Erasmus+ is the European Union's flagship programme for education, training, youth and sport. It funds young people, students, teachers and youth workers to study, train, volunteer and take part in international projects across Europe and beyond, covering travel, accommodation and more. Whatever your goal, there is an Erasmus+ activity for it.
This overview shows you the whole Erasmus+ landscape at a glance: what it is, who it is for, every type of opportunity, where you can go, what is funded, and how to apply, with links to a dedicated guide for each. 👇
What Is Erasmus+? 💙
Erasmus+ is not a single project but a whole ecosystem of funded opportunities that connect people across borders. It runs on a budget of €26.2 billion for 2021 to 2027, invested directly in grants, travel support and projects for people like you.
The programme is built around four priorities:
✨ Inclusion and equal opportunities, so everyone can take part, including people with fewer opportunities
🌱 Green and sustainable living, embedding environmental awareness into projects
💻 Digital transformation, building the skills of the future
🗳️ Active citizenship, encouraging young people to shape society
In short, Erasmus+ is about building a more connected, skilled and united Europe. For the full deep dive, read our complete guide to what Erasmus+ is.
Who Is Erasmus+ For? 👥
A common myth is that Erasmus+ is only for university students. In reality it is open to a wide audience:
🎓 Students who want to study or intern abroad
👩🏫 Teachers and educators looking for professional development
🤝 Youth workers and NGO staff who work with young people
👫 Young people aged 13 to 30, students or not
There are no grades or diplomas required for youth activities, just motivation. See exactly who can apply and the age limits.
What Can You Do With Erasmus+? 🚀
Erasmus+ is a menu of opportunities. Here is each one, with a link to its full guide.
Study Abroad (Higher Education Mobility) 🎓
Spend a semester or a full year at a partner university in another European country and earn credits that count towards your degree. Best for university students who want international academic experience on their CV.
Internships and Traineeships 💼
Gain professional experience with an international company, NGO or public body abroad. One of the most underused and most valuable parts of the programme. Browse current internships and traineeships.
Youth Exchanges 🌍
Short group projects (5 to 21 days) that bring young people from different countries together around a shared theme, like sustainability or creativity. Great for a first international experience. Read what a Youth Exchange is.
Training Courses and Seminars 🎤
Non-formal learning events for youth workers and educators to build skills, methods and a European network. Learn about Training Courses and thematic Erasmus+ seminars.
Mobility of Youth Workers 🧭
Job shadowing, study visits and professional exchanges for people working in the youth sector. See mobility of youth workers and job shadowing.
Erasmus+ and Its Sister Programme, the ESC 🤝
If volunteering is your goal, the European Union runs a separate but closely linked programme: the European Solidarity Corps. Read the complete guide to the ESC, and see how ESC and Erasmus+ differ so you can pick the right one.
Where Can You Go With Erasmus+? 🌐
Erasmus+ connects you with 30+ programme countries across Europe:
🇫🇷 France 🇩🇪 Germany 🇪🇸 Spain 🇮🇹 Italy 🇵🇱 Poland 🇬🇷 Greece 🇭🇺 Hungary 🇵🇹 Portugal 🇳🇱 Netherlands 🇹🇷 Türkiye and many more!
Some projects also run in partner countries around the world, from the Western Balkans to the Southern Mediterranean and beyond. See the full list of eligible countries.
How Is Erasmus+ Funded? 💰
Erasmus+ is designed so money is not a barrier. Typically covered:
💶 Travel costs, based on distance
🏠 Accommodation and meals, partially or fully covered depending on the activity
💸 Pocket money or a daily allowance, especially on longer activities
🛡️ Insurance, with visa support where applicable
⚠️ One honest note: travel is reimbursed within distance bands, so on very long trips it may not cover 100% of your ticket. Everything else is designed to be covered. For the full breakdown, see what Erasmus+ covers.
Why Join Erasmus+? 💬
Because it is more than education, it is transformation:
🌍 Discover new cultures and perspectives
👫 Meet people who become lifelong friends
💬 Learn or improve foreign languages
💼 Gain skills that boost your career
💙 Join the Erasmus Generation, millions of young Europeans changing the world together
How to Apply for Erasmus+ 🧭
The basic path is always the same:
1️⃣ Find an opportunity that matches your goal on youthworkshub.org
2️⃣ Contact your university, a youth organisation, or your National Agency
3️⃣ Prepare your CV and a strong motivation letter
4️⃣ Get ready for your adventure 🎒
For the detail, read our step by step how to apply guide, learn how to write a motivation letter, prepare your Europass CV, and check our 10 application tips.
Want the Full Story? 📖
This page is your overview. For the in depth version, with history, the four activities explained in detail, benefits backed by research and a full FAQ, read our complete guide to Erasmus+.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
What is Erasmus+ in simple terms?
Erasmus+ is the EU programme that funds young people, students, teachers and youth workers to study, train, volunteer and join international projects across Europe.
Who can take part in Erasmus+?
Students, teachers, youth workers, NGO staff and young people aged 13 to 30. Most youth activities have no academic requirements.
Is Erasmus+ free?
For most youth activities, yes. Travel, accommodation and meals are covered, and travel is funded within distance bands, so very long trips may not be 100% covered.
How big is Erasmus+?
The 2021 to 2027 cycle has a budget of €26.2 billion, the largest in the programme's history, and more than 13 million people have taken part since 1987.
What is the difference between Erasmus+ and the ESC?
Erasmus+ covers a broad range of learning mobility, while the European Solidarity Corps focuses specifically on volunteering and solidarity.
In Short 📚
Erasmus+ = Education + Experience + Europe 🌍
It is your chance to learn, travel and grow, all in one unforgettable journey.
👉 Find your opportunity: youthworkshub.org
