How to Apply for Erasmus+ Funding in 2026 — Step-by-Step Guide for Schools, Teachers & Organizations

The 2026 Erasmus+ call is open — and this guide walks you through exactly how your school or institution can apply for funding, step by step, aligned with the new Programme Guide. Whether you plan mobility, teacher training, partnership projects or institutional cooperation — follow this checklist carefully to maximise your chance of a successful application.

Step 0 — Know Who Can Apply For Erasmus+ Funding 2026 (You Apply via an Organisation, Not As an Individual)

• Erasmus+ funding is available to organisations: schools, universities, VET centres, adult-education providers, NGOs, youth organisations, etc.

• Individuals (students, teachers) cannot submit applications — they participate through an eligible institution.

• So first ensure your organisation is “eligible” under Erasmus+ (e.g. is legally established in an EU or associated country, meets criteria).

  
  

Step 1 — Register Your Organisation (Get OID or PIC)

Before you can apply:

• If applying via a National Agency (for most KA1 or KA2 decentralized actions), your organisation must be registered to receive an Organisation ID (OID).

• If applying for centralised actions managed by the executive agency (e.g. certain KA2, Jean Monnet, etc.), use the EU Funding & Tenders Portal — then registration gives you a Participant Identification Code (PIC).

• If your organisation already participated in a previous EU programme, PIC/OID may already exist — you can reuse it.

  
  

Without OID/PIC: you cannot submit. So register early.

Step 2 — Choose the Right Action and Funding Path (KA1, KA2, etc.)

Erasmus+ 2026 supports different “actions” depending on your needs:

• KA1 – Learning Mobility of Individuals: for staff or student mobility (mobility of school / VET / higher-ed staff or learners), training, exchanges, etc.

• KA2 – Cooperation & Partnerships: cooperation among institutions — partnerships, innovation projects, school-development partnerships, cooperation across countries.

• Other actions (depending on sector): higher-ed capacity building (CBHE), Jean Monnet, youth/sport, etc.

  
  

👉 Choose based on your objective: mobility, partnership, institutional cooperation, or capacity building.

Step 3 — Check 2026 Deadlines & Call Info

Since 2026 is the current call under the new guide, make sure you respect deadlines:

• For many KA1 mobility projects (school, VET, adult education, higher ed) — deadline 19 Feb 2026

• Some categories (especially youth, sport, or other sectors) may have slightly different or additional rounds — check with your National Agency.

• For KA2 Cooperation / Partnerships — common deadline is 5 March 2026 (for most NA-managed actions)

• Make sure to check whether the action is managed by your National Agency or by the central Executive Agency (EACEA), since submission portals differ.

  
  

Late or incorrect submission = automatic rejection.

Step 4 — Gather All Required Documents & Prepare Your Application

Applications will require:

• Legal status of the organisation (legal entity form, registration)

• Declaration of Honour (compliance, no exclusion grounds)

• Description of action / project plan (mobility plan, cooperation plan, objectives, activities, timetable)

• Estimated budget (cost breakdown, eligible costs, funding needs)

• Information on other EU funds received or requested for same action (if relevant)

• For mobility: number of participants, their roles, expected learning/training activities, duration, host partners, etc.

  
  

  Tip: Start drafting the application early, especially the narrative part — building strong, clear objectives and relevance to Erasmus+ priorities (inclusion, digital transformation, green transition, etc.) improves your chance of success.

Step 5 — Ensure Your Proposal Aligns with 2026 Erasmus+ Priorities

Although the 2026 Programme Guide has introduced updated priorities (green transition, digital skills & inclusion, inclusion of people with fewer opportunities, etc.), every application must reference and integrate relevant priorities.

When crafting your proposal:

• Highlight inclusivity, diversity, equal access (support for disadvantaged or under-represented groups)

• If relevant, integrate digital skills, media literacy, digital transformation (for teacher training, VET, adult education)

• Consider environmental & sustainability aspects (especially if mobility or travel involved), if applicable

Showing alignment with EU priorities strengthens evaluation.

Step 6 — Submit Application via Correct Agency & Portal

Depending on the action you chose:

• Decentralised actions (most KA1 and NA-managed KA2): Submit via your country’s National Agency through the official Erasmus+ / European Solidarity Corps platform.

• Centralised or Europe-wide actions (some KA2, Jean Monnet, capacity building, etc.): Submit through the EU Funding & Tenders Portal (managed by the executive agency) using your PIC.

Make sure your OID/PIC, legal info, and all required documents are valid and uploaded correctly.

Step 7 — After Submission: Wait for Evaluation & Prepare for Implementation

• Submitted applications are evaluated according to criteria described in the 2026 Programme Guide — including relevance, quality, impact, financial viability.

• If approved, you’ll receive a Grant Agreement. After that, you can begin planning mobility, training, partnerships, etc.

• Make sure your project implementation aligns with proposed plan, budget, deadlines, and EU / Erasmus+ requirements.

Step 8 — Keep Records & Guarantee Compliance (Financial & Quality Standards)

Since 2026 introduces updated financial regulation and stricter compliance rules:

• Keep well-documented financial records (eligible costs, invoices, receipts)

• Ensure mobility/training or partnership activities follow Erasmus+ quality standards — inclusion, transparency, equal opportunity, correct documentation, valid cooperation, reporting, monitoring.

• Be prepared for possible programme audits or checks, especially if you run large or multi-partner projects.

  
  

Quick Checklist — Your Erasmus+ 2026 Application Workflow

✅ Step	Action
0	Ensure your organisation is eligible
1	Register → get OID / PIC
2	Select the right action (KA1, KA2, etc.)
3	Note the correct 2026 deadline for your action
4	Prepare required documents: legal, project plan, budget, participants
5	Align your project with 2026 Erasmus+ priorities (inclusion, digital, green, etc.)
6	Submit application via correct portal (National Agency / EU Portal)
7	Wait for evaluation; if approved — get grant agreement
8	Implement project, keep records, comply with regulations

Why This 2026 Guide Version Matters More Than Ever

With the 2026 update of the Programme Guide:

• Actions are more diversified — mobility, cooperation, capacity building, partnerships across education levels.

• Budget & support for skills, inclusion, digital transformation, and green transition are stronger.

• Flexibility for different types of institutions (schools, VET, adult ed, NGOs) increases — more opportunities if you plan carefully.

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This makes 2026 a great year to apply — but only with thorough, timely, and well-aligned applications.

Conclusion

Applying for Erasmus+ funding in 2026 isn’t rocket-science — but it requires careful planning, correct registration, and strict compliance.

If your school or organisation follows the checklist above, aligns the project with 2026 priorities, submits before deadlines, and maintains good documentation — you’ll be well-positioned for a successful application.

Dont Forget to read about the latest Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026