Erasmus+ Is More Than Mobility: A Breakdown of All Key Programs

Many people associate Erasmus+ only with student exchanges, but the program offers much more. It supports individuals and organizations across all levels of education, youth work, training, adult learning, entrepreneurship, and sport. Here’s a clear overview of the main components of Erasmus+.

1. Higher Education Mobility

• Short-term study or internship opportunities abroad for university students
• Available at bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels
• Academic staff can also teach or receive training abroad
• Usually lasts between 2 and 12 months

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD)

• Fully funded two-year master’s programs delivered by international university consortia
• Students study in at least two different countries and receive a joint or multiple degree
• Covers tuition, travel, and living expenses
• Open to applicants from all around the world

3. Vocational Education and Training (VET)

• Mobility opportunities for vocational school students and recent graduates
• Internships abroad in real work environments (2 weeks to several months)
• Training and job-shadowing for VET teachers and trainers
• Focus areas include engineering, hospitality, logistics, and automation

4. School Education

• Training, job-shadowing, and teaching mobility for teachers and school staff
• Partnerships between schools in different countries to co-develop educational materials
• Support for inclusive practices and digital tools
• eTwinning platform enables online collaboration among European classrooms

5. Adult Education

• Opportunities for adult learners to access non-formal or community-based education
• Staff training abroad for adult education providers and NGOs
• Topics include digital literacy, social inclusion, and life skills
• Encourages lifelong learning for people of all ages and backgrounds

6. Youth Exchanges and Youth Worker Mobility

• Short-term group exchanges (usually 5 to 21 days) for young people aged 13 to 30
• Focus on non-formal education themes like intercultural learning, sustainability, or human rights
• Training courses, seminars, and networking for youth workers and NGO staff
• Supported by accredited organizations and national Erasmus+ agencies

7. Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE)

• Cross-border mentorship for new or aspiring entrepreneurs
• 1 to 6-month placements with experienced business owners in another European country
• Participants gain hands-on experience while developing their own business ideas
• Travel and living costs are partially covered by the program

8. Sport

• Funding for grassroots-level sport initiatives and international collaboration
• Projects focused on inclusion, equal access, healthy lifestyles, and anti-discrimination
• Activities include events, training modules, and awareness campaigns
• Supports both amateur and community-based organizations

9. Capacity Building and Strategic Partnerships

• Cross-border cooperation between universities, NGOs, public institutions, and the private sector
• Projects that address systemic challenges in education, inclusion, sustainability, and digitalization
• Support for innovation, policy reform, and the sharing of best practices
• Often involves long-term collaboration and impact across sectors

Erasmus+ is not one program, it’s a framework of life-changing opportunities. Whether you want to study, teach, volunteer, train, or build a business, there’s a corner of Erasmus+ for you.

So next time someone says “I wish I had done Erasmus”, you can say: “You still can. And not just as a student.”