Future skills start here - 2026 Erasmus+ funding call is open

With a budget of around € 5.2 billion for 2026, Erasmus+ continues to support cross-border mobility and cooperation projects that help people develop the skills they need for the future — from basic and digital skills to green, civic and soft skills.

What’s new this year?

In 2026, the Erasmus+ programme will introduce a new action to support more partnerships and mobility in the school sector.

This ‘European partnerships for school development’ initiative will help organisations test and implement innovative teaching methods conducive to basic skills, supporting EU efforts in civic engagement, democratic participation, and promoting shared values.

The action aligns with the EU's Union of Skills strategy to boost skills development for employment and lifelong learning.

Continued commitments

While the programme adapts to societal changes, some elements are unchanged: Erasmus+ remains committed to inclusion of people with fewer opportunities and to supporting Ukrainian learners affected by the war.

Who can apply — and how?

Organisations working in education, training, youth or sport — including schools, universities, VET providers, NGOs and youth groups — are eligible to apply for Erasmus+ funding.

Individuals such as students, teachers or young people don’t apply directly, but can take part through organisations that receive Erasmus+ grants.

In most cases, organisations submit their application to a National Agency in one of the Erasmus+ programme countries (known as EU Member State or Erasmus+ associated country).

Some centralised actions — such as Jean Monnet partnerships or large-scale cooperation projects — are managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). In those cases, applications are submitted to EACEA.