Erasmus+ KA1 vs KA2: What’s the Difference? (2026 Guide for Schools & Teachers)

When planning an Erasmus+ project, one of the most common questions schools and organisations ask is:

Should we apply for KA1 or KA2?

Both are key parts of the Erasmus+ Programme, but they serve very different purposes. Choosing the wrong action can lead to rejection, even if your idea is good.

This guide explains the difference between Erasmus+ KA1 vs KA2, using simple language and updated rules from the 2026 Programme Guide.

What Is Erasmus+ KA1? (Learning Mobility of Individuals)

KA1 focuses on mobility — sending individuals abroad for learning, training, or teaching.

KA1 is mainly about:

• Teacher training

• Staff professional development

• Student or learner mobility

• Job shadowing

• Teaching assignments

Who benefits most from KA1?

• Schools

• Teachers

• VET institutions

• Adult education providers

• Universities

KA1 is ideal if your goal is training people, not building long-term partnerships.

What Is Erasmus+ KA2? (Cooperation & Partnerships)

KA2 focuses on cooperation between organisations across countries.

KA2 is mainly about:

• International partnerships

• Joint projects

• Sharing best practices

• Innovation in education

• School development projects

  
  

Who benefits most from KA2?

• Schools working with other schools

• NGOs

• Universities

• Training centres

• Public bodies

KA2 is ideal if your goal is working together to create something new.

Main Differences Between Erasmus+ KA1 vs KA2 (2026)

Feature	KA1 – Mobility	KA2 – Partnerships
Main focus	People	Organisations
Purpose	Training & learning	Cooperation & development
Duration	Short-term to long-term mobility	Medium to long-term projects
Partners required	Not always	Yes (minimum 2 countries)
Typical activities	Courses, job shadowing	Joint projects, meetings
Complexity	Lower	Higher
Best for beginners	Yes	Needs experience

KA1 for Schools & Teachers (2026 Focus)

KA1 is the most popular choice for schools and teachers.

Common KA1 activities:

• Teacher training courses abroad

• Job shadowing in European schools

• Teaching assignments

• Student group mobility (where applicable)

Why KA1 is attractive in 2026:

• Simpler application process

• Strong support for digital skills

• Strong focus on inclusion

• Green travel incentives

• Works well with Erasmus+ Accreditation

KA2 for Schools & Organisations (2026 Focus)

KA2 projects are more strategic and long-term.

Common KA2 project types:

• Cooperation Partnerships

• Small-scale Partnerships

• Capacity-building projects (for higher education)

Why choose KA2:

• You want to work with international partners

• You want to improve school systems or methods

• You want long-term impact

• You want to develop new tools, methods, or curricula

KA2 applications require:

• Strong planning

• Clear partner roles

• Good project management skills

KA1 vs KA2: Which One Should YOU Choose?

Choose KA1 if:

• You want to train teachers or staff

• You are new to Erasmus+

• You want faster results

• You want simpler reporting

• You have Erasmus+ Accreditation

Choose KA2 if:

• You want to build partnerships

• You want to create or test new ideas

• You have international partners ready

• You want long-term cooperation

• You have project management capacity

Can a School Apply for Both KA1 and KA2?

Yes

Many schools:

• Start with KA1

• Gain experience

• Move to KA2 later

Some experienced schools run both at the same time, but this requires good planning and administration.

Important 2026 Updates Affecting KA1 & KA2

According to the 2026 Programme Guide:

• Stronger focus on green practices

• Stronger focus on digital literacy

• More attention to inclusion & equal access

• Stricter monitoring for accredited organisations

• Clearer financial rules under new EU regulation

Your project should clearly address at least one EU priority.

Common Mistakes When Choosing KA1 or KA2

Avoid these errors:

• Applying for KA2 when you only want teacher training

• Applying for KA1 when your idea is actually a partnership

• Underestimating KA2 workload

• Choosing based on funding amount instead of objectives

Final Summary

• KA1 = mobility & training

  
  

• KA2 = cooperation & partnerships

  
  

• Both are important — but they serve different goals

  
  

• Choosing the right action increases your approval chances