{Last Update: 24.12.2025}

The mobility program of the Erasmus+ program is a Key Action 1 category that allows young people to benefit from non-formal learning opportunities. 

Youth exchanges are meetings of groups of young people from at least two different countries who come together for a short period of time to jointly carry out an informal learning programme (a mix of workshops, exercises, debates, role-playing games, simulations, outdoor activities, etc.) on a topic of interest to them, drawing inspiration from the European Youth Goals. The learning period includes a planning period before the application, a preparatory phase, as well as an evaluation and follow-up phase after the exchange. 

The following activities are not eligible for grants within the framework of youth exchanges: academic study trips; exchange activities aimed at obtaining financial gain; exchange activities that could be considered tourism; festivals; holiday trips; performance tours, meetings required by law, training courses for young people conducted by adults.

Non-formal learning programs provide a unique opportunity for participants to develop competencies that are important for personal growth, their involvement in community activities and promotion of employment. Which in the end has a good impact not only on the benefits of the participants, but can also bring benefits to the wider society. 

Funding system for applicants:

Standard projects – allow applicant organizations and informal groups of young people to implement mobility programs for a period of 3 to 24 months. Standard projects are an ideal option for new organizations applying for mobility programs for the first time.

Accredited projects – Accredited programs allow organizations with Erasmus accreditation to regularly receive funding for the implementation of mobility programs. 

Note: It should be noted that youth organizations and/or informal groups can participate in the program without submitting an application and join the project as partners. 

The program has the following objectives:

• to promote intercultural dialogue and learning, as well as strengthening the feeling of Europeanness;
• develop the skills and attitudes of young people;
• to strengthen European values ​​and break down prejudices and stereotypes;
• To increase awareness of topics of social importance and thereby promote public engagement and active participation in democratic life.

Who can participate, as an applicant: The applicant can be a member state of the European Union and/or a third country associated with the program. 

Where to submit the application: Applications are submitted to the Erasmus+ National Agency of the home country of the applicant organization. 

Deadline: 12 February, 12:00 (Brussels time) for projects taking place between 1 June and 31 December of the same year

1 October 12:00 (Brussels time) for projects taking place between 1 January and 31 May of the following year

Who can participate as a participant: non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, youth non-governmental organizations, public institutions at the local, regional and national levels, social enterprises, profit-oriented organizations active in the direction of corporate social activities, from third countries that are not associated with the program (from regions 1-4 inclusive)

Project duration: 3-24 months

Minimum requirements for youth exchanges:

• Duration of the youth exchange program: from 5 to 21 days (excluding travel days)
• Age of participants: from 13 to 30 years (age of group leaders min. 18 years)
• Number of participants: min. 16 max. 60 participants. (In case of participation of a group of persons with limited abilities, the minimum number of participants is 10)

Note: within the framework of the exchange program, from the participants min. One receiving or sending organization must be from the National Agency country from which the funding is received.