EU supporting programmes
Changing lives
Opening minds
Erasmus+ is the EU's programme to support education, training, youth and sport in Europe. Its budget of €14.7 billion will provide opportunities for over 4 million persons to study, train, gain experience and volunteer abroad. Set to last until 2020, Erasmus+ doesn't just have opportunities for students but merges 7 prior programmes, giving opportunities for a wide variety of individuals and organisations.
The aim of Erasmus+ is to contribute to the Europe 2020 strategy for growth, jobs, social equity and inclusion, as well as the aims of ET2020, the EU's strategic framework for education and training.
Erasmus+ also aims to promote the sustainable development of its partners in the field of higher education, and contribute to achieving the objectives of the EU Youth Strategy.
Individuals can take part in many of the opportunities funded by Erasmus+, although most will have to do so through an organisation taking part in the programme. The eligibility of individuals and organisations depends on the country in which they are based.
More information on eligibility is available on the pages for specific opportunities (both for individuals and organisations), as well as the Programme Guide, which can be found on the official page of the programme.
Making a change
The European Solidarity Corps aims to foster solidarity in the European society, engaging young people and organisations in accessible and high-quality solidarity activities. It offers young people opportunities to show solidarity, express their commitment to the benefit of communities and help resolve challenging situations across Europe. At the same time, these young people have the opportunity to develop their skills and get some invaluable human experience in the process.
With a budget of €375.6 million for 2018-2020, it offers opportunities to young people to carry out volunteering activities, traineeships and jobs and run their own solidarity projects.
The European Solidarity Corps builds on the achievements of more than 25 years of European programmes in the fields of volunteering and youth, especially on the experience of the European Voluntary Service.
Interested 17-30 years old young people can register on the European Solidarity Corps Portal. Once registered and at least 18 years old, they can be invited to participate in projects by organisations that have access to the database of participants. These organisations can also advertise opportunities on the European Solidarity Corps portal, so that young people can apply directly for the advertised position.