Which Countries Can Apply for Erasmus+ and ESC? — The Complete Country List
Programme Countries with full eligibility. Partner Countries with restricted access. Here is the complete, up-to-date breakdown of every country that can participate in Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps.
One of the most common questions about Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps is: can my country participate? The answer depends on which category your country falls into — Programme Country or Partner Country — and those two categories carry very different levels of access and eligibility.
This guide covers every country in both categories, explains what the distinction means in practice, and answers the most common country-specific questions so you know exactly where you stand.
What Are Erasmus+ Programme Countries? — Full Eligibility Explained
Programme Countries are the countries with the highest level of access to Erasmus+ and ESC. If you are a resident of a Programme Country, your organisation can apply for funding, coordinate projects, host participants, and participate in the full range of Erasmus+ and ESC activities — youth exchanges, training courses, volunteering placements, higher education mobility, vocational training, and more.
EU Member States — 27 Countries
Can apply, coordinate, host, and fully participate in all Erasmus+ and ESC actions
Non-EU Programme Countries — 6 Countries
Same rights as EU member states — full access to all Erasmus+ and ESC actions
These six non-EU countries have negotiated Programme Country status, meaning they have exactly the same rights as EU member states when it comes to Erasmus+ and ESC participation.
What Are Erasmus+ Partner Countries? — Restricted Participation Explained
Partner Countries can participate in Erasmus+ and ESC projects — but with restrictions. The key limitation is that organisations from Partner Countries generally cannot apply as the lead applicant or project coordinator under most centralised Erasmus+ actions. They can join as partners in projects led by Programme Country organisations, and in some decentralised actions (like youth exchanges and training courses), their participation is more flexible.
Western Balkans — 4 Countries
Can participate through partnerships; cannot coordinate most centralised Erasmus+ actions
Eastern Partnership Countries — 5 Countries
Can participate through partnerships; cannot coordinate most centralised Erasmus+ actions
Southern Mediterranean Countries — 8 Countries
Can participate through partnerships; cannot coordinate most centralised Erasmus+ actions
Programme Countries vs Partner Countries — What the Difference Means for You
| What you want to do | Programme Country | Partner Country |
|---|---|---|
| Participate as a young person in a youth exchange | ✓ Yes | ◐ Often yes, case by case |
| Apply as project coordinator for a youth exchange | ✓ Yes | ✗ Generally no |
| Host an ESC volunteer | ✓ Yes | ◐ In some cases |
| Be an ESC volunteer abroad | ✓ Yes | ◐ Depends on action type |
| Apply for Erasmus+ training course | ✓ Yes | ◐ As partner, not coordinator |
| Receive Erasmus+ funding directly | ✓ Yes | ✗ Generally no |
Frequently Asked Questions About Erasmus+ Country Eligibility
Find open Erasmus+ and ESC opportunities in your country
Youth Works Hub lists opportunities across all Programme Countries — updated regularly, free to browse.
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