What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme for education, training, youth and sport. Created in 1987 as a university exchange programme, it has grown into one of the world's largest mobility programmes, with a budget of €26.2 billion for the 2021–2027 period.
Today, Erasmus+ covers much more than university study — it includes youth exchanges, volunteering, vocational training, school partnerships, sports projects and professional development for educators and youth workers.
💡 Key fact
Since 1987, over 10 million people have participated in Erasmus+ programmes. Research shows that 64% of Erasmus alumni find their first job within 3 months of graduating — versus 49% of non-participants.
What programmes does it include?
Erasmus+ is divided into three Key Actions (KA) covering different areas:
Key Action 1 (KA1) — Mobility
KA1 finances the physical mobility of individuals. For young people aged 18–30 (outside university), the main options are:
- KA152 — Youth exchanges: Groups of young Europeans from different countries meet for 6–21 days to work on a shared topic through non-formal education methods.
- KA153 — Youth worker mobility: Youth workers, animators and educators take part in training courses, study visits and job shadowing in other European countries.
- European Solidarity Corps (ESC): Young Europeans volunteer for 2–12 months in organisations across Europe on social, environmental or cultural projects.
Key Action 2 (KA2) — Cooperation
KA2 funds partnerships between organisations. This includes strategic partnerships, knowledge alliances and capacity building projects that create lasting resources and methodologies.
Key Action 3 (KA3) — Policy Support
KA3 finances activities at European level to support policy development, including the EU Youth Dialogue and European Youth Goals.
Who can participate?
Erasmus+ is far more accessible than most people think. You do NOT need to be a university student to take part. The main eligibility criteria for youth programmes are:
- Age 18–30 (for most youth mobility actions)
- Resident in a participating country (all EU member states + Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia)
- Participating through an accredited organisation (such as CLAVE)
Young people with fewer opportunities receive additional support grants and are a priority target for many projects.
⚠️ Watch out for scams
You will never be asked to pay to participate in Erasmus+. If someone asks you for money to "access" a programme, it is a scam. Legitimate programmes are always free for participants — all costs are covered by the EU grant.
What does the grant cover?
The Erasmus+ grant is designed so that participants have zero financial cost. Coverage includes:
- ✅ International travel — flights, trains or buses to the destination
- ✅ Accommodation — hotels, hostels or host families throughout the programme
- ✅ All meals during the activity
- ✅ Local transport at the destination
- ✅ Cultural activities and programme materials
- ✅ Insurance — health, accident and liability cover
- ✅ Pocket money (in volunteering placements)
The Youthpass certificate
All Erasmus+ youth programme participants receive an official Youthpass certificate — a document issued by the European Commission that validates the competencies developed during the experience.
The Youthpass is structured around the 8 Key Competencies for lifelong learning defined by the EU Council. It is recognised by employers and universities across Europe as evidence of non-formal learning and international experience.
Take part with CLAVE
CLAVE Youth 2 Can Act is an Erasmus+ accredited organisation based in Valencia. We manage the full process — you just show up and have an amazing experience.
Conclusion
Erasmus+ is one of the most impactful EU programmes for young people. It's accessible, fully funded and transformative — offering international experience, language skills, intercultural competencies and lifelong connections, at zero cost to participants.
If you're between 18 and 30 and want to expand your horizons, CLAVE is here to guide you through the process from start to finish.