Erasmus+ and the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) are open to a much wider group than most people think. In short: young people aged 13 to 30, students, teachers, youth workers and NGO staff who are legally resident in an eligible country can take part, and no diploma, grades or prior experience are required. If you are ready to learn, explore and grow, there is a place for you.
This guide explains exactly who can apply to Erasmus+ and the ESC, and, just as importantly, what kind of person these projects are looking for. ๐
The Spirit of Inclusion ๐ฏ
Erasmus+ and ESC are built on equal opportunities for all. Every young person can take part, regardless of nationality, education, income or social background. The programmes actively work to include:
๐ Young people with fewer opportunities (economic, social or geographical)
โฟ Participants with disabilities or specific needs
๐ฌ Young people from diverse cultural or educational backgrounds
๐ช Anyone motivated to learn, help and connect
Projects that include people facing barriers often receive extra inclusion support, so cost, distance or a disability should never stop you from applying.
Who Can Join Erasmus+? ๐ฅ
Erasmus+ has different opportunities for different people:
๐ Students โ Study or intern abroad at partner universities or companies.
๐ฉโ๐ซ Teachers and trainers โ Learn new teaching methods and gain international experience.
๐ค Youth workers and NGO staff โ Join training courses, partnerships and study visits.
๐ซ Young people aged 13 to 30 โ Take part in Youth Exchanges and Youth Participation projects.
Whether you are a student, a teacher, or simply an active young person, Erasmus+ has something for you. Check the exact ages in our age limits guide.
Who Can Join the European Solidarity Corps (ESC)? ๐
The ESC is open to:
โ Young people aged 18 to 30 (and 18 to 35 for Humanitarian Aid Volunteering)
โ People legally resident in an EU country, an associated country, or an eligible partner country
โ Motivated individuals who want to volunteer and help communities
To join, you register once on the ESC Portal. No experience is needed, just motivation and a genuine interest in solidarity. Here is how to register on the ESC Portal, and the difference between ESC and Erasmus+ if you are deciding between them.
What Kind of Person Do These Projects Look For? ๐
You do not need to be an expert, a top student, or fluent in five languages. Coordinators consistently choose people who show the right attitude over the perfect CV. The profiles that get selected usually share these traits:
๐ฅ Genuinely motivated โ You can explain why this specific project, not just "I want to travel." A clear reason beats a generic application every time.
๐ค Open minded and adaptable โ You are comfortable meeting people from different cultures and rolling with plans that change.
๐งฉ A team player โ Most projects are group based. Coordinators want people who contribute, listen and support others.
๐ฑ Willing to learn โ Curiosity and a "let me try" attitude matter more than existing qualifications.
๐ฌ Reliable and committed โ You show up, follow through, and take the experience seriously.
โฟ From any background โ Fewer opportunities, a disability, or a non-academic path are not weaknesses here; inclusion is a core goal.
If that sounds like you, you already fit the profile. Want to see exactly what organisations value in a volunteer? Read what makes an ideal ESC volunteer, then show it in your motivation letter.
Which Countries Are Eligible? ๐
Erasmus+ and ESC are open to young people from all EU Member States and the Erasmus+ Programme countries, including:
๐ฎ๐ธ Iceland ๐ฑ๐ฎ Liechtenstein ๐ณ๐ด Norway ๐น๐ท Tรผrkiye ๐ฒ๐ฐ North Macedonia ๐ท๐ธ Serbia
Some projects also include Partner Countries beyond the EU, from the Western Balkans to the Southern Mediterranean and further. For the complete breakdown, see which countries can apply.
Do I Need to Speak English? ๐ฌ
Not necessarily. Most projects only ask for basic communication skills, and you improve your English (and other languages) along the way. Language support is often included, especially in ESC projects, so you can feel confident wherever you go.
How to Get Started ๐งญ
1๏ธโฃ Browse available projects on youthworkshub.org
2๏ธโฃ Read the details carefully: age limits, country eligibility and themes
3๏ธโฃ Apply directly through the form or contact link in the listing
4๏ธโฃ Get ready for your European adventure ๐
Need a hand with the process? See our full how to apply guide.
๐ Start exploring: youthworkshub.org
Frequently Asked Questions โ
Do I need a university degree to apply?
No. Youth Exchanges, training courses and ESC volunteering have no academic requirements. Motivation and openness matter more than qualifications.
What age do you need to be?
Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are open from 13 to 30. ESC volunteering is 18 to 30 (18 to 35 for Humanitarian Aid). Study and internship mobility has no strict upper age.
Can I apply if I have fewer opportunities or a disability?
Yes. Inclusion is a core goal, and extra support (financial, practical or accessibility) is available so barriers do not stop you.
Do I need previous experience?
No. Coordinators look for motivation, reliability and a willingness to learn far more than a long CV.
Can non-EU citizens apply?
Yes, if you are legally resident in an eligible country. Eligibility is based on residence and the country's programme status, not only citizenship.
๏ปฟIn Short ๐
If you are:
โ Between 13 and 30 years old
โ Living in an EU or Erasmus+ Programme country
โ Curious, motivated and ready to learn
โฆthen you can apply. Erasmus+ and ESC are opportunities for everyone. ๐
๐ Find yours: youthworkshub.org
