- published on 10/3/2023
- 3min
Erasmus+, the EU exchange programme
While the Erasmus programme seemed in danger of disappearing due to budget cuts in 2014, the launch of Erasmus+ in January 2014 has increased the opportunities for international mobility. The budget has been increased by a further 80% for 2021-2027. The aim? To enable more than 10 million people to gain experience abroad, boosting their employability. An overview of the benefits of the Erasmus+ programme.
A larger budget
The ambitious Erasmus+ programme has a budget of €26.2 billion for 7 years, an 80% increase on the 2014-2020 period. This sum is intended to reach 10 million additional participants in the programme while increasing the amount of mobility grants on offer. For a study stay, a student will receive a monthly grant of between €200 and €600, depending on the destination country. For work placements abroad, an additional €150 per month will be awarded. Master's level students will also have access to a loan scheme to study in another European country. The maximum amount of these loans is set at €12,000 for one year and €18,000 for 2 years.
A more accessible programme
The many previous mobility programmes (Erasmus, Comenius, Leonardo da Vinci, Grundtvid, etc.) were sometimes not very visible and lacked clarity. With the Erasmus+ programme, the watchword is simplicity! Erasmus+ brings together 7 European Union programmes through 3 key actions:
mobility of individuals for learning purposes,
cooperation for innovation and exchange of good practice,
support for policy reform.
The Erasmus+ programme is therefore aimed at a wider audience:
Directed to | Type of mobility | Duration of mobility |
|---|---|---|
Students | Study mobility | 3 to 12 months |
Students | Internship mobility | |
Apprentices and young people in vocational training | Internship mobility | 2 weeks to 12 months |
Recent graduates | Internship mobility | Internship to be completed less than a year after graduation |
Young people outside the education system | Voluntary work | 2 weeks to 12 months |
Members of educational teams and professionals | Training courses, seminars or teaching assignments | 2 days to 2 months |
Professionals and decision-makers in the youth sector | Training courses, seminars or teaching assignments | 2 days to 2 months |
A wider range of opportunities
The Erasmus+ programme aims to be more open to the world. This openness particularly concerns the countries in the European Union's vicinity. Although the programme currently brings together 33 countries in the European area, almost all the other countries in the world are Erasmus+ partner countries. Higher education students will therefore be able to spend time in countries outside Europe. Erasmus+ aims to be the pathway to mobility for all.
Find out more about Erasmus+
Visit the Erasmus+ website and the European Commission website.
