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European Student Card Initiative

Part of the Erasmus+ programme

About the European Student Card Initiative

Since 2017, the ESCI has supported priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area (EEA), Digital Education Action Plan, Erasmus+ Initiative and European Strategy for Universities.

Background

The ESCI is a key element in the European Education Area by 2025 to unlock the full potential of the EEA by:

  • promoting student mobility and participation in educational and cultural activities,
  • making the management of mobility easier, more efficient and greener and
  • promoting a strong European Student Identity

In parallel, the ESCI also supports the objectives of the Digital Education Action Plan 2021-2027, launched in 2020 under the same Education Package as EEA. In this framework, the ESCI plays a key role in simplifying the management of the student mobility through streamlined electronic exchange and verification of student data.

Contribution

Under the Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027, the ESCI is expected to contribute to the priorities of the new Erasmus+ Programme under “Key Action 2 Cooperation Among Organisations and Institutions" by being a facilitator of learning mobility.

In 2022, (the) ESCI received a strong institutional endorsement as one of the four flagships of the Communication on a European Strategy for Universities to boost the European dimension in higher education and research. The Council Recommendation on building bridges for effective European Higher Education Cooperation invites Member States to adopt and support the development and dissemination of the ESCI.

The 3 building blocks of the initiative

European Student Card

Transforms current student cards into a European Student Card so students can benefit from on- and off-campus services during their mobility.

Erasmus+ App

A single app to help Erasmus students with all their practical administration - before, during and after their mobility programme.

Erasmus Without Paper

A digital solution connecting systems in use at higher education institutions so they can manage their Erasmus+ mobilities online.

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