Erasmus+ 2021–2027: The Complete Guide to Grants, KA1 & KA2 Projects and How to Apply
Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme for education, training, youth and sport. With a budget of roughly €26 billion for 2021–2027, it is the largest and best-known EU funding programme for schools, universities, NGOs, youth organisations and individuals across Europe and beyond.
Budget
€60k – €400k per partnership
Co-financing
Up to 100% (lump sum)
Who
Individuals (13–30), schools, universities, NGOs
What does Erasmus+ fund?
The programme is organised in three Key Actions. Key Action 1 (KA1) funds learning mobility: student and staff exchanges, youth exchanges, youth worker mobility and vocational training placements. Key Action 2 (KA2) funds cooperation between organisations, including Cooperation Partnerships (KA220) and Small-scale Partnerships (KA210). Key Action 3 supports policy development and youth participation.
Erasmus+ also includes Jean Monnet actions for EU studies, Sport partnerships, and centralised actions such as Erasmus Mundus and Capacity Building in Higher Education, managed directly in Brussels.
Who can apply?
Any public or private organisation active in education, training, youth or sport can apply: schools, universities, vocational centres, NGOs, associations, municipalities and companies. Individuals usually participate through an organisation rather than applying directly. Türkiye, North Macedonia, Serbia, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway take part as programme countries with full access.
How much funding is available?
KA1 mobility projects are funded through unit costs covering travel, individual support (daily allowance), organisational support and inclusion support. KA220 Cooperation Partnerships receive a lump sum of €120,000, €250,000 or €400,000, while KA210 Small-scale Partnerships receive €30,000 or €60,000. Most decentralised actions are funded up to 100% of eligible costs through these simplified grants.
Erasmus+ deadlines
Most decentralised Erasmus+ calls have a main deadline in late February (KA1 and KA2) and, for youth projects, an additional round in early October. Exact dates are confirmed every year in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, so plan your consortium and draft at least two to three months ahead.
How to write a winning Erasmus+ application
Evaluators score relevance, quality of project design, quality of the partnership and impact. Start from a real need backed by evidence, link it to the programme's horizontal priorities (inclusion, digital, green, participation), define measurable results and show how they will be shared and sustained after funding ends.
Newcomer organisations should consider starting with KA210 or KA1 short-term projects, or obtaining an Erasmus accreditation to secure funding over several years.
Frequently asked questions
Can an individual apply directly to Erasmus+?
Generally no. Students and staff apply through their school or university, and young people join youth exchanges organised by NGOs. A few actions, such as DiscoverEU, are open to individuals.
Is Türkiye eligible for Erasmus+?
Yes. Türkiye is a programme country and its organisations can apply through the Turkish National Agency.
Let's prepare your application together
Our Brussels team will assess your eligibility for free.