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In the Erasmus+ program, "third countries" are divided into groups of countries "associated" or "non-associated" in the program. Each status implies a different level of participation in the program and access to opportunities. The group of "associated countries" includes non-EU countries that are members of the European Free Trade Association and countries that have the status of EU accession, candidate and potential candidate. This allows them to participate in Erasmus+ in almost the same way as EU members. Such countries are, for example: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Turkey. Associate countries enjoy broad access to program benefits, including full participation in project types and funding opportunities.

"Non-associated third countries" are countries that are not fully integrated into the Erasmus+ program but can still be included in the program. Georgia belongs to this category and is part of the 2nd region of the program. Thanks to this status, Georgian stakeholders can participate in many Erasmus+ activities, especially actions aimed at capacity building and cooperation with EU countries. The program promotes educational and cross-cultural exchange abroad.

The question of whether Georgia can become an "Associated Third Country" is currently being discussed through a feasibility study, which is being conducted to assess Georgia's potential full participation in Erasmus+. The mentioned research is focused on studying the preparedness of six critical sectors: higher education, school education, vocational education and training, adult education, youth and sports. Through this comprehensive analysis and ongoing capacity building initiatives by the Erasmus+ National Office in Georgia, the country is methodically preparing for full association with the program. 

The listed actions are an expression of Georgia's desire to comply with European educational standards and represent a promising way for Georgia's deep integration with the Erasmus+ family.

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In the Erasmus+ Programme, "Third Countries" are categorized as either "Associated" or "Not Associated" to the Programme, each status offering a distinct level of participation and access to opportunities. "Associated countries" include non-EU countries that are members of the European Free Trade Association and those that have established agreements with the EU as acceding, candidate and potential candidate countries, allowing them to participate in Erasmus+ almost as if they were EU members. These countries, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey, enjoy extensive access to the Program's benefits, including full participation in types of projects and funding opportunities.

On the other hand, "Not Associated Third Countries" are those not fully integrated into the Erasmus+ framework but that can still engage with the Programme. Georgia falls under this category and is part of Region 2 within the Program. Thanks to this status, Georgia is not left on the sidelines; and Georgian stakeholders can participate in numerous Erasmus+ actions, especially those aimed at capacity building and cooperation with EU countries. This inclusion is an expression of the Programme's commitment to fostering educational and cultural exchanges beyond its borders.

The question of whether Georgia can become an "Associated Third Country" is currently under exploration through a dedicated feasibility study. This important step is part of broader efforts to assess Georgia's potential full participation in Erasmus+. The study focuses on examining the readiness of six critical sectors: Higher Education, School Education, Vocational Education and Training, Adult Education, Youth, and Sport. Through this comprehensive analysis and the ongoing capacity-building initiatives led by the National Erasmus+ Office in Georgia, the country is methodically preparing to enhance its engagement with the Programme.

 These steps reflect Georgia's commitment to aligning with European educational standards, showcasing a promising path towards deeper integration with the Erasmus+ community.