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Erasmus+

EU programme for education, training, youth and sport

Coronavirus impact

This page is for students, pupils, volunteers and other participants in the Erasmus+ programme and European Solidarity Corps. It gives information on how coronavirus is affecting activities, what changes are taking place, and what help is available.

The COVID-19 outbreak negatively affects ongoing or planned activities under the Erasmus+ programme and European Solidarity Corps.

Our response

The European Commission’s main objective is the safety and protection of all Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps participants, while fully respecting all the containment measures taken at national level. The European Commission is working to help beneficiaries and students, pupils, volunteers and other participants in the programmes deal with the consequences for them.

The Commission will continue to adapt its response to this unprecedented situation as it evolves, clarifying and simplifying the application or rules and procedures where necessary in cooperation with Erasmus+ National Agencies and the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA).

Publication of Extraordinary Calls

Two extraordinary Erasmus+ calls for proposals were launched on 25 August 2020 to support digital education readiness and creative skills. The calls each provide €100 million to respond to the coronavirus epidemic.

  • The call for digital education readiness will support projects in school education, vocational education and training, and higher education. This call will aim to enhance online, distance and blended learning - including supporting teachers and trainers, as well as safeguarding the inclusive nature of digital learning opportunities.
  • The call for ‘partnerships for creativity’ will support projects in the fields of youth, school education and adult education. The call aims to develop skills and competences that encourage creativity and boost quality, innovation and recognition of youth work.

Both calls will help link education, training and youth organisations with those in the cultural and creative sectors.

May 2020 impact surveys

The European Commission ran two surveys to collect the views of mobility participants and higher education institutions on how the COVID-19 outbreak has affected the ordinary course of their projects and activities respectively.

European Universities Initiative survey results (in English)

Learning mobilities survey results (in English)

Erasmus Mundus survey report

A June 2020 report by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) presents the results of a survey carried out among Erasmus Mundus projects. It investigates how consortia and students are coping with the unprecedented situation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Erasmus Mundus Programme Implementation in the context of COVID-19 (in English) [pdf]

See also

Erasmus Mundus programme implementation for the academic year 2020-21 (in English)

Frequently asked questions

Where should I turn with my questions about the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Erasmus+ or European Solidarity Corps activities?

Individual participants

Students, teachers, young people, youth workers, volunteers etc., facing difficulties should contact their home institution or organisation. Institutions and organisations should keep an open channel of communication with participants in their projects, even if their premises are closed.

Please be aware that answers to queries on financial matters (refunds, eligibility of costs, conditions for grants, etc.) may take a bit more time due to reduced access to many institutions and organisations.

More questions for participants

Beneficiary organisations

Universities, schools, youth organisations etc. should contact for support the agency which granted their project, either:

  • The National Agency in their respective home country, for most actions of the Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programmes. National agencies are present in EU Member States as well as North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey, Serbia and the United Kingdom
  • The European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps centralised actions, such as Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, Jean Monnet, European Universities, Centres of Vocational Excellence, Capacity Building, European Youth Together or Volunteering teams in High Priority Areas.

More questions for organisations

Other project partners

Project partners that are not project beneficiaries (universities, schools, youth organisations etc.) should liaise with the coordinator (project beneficiaries) of their project.

See also

Practical advice for participants

Wider impact

Information on the European Commission's response to coronavirus

Related news

Published: 

Coronavirus response: Extraordinary Erasmus+ calls to support digital education readiness and creative skills

Two new calls launched on 25 August 2020 each providing €100 million to respond to the educational challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Published: 

Coronavirus outbreak - deadlines for applications extended

As a result of difficulties experienced by applicants due to the coronavirus outbreak, the deadlines for submission of applications to the actions below have been extended
Published: 

Coronavirus: Consequences for Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps mobility activities

We are applying the maximum flexibility we can in the implementation of the programme, within the limits of the applicable legal framework.