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Erasmus+

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Opportunities from outside the EU

Organisations from countries outside the EU can take part in selected actions of the Erasmus+ programme. In the context of Erasmus+, these countries are referred to as "non-associated third countries (Partner Countries)".

Quick explainer

Individuals from Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia or Türkiye can participate in most opportunities as these non-EU countries are associated to the Erasmus+ programme.

For individuals from other non-EU countries there are some opportunities, for example Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees or the international dimension of student and staff exchange (if your university takes part) and youth exchange schemes.

You will need to check the opportunity pages for more information, as eligibility varies between opportunities.

There are 2 types of countries where Erasmus+ is active.

EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme

These can fully take part in all the actions of the Erasmus+ Programme. They include all EU countries, members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), candidate EU countries and others. They were previously called Programme countries.

Third countries not associated to the Programme

These can take part in certain Erasmus+ actions. There are many of these, spanning the globe. They were previously called Partner countries.

See the full list of eligible countries

These descriptions determine the countries in which Erasmus+ activities may take place, and which type of activities are possible.

EU Member States and third countries associated to the Programme

These can fully take part in all the actions of the Erasmus+ Programme. They include all EU countries, members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), candidate EU countries and others.

Third countries not associated to the Programme

These can take part in certain Erasmus+ actions. There are many of these, spanning the globe.

Searching for a project partner

Please note that applications need to be led by an organisation established in a programme country. As an organisation from outside the EU, you will therefore first need to search for a potential partner for your project. One way to do this is to search for a partner in the EU’s Participant Register.

Individual applicants

If you’re looking to apply for Erasmus+ on your own, you will most probably need to do this through an organisation taking part in the programme. Examples are higher education institutions, youth organisations, associations and NGOs.

To find out how to apply, you can check with your organisation, read more on taking part, or reach out to a National Erasmus+ office.