While the Erasmus programme seemed to be in danger of disappearing due to budget cuts in 2014, the launch of Erasmus+ in January 2014 increased the possibilities 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, thereby enhancing their employability. Here is an overview of the benefits of the Erasmus+ programme.
More budget
26.2 billion for 7 years, an 80% increase compared to the 2014-2020 period. This amount aims to reach 10 million additional participants in the programme while increasing the amount of mobility grants offered. Thus, in the framework of a study stay, a student will receive a monthly grant of €200 to €600 depending on the country of destination. During an internship abroad, a supplement of 150 per month will be allocated. In addition, Master's level students will have access to a loan system to study in another European country. The maximum amount of these loans is set at €12,000 for one year and €18,000 for two years.
More simplicity
There used to be many different international mobility programs (Erasmus, Comenius, Leonardo da Vinci, Grundvig…), not all equally renowned and not always very user-friendly. With Erasmus+, simplicity is the watchword! The new program brings together 7 EU programs with 3 types of key action:
- learning mobility of individuals,
- cooperation for innovation and exchange of good practices,
- support for policy reform.
Erasmus+ is designed for broader range of users:
| Users | Type of mobility | Stay abroad period/length |
| Students | Mobility for studies | between 3 and 12 months |
| Students | Internship mobility | between 2 weeks and 12 months |
| Trainees and apprentices | Internship mobility | between 2 weeks and 12 months |
| Recent graduates | Internship mobility | Internship to be completed less than a year after graduating |
| Young people | Voluntary placements | between 2 weeks and 12 months |
| Staff | Training courses, seminars, job shadowing | between 2 weeks and 12 months |
| Youth workers | Training courses, seminars, job shadowing | between 2 weeks and 12 months |
More opportunities
The Erasmus+ programme is intended to be more open to the world. This openness particularly concerns the neighbouring countries of the European Union. Although the programme currently brings together 33 countries of the EU, 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+ is intended to be the route to mobility for all.
To find out more about Erasmus+:
Take a look at the European Commission website or read the Erasmus+ program guide.