What is Erasmus+?

The Lifelong Learning and Youth Programs have been renewed and reintroduced under a brand-new name:

Erasmus+ replaced the Lifelong Learning and Youth Programs for the 2014–2020 period.

Planned for implementation between 2014 and 2020, Erasmus+ also encompasses the field of sports, in addition to education, training, and youth.

With Erasmus+, the importance of education and training in helping individuals realize their potential is once again emphasized. The new program aims to:

  • Equip individuals with new skills regardless of age and educational background,

  • Strengthen personal development,

  • Increase employment opportunities.

Erasmus+ supports individual learning opportunities as well as institutional cooperation in line with these goals.

How is Erasmus+ Different from Previous Lifelong Learning and Youth Programs?

In terms of core objectives and activities, Erasmus+ does not significantly differ from previous programs. Like its predecessors, it focuses on improving skills and employability while modernizing education and training systems.

However, to enhance efficiency and simplify implementation, several structural changes have been made.

With Erasmus+:

  • Programs previously managed under the Lifelong Learning umbrella (Erasmus, Leonardo da Vinci, Comenius, and Grundtvig), as well as the Youth in Action Program and five international cooperation programs (Erasmus Mundus, Tempus, Alfa, Edulink, and the Cooperation Program with Industrialized Countries), are all unified under the Erasmus+ name.

  • This means these individual names will no longer be used, ending the fragmented structure and transitioning to an integrated program.

  • Simpler application rules and procedures are introduced.

  • A loan guarantee mechanism is introduced to support students who have completed their master’s degree in continuing their studies abroad and gaining skills for knowledge-based jobs.

  • Knowledge Alliances will be established to promote creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship through large-scale partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses.

  • Sector Skills Alliances will help improve employability by fostering innovative vocational education methods through cooperation between training institutions and employers.

  • Mobility and partnership opportunities are significantly strengthened, with increased funding particularly for higher education/vocational students, teachers, trainers, and youth workers.

  • More support will be provided for sharing best practices among educational institutions and youth organizations, promoting innovation and employability in the business world, and strengthening IT platforms like eTwinning.

Why Did the European Commission Choose the Name Erasmus+?

“Erasmus” is widely recognized by the public and strongly associated with education abroad and European cooperation. Instead of using multiple program names, a unified brand was preferred to capitalize on the well-known “Erasmus” label. Therefore, between 2014 and 2020, funding for education, youth, and sport was made available under the Erasmus+ name.

What Fields Does Erasmus+ Support?

Erasmus+ supports activities under three main pillars:

1. Learning Opportunities for Individuals

Erasmus+ offers learning opportunities for over 5 million people both within and beyond EU borders. These opportunities may include:

  • Education and training

  • Studies abroad

  • Internships

  • Professional development

  • Non-formal youth activities

  • Volunteering

In higher education, participants from program countries can study or teach in universities across Europe or in partner countries globally. Erasmus+ thus aims to promote European higher education worldwide while supporting its development in other regions.

2. Institutional Cooperation

Erasmus+ enables the formation of partnerships between educational institutions, youth organizations, businesses, local/regional authorities, and NGOs. These collaborations aim to foster innovation, creativity, entrepreneurship, and employability.

3. Support for Policy Reform and Cooperation

The program encourages the development of evidence-based policies and sharing of best practices. Under “Policy Reform Support,” national reforms in EU member states are promoted. Under “Cooperation Support,” joint efforts and best practice exchange with non-EU countries are facilitated. These efforts involve tools such as ECVET, EQF, and EQAVET, and the tracking of frameworks like the Bologna and Copenhagen Processes.

Why is a New EU Approach Needed in Education and Training?

Due to the economic challenges Europe faces, the EU2020 Strategy emphasizes coordinated growth and employment, with education and training as core components.

The labor market is also evolving. While low-skilled jobs are decreasing, high-skilled roles requiring innovation and adaptability are increasing. It is estimated that by 2020, 35% of all jobs will require high-level skills. One of the EU2020 goals is to increase higher education participation from 32% to 40%. Erasmus+ aims to help individuals gain better and more skills through opportunities to study and work abroad.

Another EU2020 goal is to reduce early school leaving from 14% to 10%. Erasmus+ supports the modernization of education at all levels to contribute to this goal, while also promoting non-formal learning through youth exchanges and volunteering.

How Does Erasmus+ Address Youth Unemployment?

Studies show that students who spend part of their education abroad have a higher chance of finding employment. Erasmus+ helps young people gain education and skills that enhance their personal development and employability. Studying abroad also improves language and adaptability skills.

Research indicates that employers increasingly value skills gained through non-formal learning (e.g., volunteering) in addition to formal qualifications. In fact, 75% of participants in the European Voluntary Service say the experience helped improve their career prospects. Erasmus+ places great importance on such learning opportunities.

Who Can Benefit from Erasmus+?

The target audience remains consistent with previous Lifelong Learning and Youth Programs. Erasmus+ focuses on people of all ages and education levels.

Supported groups include:

  • In higher education: university students, academic staff, and university employees

  • In vocational education: institutions, managers, teachers, students, new employees, employers, apprentices, and professionals

  • In school education: school administrators, teachers, students, and staff

  • In adult education: learners, educators, and staff of adult education institutions

  • In the youth sector: organizations and their staff/members, and youth aged 13–30, including youth workers.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

Eligible Erasmus+ countries include:

  • EU Member States

  • Non-EU Program Countries: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, North Macedonia, and Turkey

  • Partner Countries (selected): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, Serbia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine, Russia, Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, and Tunisia

6/20/2025