The Erasmus Programme from a Participant’s Perspective – What, Who, How, When and Where
Erasmus+ (budget period 2021–2027) is the latest phase of the European Union’s best‑known programme for education, training, youth, and sport. Following the previous seven‑year cycle (2014–2020), the new Erasmus+ programme brings even more opportunities, a larger budget, and a stronger focus on inclusion, digitalisation, sustainability, and civic participation.
What is the Erasmus+ programme?
Erasmus+ is an EU programme that enables individuals and organisations to take part in international projects of exchange, training, cooperation, and development across different fields. The core aim of Erasmus+ is to improve the quality of education, empower young people, and encourage and support innovation in education, sport, and youth work.
In its current version, the programme covers a range of opportunities—from student exchanges, volunteering, and traineeships to cooperation among schools, universities, non‑governmental organisations, institutions, and enterprises.
Who can take part?
Erasmus+ is open to:
- School pupils and students
- Teachers, trainers, and academic staff
- Young people aged 13 to 30
- Youth workers and organisations
- Professors, lecturers, and researchers
- Sports organisations and amateur athletes
The programme is available not only in EU Member States but also in countries outside the EU—including Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has the status of an associated partner country.
How does it work?
Participation in Erasmus+ depends on the type of activity, but it is very straightforward and—most importantly—transparent. Some of the most common and popular ways to take part are:
- Individual mobility — student exchanges, traineeships, youth exchanges, volunteering, training for youth workers, etc.
- Cooperation among organisations — partnership projects in education, digital transformation and inclusion, and many other fields.
- Support for policy reform and capacity building — evidence‑based policy development and dialogue between young people and decision‑makers.
Applications are submitted through the organisations that run projects: schools, universities, youth organisations, sports clubs, etc. Individuals usually apply via those organisations, which are partners in the project itself. In addition, there is the possibility to apply through the SALTO‑YOUTH platform, where organisations publish calls for projects and opportunities open to various countries. You simply create a profile and explore the opportunities on offer.
When?
The current Erasmus+ programme runs from 2021 to 2027, and calls for projects are published throughout the year. Deadlines depend on the activities within each project, so it’s important to check the calls and official sources regularly (such as the Erasmus+ website or national agencies).
Where?
Erasmus+ activities take place across Europe and beyond. The programme involves more than 33 countries: all EU Member States, as well as Iceland, Norway, Turkey, Serbia, North Macedonia, and others. In addition, many projects include partner countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Georgia, and more.
Activities can take place in different countries depending on the project—from a student exchange in Spain, a youth exchange in Germany, to training in Italy.
Conclusion
Erasmus+ 2021–2027 is one of the most ambitious and inclusive education programmes in the world. It opens doors for thousands of young people and professionals to travel, learn, volunteer, exchange knowledge, and develop new skills—all with the support of the European Union. If you want to broaden your horizons and be part of the European community of knowledge and cooperation, Erasmus+ is the right opportunity for you!