperation and improves the competence of the staff. International cooperation increases the attractiveness of organisations and enables the sharing of good practices in order to develop one’s own organisation.

Organisations such as educational institutions, higher education institutions, NGOs, companies and youth services of municipalities can apply for funding. In the field of youth, informal groups of young people can also apply for a grant. 

Individuals apply for a grant through an organisation or an educational institution. For example, students apply for the grant for their exchange abroad through their own educational institution.

You can also join Erasmus+ projects by becoming a partner in a project coordinated by another country.

If you have not applied for funding in the Erasmus+ programme before, familiarise yourself with our page for newcomer organisations in the Erasmus+ programme.

The Erasmus+ programme also finances several European networks and actions:

• eTwinning is a community and an online tool for internationalisation for teachers and ECEC centre staff.
• EPALE – the Electronic Platform for Adult Learning in Europe is an open multilingual community for adult education professionals and everyone interested in adult learning.
• Euroguidance supports guidance professionals in internationalisation. The Euroguidance services are aimed at information, guidance and counselling practitioners in matters related to internationalisation in education, the world of work and the youth sector.
• Europass harmonises the identification of competence and facilitates the monitoring of one’s own development. Europass allows users to create templates for a Europass CV, write cover letters and search for jobs and learning opportunities in Europe.
• Eurodesk is a European youth communication network that disseminates information to young people about opportunities for internationalisation and encourages them to active EU citizenship and exerting influence.
• RAY (Research-based Analysis and Monitoring of European Youth Programmes) is a Europe-wide research community focusing on research-based monitoring of the EU’s youth programmes. The operation is coordinated by EDUFI. 
• European VET Skills Week is an annual event where local, regional or national organisations showcase the very best of vocational education and training (VET).
• The European Week of Sport is the European Commission’s initiative for promoting sport and physical activity everywhere in Europe. During the week, a large number of events and campaigns are organised across Europe under the common #BeActive hashtag.

The European Solidarity Corps programme belongs to the same family of programmes as Erasmus+. The implementation of both programmes is the responsibility of the National Agency for Erasmus+, which is EDUFI in Finland. The Erasmus+ actions in the field of youth and the European Solidarity Corps programme offer opportunities for internationalisation to young people, youth workers and organisations.