Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport, which aims to boost skills and employability as well as modernise education, training, and youth work and promote innovation, entrepreneurship and employability across Europe. Erasmus+ succeeds the former Erasmus, Comenius, Youth in Action, Leonardo, Grundtvig and Transversal programmes that ran from 2007-2013.
It has a budget of approximately €14.7 billion (£12 billion) across Europe and helps more than four million people study, train, gain work experience or volunteer abroad. It also supports transnational partnerships between education, training and youth organisations as well as grassroots sport projects. Almost €1 billion will be allocated to the UK over seven years, where it is expected to enable around 250,000 people to take part. British Council manages the Erasmus+ programme in the UK, in partnership with Ecorys UK.
Who can apply?
Erasmus+ is aimed at schools, further and higher education institutions, vocational education and training providers, adult education and youth organisations actively involved in delivering formal and non-formal education, training and youth work. It will also provide funding for partnerships between organisations such as educational institutions, youth organisations, enterprises, local and regional authorities and NGOs. In its first year (2014), Erasmus+ awarded over €5m of funding to organisations, schools, universities and youth organisations across Wales. Only organisations can apply for funding, except for informal groups of young people who can apply for youth funding in certain circumstances. Please visit the Erasmus+ website for full details on applying.
Why take part?
Erasmus+ funding supports organisations to offer exciting opportunities for their students, young people, teachers, apprentices, youth leaders and people working in grassroots’ sport. It is of particular benefit to young people who can study, work or volunteer abroad in Europe to learn new skills to enhance their employability. Participants acquire life-skills and greater confidence; develop personally and professionally; gain valuable international experience; enhance their CVs; broaden horizons; experience new cultures; improve language skills and discover new ways of working.