We understand that the terms used in a European programme like Erasmus+ can sometimes be confusing, especially if you are new to the programme. So if you are unsure about the difference between a 'contractor' and a 'co-ordinator', please consult our handy glossary of terms below:
applicant |
The organisation that submits a funding application on behalf of a group / consortium of partners. There can only be one applicant per project. |
beneficiary |
When a project is approved for funding, the applicant becomes the beneficiary of the Erasmus+ grant. |
Call |
The period when applications can be made. |
centralised action |
A funding strand or sub-strand of Erasmus+ that is managed at a European level by the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) located in Brussels, Belgium. |
competences |
A particular set of skills / knowledge. |
consortium |
Two or more organisations teaming up to deliver a project. They can be from the same country or different countries. |
contractor |
If an application is successful, the applicant organisation for a project becomes the contractor. |
co-ordinator |
An organisation applying for Erasmus+ funding on behalf of a consortium. |
decentralised action |
A funding strand or sub-strand of Erasmus+ that is managed in each programme country by National Agencies that are appointed by the National Authority. |
envelope |
In the context of European Union funding, this refers to a budget linked to a specific funding instrument. |
Erasmus Charter for Higher Education |
Higher education institutions must hold this Charter to take part in Erasmus+. |
instrument |
In the context of European Union funding, this refers to a funding category within a specific budget. |
intellectual output |
An activity that results in tangible and meaningful outcomes such as publications and course materials. |
Key Action |
The title of the three strands of Erasmus+ funding available. |
mobility |
A project where participants go to another country to study, train, volunteer etc. for a set period. |
multiplier event |
An event that is organised to share the intellectual outputs of a project with a wider audience. |
National Agency |
The organisation that manages Erasmus+ in a particular country. |
participant |
An individual who takes part in a project through a participating organisation. |
Organisation Registration System |
This is a European Commission website where all organisations involved in an application must register beforehand. |
participating organisation |
An organisation or group involved in an Erasmus+ project. |
Partner Country |
A country which does not participate fully in Erasmus+ but may take part in certain Actions. Partner Countries are listed in the Programme Guide. |
partner organisation |
An organisation involved in a project but not taking the role of applicant. |
Programme Country |
EU or non-EU countries participating fully in Erasmus+. Programme Countries are listed in the Programme Guide. |
Programme Guide |
The European Commission’s publication giving details of Erasmus+ funding and criteria. |
project |
A set of activities with pre-defined objectives, dissemination and results. |
Round |
The time-specific period when funding is open for applications. |
transnational |
Describes a project or activity involving at least two Programme Countries. |
UK NA |
United Kingdom National Agency. In the UK, the National Agency is a partnership between the British Council and Ecorys UK. |
virement | The process of transferring items from one financial account to another. |
virtual mobility |
Activities supported by Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) that enable international teaching, training or learning. |
young people |
In the context of Erasmus+ this refers to people aged 13-30. |