What is Erasmus+ Accreditation? A Complete Guide (2025)

If your school, college, or educational organization wants to participate in Erasmus+ activities — such as teacher mobility, student exchange, or collaborative projects — you will often hear the term “Erasmus+ Accreditation.”But what does it actually mean? How does it help institutions? And why is it so important?

This guide explains everything you need to know in simple language.

What is Erasmus+ Accreditation?

Erasmus+ Accreditation is an official certification granted by the European Union to schools, vocational training institutions, and adult education organizations that wish to participate regularly in mobility activities under the Erasmus+ programme.

In simple terms —

It is a long-term membership plan that gives institutions easier access to Erasmus+ funding.

Once accredited, institutions can send teachers, staff, and students abroad for training, teaching, or learning activities regularly — without having to apply for mobility funding from scratch every year.

Why is Erasmus+ Accreditation Important?

Because it:

• Simplifies access to Erasmus+ funding

• Helps organizations plan long-term international projects

• Ensures quality standards for teaching and training

• Builds an international network

• Supports innovation and capacity building

Accredited institutions have a clear advantage over non-accredited institutions because they receive priority access to funding based on their approved plans.

Who Can Apply for Accreditation?

The following institutions are eligible:

• Schools (public or private)

• Adult education institutions

• Vocational education & training (VET) institutions

• Local authorities working in education

• Non-profit educational organisations

• Consortiums (groups of institutions applying together)

Individuals cannot apply directly — only institutions can.

What Does Erasmus+ Accreditation Offer?

1. Priority Access to Funding

Accredited organizations receive simplified and consistent access to Erasmus+ grants.

2. Long-Term Mobility

Institutions can plan multiple years of international activities.

3. Flexible Opportunities

Funds can be used for a wide range of mobility actions, including:

• Teacher training

• Job shadowing

• Student exchange

• Staff development

4. Reduced Administrative Burden

Less paperwork — once accredited, annual applications become much easier.

Who Benefits Most?

Students

Gain international learning experiences, exposure, and skills.

Teachers & Staff

• Attend professional development courses

• Learn new teaching methods

• Gain international exposure

• Exchange knowledge with peers

Schools / Institutions

• Upgrade quality of teaching

• Build international partnerships

• Improve reputation

• Modernise learning systems

Key Components of Accreditation

To apply, institutions must submit a long-term Erasmus Plan, which includes:

1. Institutional GoalsWhat the organisation aims to achieve

2. Mobility PlansHow many staff/students will be sent abroad and for what purpose

3. Quality StandardsCommitment to Erasmus+ values and requirements

4. Impact StrategyHow mobility experiences will benefit teachers, students, and the organisation

How Long is Accreditation Valid For?

Erasmus+ Accreditation is usually valid for the entire program cycle (currently 2021–2027).This means approved institutions can keep receiving funding during this period.

What Activities Can Accredited Organizations Do?

Once accredited, institutions can apply for funding for:

Staff Mobility

• Teacher training courses

• Job shadowing

• Teaching assignments abroad

Student Mobility

• Study abroad

• Internship placements

• Exchange programs

Organisational Development

• Partnerships

• Innovation projects

Erasmus+ Quality Standards

Accredited organizations must follow agreed-upon quality standards, which include:

• Good preparation before mobility

• Equal access and inclusion

• Safety and support

• Learning recognition

• Impact assessment

• Continuous improvement

These ensure mobility is meaningful, professional, and impactful.

Benefits of Erasmus+ Accreditation

For Institutions

• Long-term funding access

• International partnerships

• Increased capacity & innovation

• Stronger educational outcomes

• Reputation enhancement

For Teachers

• Global exposure

• Updated classroom methodologies

• Networking

• Boosted confidence & motivation

For Students

• Study/travel abroad

• Cultural immersion

• Language development

• Career readiness

Is Accreditation Mandatory?

No —Institutions without accreditation can still apply for short-term projects.However, accreditation offers greater stability and easier access to funding, making it ideal for organizations committed to long-term participation.

Accreditation vs. Short-Term Projects

Topic	Accreditation	Short-Term Project
Validity	Up to 7 years	1 project cycle
Annual Funding	Simplified	Fresh application needed
Strategic Planning	Long-term	Short-term
Administrative Effort	Low	Higher
Ideal For	Regular mobility	Occasional mobility

Who Should Apply for Accreditation?

Accreditation is best suited for institutions that:

• Plan to send participants abroad regularly

• Want long-term EU collaboration

• Aim to build international networks

• Wish to innovate teaching & learning

If you expect recurring mobility, accreditation is highly recommended.

Conclusion

Erasmus+ accreditation is the most efficient pathway for schools and educational organizations to gain long-term access to EU funding for mobility activities. It reduces administrative workload, opens doors to international collaboration, and helps improve educational quality.

For teachers and students, it creates life-changing opportunities to learn, grow, travel, and experience new cultures.For schools, it’s a powerful tool to modernize, innovate, and connect globally.

If your institution aims to participate regularly in Erasmus+ projects, accreditation is a valuable investment in your educational future.