Eligibility Criteria for Erasmus+ Applicants (2026 Edition)

A Simple Guide for Schools, Teachers & Organisations

Before applying for Erasmus+ funding in 2026, it is important to understand who is eligible and under what conditions. Many good applications fail simply because eligibility rules were not followed.

This guide explains Erasmus+ eligibility criteria for 2026 in a clear and simple way, based on the latest Programme Guide.

Who Can Apply for Erasmus+ Funding in 2026?

Erasmus+ funding is not for individuals. Applications must always be submitted by an organisation.

Eligible organisations include:

• Schools (pre-primary, primary, secondary)

• Higher education institutions (universities, colleges)

• Vocational Education & Training (VET) providers

• Adult education organisations

• NGOs and non-profit organisations

• Public bodies active in education, training, youth or sport

  
  

Teachers and students participate through their organisation, not as individual applicants.

Eligible Countries for Erasmus+ 2026

To apply, your organisation must be legally established in one of the following:

Programme Countries

• All EU Member States

• Non-EU associated countries (e.g. Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Türkiye, North Macedonia, Serbia)

Organisations from Programme Countries can apply directly to their National Agency.

Partner Countries

• Some actions allow participation from non-EU countries worldwide

• Usually as partners, not coordinators

• Eligibility depends on the specific action (KA1, KA2, CBHE, etc.)

Eligibility by Action Type

KA1 – Learning Mobility

Eligible applicants include:

• Schools

• VET institutions

• Adult education organisations

• Higher education institutions

Requirements:

• Legal status

• Organisation ID (OID)

• Clear mobility plan

• Alignment with Erasmus+ priorities

KA2 – Cooperation & Partnerships

Eligible applicants:

• Schools

• Universities

• NGOs

• Training centres

• Public bodies

Requirements:

• At least two organisations from different countries

• Defined project objectives

• Clear roles for each partner

• Strong European added value

Erasmus+ Accreditation Eligibility (2026 Rules)

To be eligible for Erasmus+ Accreditation, your organisation must:

• Be active in education or training

• Have a long-term international strategy

• Commit to quality standards

• Show capacity to manage EU projects

Important 2026 UpdateIf an accredited organisation does not use its accreditation for three consecutive years, it may be terminated.

Eligibility for Teachers & Staff

Teachers and staff are eligible to participate if:

• They work for an eligible organisation

• Their participation is linked to the organisation’s approved project

• The activity supports professional development

Eligible activities include:

• Training courses

• Job shadowing

• Teaching assignments abroad

Eligibility for Learners & Students

Students and learners can participate if:

• They are enrolled in an eligible institution

• Their mobility supports learning objectives

• Inclusion and equal access rules are respected

Special support is available for:

• Learners with fewer opportunities

• Disabilities

• Economic or social disadvantages

Financial & Legal Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible, organisations must:

• Be legally registered

• Have financial capacity to manage grants

• Follow EU financial rules

• Submit accurate budgets and documentation

• Accept monitoring, audits, and reporting requirements

The new EU Financial Regulation applies fully in 2026, making compliance more important than ever.

Common Reasons Applications Are Declared Ineligible

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Applying as an individual

• Missing or incorrect OID

• Applying under the wrong action

• Submitting after the deadline

• Incomplete application forms

• Ineligible organisation type

Quick Eligibility Checklist (2026)

• Organisation is legally registered

• Based in an eligible country

• Correct Erasmus+ action selected

• OID obtained

• Meets accreditation rules (if applicable)

• Application submitted before deadline

Final Thoughts on Erasmus+ eligibility criteria 2026

Erasmus+ 2026 offers more opportunities than ever, but eligibility rules are stricter and more structured.

If your organisation:

• Meets eligibility criteria

• Aligns with EU priorities

• Plans early

• Follows the Programme Guide carefully

Your chances of success increase significantly.