Youth
Why take part in Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ allows young people and youth workers to travel, connect and collaborate with their peers abroad through exchanges and partnership. Funding will support young people and youth workers in the UK with opportunities to explore new ideas and expand their world view. They will design and deliver projects which make a positive difference to their communities with a focus on the issues that matter most to young people. All of this helps young people to participate in civic society, helping them to shape a more positive future for themselves and their communities. With flexible options and funding provision for travel abroad, Erasmus+ expands opportunities for people who may otherwise face social or economic barriers.
What opportunities are available?
Mobility projects (Key Action 1)
Young people and youth workers can gain international experience and build new connections through funding for travel abroad. Applications for mobility projects are managed by the National Agency.
Opportunities for young people
- Youth Exchanges: Youth exchanges bring together young people from at least two different countries to learn together through activities like workshops, debates and outdoor activities. Youth exchanges can last between five and 21 days.
- Discover EU and Discover EU Inclusion Action: Discover EU allows young people aged 18 to travel across Europe, mainly by train. Participants receive a free travel pass to explore different countries in the EU. Young people can travel alone or as part of a group of up to five. The Discover EU Inclusion Action is aimed at young people aged between 18 and 21 with fewer opportunities.
- Youth participation projects: Youth participation projects help young people to get involved in civic, cultural and political life, and speak up on issues that matter to them. Activities include workshops, debates, role-plays, simulations, use of digital tools, awareness raising campaigns, and training. Youth Participation Activities can be either UK based or transnational.
Opportunities for youth workers
Youth workers can take part in mobility projects to support their professional development and build the skills and capacity of their organisation. Activities can include seminars, training courses, networking events, study visits, or job shadowing abroad. Projects must involve at least two youth organisations from different countries and can last from three months to two years.
Partnerships (Key Action 2)
Erasmus+ provides funding for youth organisations to develop partnerships with other relevant organisations in different countries.
Small-scale partnerships
Designed for smaller grassroots organisations or those new to Erasmus. Partnerships run from between six months to two years and involve at least two organisations from different countries. Erasmus+ offers funding of €30,000 or €60,000.
Cooperation Partnerships
These are suitable for experienced organisations or larger-scale projects. These partnerships involve at least three organisations from different countries, with a focus on innovative approaches The projects should run for between one and three years. Grant options are €120,000, €250,000 or €400,000.
Applications for Small-scale and Cooperation partnerships are made through the National Agency.
Capacity Building in the field of Youth
Supports international cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening youth organisations and promoting non-formal learning in EU-associated countries and specific third countries. Grants of €300k for projects lasting 12 to 36 months.
European Youth Together
Supports transnational partnerships for youth organisations to create networks, promote regional cooperation, and foster youth participation in democracy across Europe. Projects must involve a consortium of at least 5 partners from 5 different Erasmus+ programme countries (EU Member States and associated countries). The programme provides grants of up to €500k for 24-month projects.
Applications for these projects should be made through the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).
Who can apply for youth funding?
A non-profit organisation, association, NGO; European Youth NGO; a public body at local, regional, national level; a social enterprise; a profit-making body active in corporate social responsibility and with proven experience in the youth field, provided its involvement does not have a commercial purpose and is not aimed at generating profit.
You can browse previous projects for inspiration on the Erasmus+ website.