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RFPs: Capacity building in VET in Neighbourhood East

Deadline: 26-Mar-2026

The Erasmus+ Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training (VET) 2026 grant provides up to EUR 500,000 for projects that modernize vocational education in non-associated third countries. The program funds multilateral partnerships to align VET systems with labor market demands, fostering cooperation between public and private stakeholders. This initiative supports the EU’s Global Gateway strategy and Talent Partnerships to enhance global employability and institutional resilience.

The European Commission has opened applications for international capacity building in the VET sector. This program is a strategic investment in human capital, designed to bridge the gap between education and the workforce in developing regions. By strengthening the “institutional resilience” of VET providers, the EU aims to create sustainable pathways to quality employment.

Why It Matters: Connecting Education to the Global Economy

Traditional vocational training often lags behind modern industry requirements. This grant is critical because it:

  • Increases Employability: Directly links curriculum to “socio-economic opportunities.”

  • Supports Global Policy: Aligns with the Global Gateway (the EU’s infrastructure investment plan) and Talent Partnerships (legal migration and skills development frameworks).

  • Fosters Regional Development: Ensures that VET systems support local and national economic strategies.

  • Modernizes Pedagogy: Reinforces the capacity of teachers and trainers to deliver “demand-oriented” education.

Key Concepts and Definitions

  • VET (Vocational Education and Training): Education that provides the specific skills and knowledge required for a particular job or trade.

  • Capacity Building: The process of strengthening an organization’s ability to fulfill its mission through improved governance, staff training, and resource management.

  • Lump Sum Grant (ERASMUS-LS): A simplified funding model where the grant is paid based on the completion of pre-defined activities (work packages) rather than individual expense reports.

  • Non-Associated Third Countries: Nations outside the European Union that do not participate fully in the Erasmus+ program but are eligible for specific international cooperation projects.

Who is Eligible?

Participation requires a multilateral partnership comprising organizations active in VET or the labor market.

Eligible Legal Entities:

  • Education Providers: VET schools, training centers, and colleges.

  • Industry & Labor: Private companies, industry associations, and chambers of commerce.

  • Government & Policy: National/regional qualification authorities and employment services.

  • Research & Innovation: Research institutes, innovation agencies, and regional development authorities.

Consortium and Coordinator Rules:

  • Lead Applicant (Coordinator): Must be a VET-active entity established in an EU Member State, an associated third country, or an eligible non-associated third country.

  • Activity Limit: A single coordinator is restricted to a maximum of two proposals under this specific action.

  • Partnership Structure: Must include organizations from EU Member States/associated countries AND eligible third countries not associated with the program.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Build a Transnational Consortium: Partner with at least one VET provider and one industry representative to ensure a “demand-oriented” approach.

  2. Identify Sectoral Gaps: Select a specific labor market need (e.g., green tech, digital skills) in the target third country.

  3. Define Work Packages: Under the Erasmus-LS model, break your project into clear deliverables with fixed costs.

  4. Align with EU Policy: Explicitly demonstrate how the project supports Global Gateway or Talent Partnerships.

  5. Submit via the Portal: The coordinator must submit the proposal through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders portal.

Funding Details

  • Maximum Grant per Project: EUR 500,000.

  • Total Program Budget: EUR 3,800,000.

  • Payment Mechanism: Erasmus Lump Sum.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Mistake: Lack of Private Sector Involvement. Proposals that focus only on theoretical classroom training without industry partnership often score poorly.

  • Mistake: Over-Complexity. Stick to the maximum of two proposals as a coordinator; exceeding this will lead to disqualification.

  • Tip: Focus on Sustainability. The reviewers want to see how the VET institution will remain resilient after the 500,000 EUR grant is spent.

  • Tip: Detailed Work Packages. Because this is a lump-sum grant, your “Work Packages” must be highly specific and verifiable to trigger payments.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the maximum grant amount? A single project can receive up to EUR 500,000.

2. Is this grant for building physical schools? No. It focuses on “Capacity Building,” which includes staff training, curriculum development, governance, and strengthening ties with the labor market.

3. Do partners have to be from the EU? A project must include partners from both EU Member States (or associated countries) and non-associated third countries.

4. What is the “Lump Sum” model? It is a simplified financial system where the EU pays for completed project results rather than individual invoices and receipts.

5. How does this link to the “Global Gateway”? The Global Gateway is the EU’s plan to boost sustainable links worldwide. This grant supports that plan by training the local workforce to manage and work in those new sectors.

6. Can a private company be the project coordinator? The coordinator must be an entity active in VET. While most coordinators are educational institutions, a company with a significant, dedicated VET department may be eligible.

7. How many projects can I lead? A coordinating organization can only lead up to two proposals under this specific funding call.

Conclusion

The VET Capacity Building 2026 initiative is a cornerstone of the European Commission’s global skills strategy. By awarding up to EUR 500,000 per project, the EU is empowering VET providers to become more responsive, innovative, and integrated with the global economy. Success in this grant requires a clear focus on “labour market relevance” and strong multilateral collaboration.

For more information, visit European Commission.