On 11 December 2020, the European Commission endorsed the political agreement reached between the European Parliament and EU Member States on the new Erasmus+ programme (2021–2027).
With a dedicated budget of over €26 billion, the new programme will be not only more inclusive and accessible to all, but also more innovative, digital, and environmentally friendly. It will play a key role in establishing the European Education Area by 2025.

Over the past three decades, participation in Erasmus+ (formerly Socrates) has supported the personal, social, and professional development of more than 10 million people—nearly half of them in the years 2014–2020, when the programme’s total budget amounted to €14.7 billion.

Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, states: “With an almost doubled budget for the next programme period, we aim to reach another 10 million people in the next seven years.”

International mobility of university students and staff is only one part of the Erasmus+ activities, yet it is significant enough to be considered the programme’s hallmark. Since its inception, more than three million students have had the opportunity to study or complete an internship at a higher education institution in another European country.

Erasmus+ also offers opportunities for university staff, trainees, lecturers, volunteers, and many other groups. These opportunities are not limited to Europe or Europeans—people from all over the world can take part in Erasmus+.

Students (Study Mobility)

It has been proven that studying abroad—the key element of Erasmus+—enhances participants’ career prospects. It also offers a chance to improve foreign language skills, gain independence and self-confidence, and experience new cultures. To support those unable to go abroad for an entire semester, the 2021–2027 edition introduces a “blended mobility” model, combining physical mobility with online learning components.

Trainees (Internships)

Erasmus+ enables participants to gain professional experience through international internships. These opportunities are available to higher education students as well as recent graduates (up to 12 months after graduation).

Staff (Teaching Assignments)

Within Erasmus+, academic staff can teach at partner universities abroad. This includes both higher education teachers and professionals from other sectors invited for their expertise and experience.

Staff (Training Mobility)

Training opportunities are open to all university staff—both academic and administrative. Training abroad may include practical learning experiences (job shadowing), observation periods, or structured training courses.