What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. It funds international study, training and partnership projects for individuals and organisations. From 2027, UK organisations will be able to take part again.
- study visits and group exchanges
- staff training and professional development
- partnership projects between organisations in different countries
In practice, Erasmus+ usually funds the organisation running the project. That organisation then works with partners or providers to deliver the learning activity.
Funding grants typically cover course or project costs, travel and subsistence. Erasmus+ has a total budget of more than 26 billion euros for 2021 to 2027.
Why Erasmus+ matters for English UK members
Erasmus+ may create funded opportunities and support longer-term relationships with European partners. This could lead to:
- more demand for teacher training and staff development
- new opportunities to host funded groups or individuals
- growth in short courses and study visits, including programmes lasting from two to 30 days
- stronger partnerships with schools, colleges and training providers in Europe
These opportunities are likely to be strongest for centres that offer clear, well-structured programmes with clear learning goals.
How English UK members may be involved
In many cases, the funding will be awarded to a school, college or other organisation in Europe. That organisation then chooses partners or providers to help deliver the activity.
- select a UK organisation to help deliver a short course or training programme
- work with a UK partner organisation to host learners or staff
This means English UK members are most likely to be involved in three ways:
- hosting students or staff on funded study programmes (via Key Action 1)
- delivering short structured training courses aligned to Erasmus+ priorities (via Key Action 1)
- joining wider partnership projects with organisations in other countries (via Key Action 2)
Key actions most relevant to members
The main parts of the programme for English UK members are likely to be Key Action 1 (KA1) and Key Action 2 (KA2).
Key Action 1 (KA1): learning mobility
KA1 is the part of Erasmus+ that supports funded learning visits, staff training and other short periods of study or professional development. This is likely to be the most relevant part of the programme for many member centres.
- teacher development courses
- language refresher courses
- digital teaching, leadership or assessment training
Key Action 2 (KA2): cooperation partnerships
KA2 supports partnership projects between organisations in different countries. This may be relevant where member centres work with schools, colleges, training providers or other partners on shared projects, resources or new approaches.
What types of ELT activity may be eligible?
English UK members may be able to contribute to a range of Erasmus+ activities, including:
Teacher training and professional development (KA1)
- English language teaching methodology
- CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning)
- EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction)
- leadership and management training
- digital learning and assessment
- language refresher courses
Student and youth programmes (KA1)
- short English language courses with clear learning goals
- study visits for school or youth groups
- combined language and cultural programmes
VET programmes (KA1)
- English plus work shadowing or vocational elements
Partnership and innovation projects (KA2)
- developing new courses or learning materials, such as new curricula, digital frameworks or pedagogical toolkits
- sharing best practice
- innovation and capacity-building projects
These examples are indicative. Final eligibility will depend on programme rules and project design.
Erasmus+ core priorities
Erasmus+ projects are usually expected to support one or more of the programme's four core priorities. For English UK members, the most relevant are likely to be:
- inclusion and diversity – making learning more accessible and widening participation
- digital transformation – improving digital teaching, learning and assessment
- environment and sustainability – supporting environmentally responsible practice
- participation in democratic life – helping learners build intercultural awareness, civic understanding and engagement
Where relevant, members may want to show how their courses, services or partnership ideas support one or more of these priorities.
What happens next
The detailed rules for 2027 are still to come. The annual call for proposals is expected in autumn 2026, and activity funded through 2027 projects is expected to begin from the second half of 2027 at the earliest.
- autumn 2026: expected publication of the 2027 funding call
- 2027: organisations can apply for funding
- second half of 2027 at the earliest: funded activity begins
We will share updates with members as more detail becomes available.
What members can do now
1. Stay informed
2. Speak to your current partners
- Talk to schools, colleges or other organisations in Europe that you already work with
- Ask whether they are planning Erasmus+ applications for 2027 and whether the UK could be part of those plans
3. Review your courses
- Identify courses that could suit visiting teachers, staff or groups
- Make sure your course information is clear, structured and focused on learning goals
- Show where your courses support themes such as digital learning, inclusion or sustainability, if relevant
4. Get ready to take part
5. Be ready to respond quickly
If interest grows, members that already have suitable courses, clear information and strong partner relationships will be in a better position to benefit.
Note that some of these systems may change as the UK rejoins the programme.
Further information
