Deadline: 26-Mar-2026
The Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange 2026 program funds online-facilitated, cross-cultural educational projects between EU Member States and non-associated third countries. With a maximum grant of €500,000, these 36-month projects foster intercultural dialogue, digital skills, and media literacy through moderated small-group interactions. It serves as an accessible, equity-focused alternative or complement to physical international mobility.
The European Commission is prioritizing Virtual Exchanges (VE) as a powerful tool to bridge geographical and socioeconomic gaps in education. These projects use digital platforms to connect young people and students globally, promoting European values and soft skill development through structured, human-to-human interaction.
Why It Matters: Accessible Global Education
Virtual exchanges provide high-quality international experiences for individuals who cannot participate in traditional physical mobility due to financial, social, or travel constraints.
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Equity and Inclusion: Reaches underrepresented groups, including those with fewer opportunities or disabilities.
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Climate Action: Reduces the carbon footprint associated with international educational travel.
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Democratic Participation: Strengthens civic engagement and promotes common values like freedom and tolerance.
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Media Literacy: Develops critical thinking skills necessary to identify and counter disinformation and radicalization online.
Key Concepts and Definitions
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Virtual Exchange (VE): Technology-enabled, sustained, people-to-people educational programs that use online platforms to facilitate intercultural dialogue and skill development.
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Moderated Facilitation: Interaction occurs in small groups led by trained facilitators to ensure deep, respectful, and pedagogically sound communication.
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Associated vs. Non-Associated Third Countries: “Associated” countries fully participate in Erasmus+ (e.g., Norway, Serbia), while “Non-associated” countries are specific partners in eligible world regions for this call.
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Soft Skills: Non-technical skills prioritized in VE, including teamwork, cross-cultural communication, and foreign language proficiency.
Who is Eligible?
Participation requires a collaborative consortium of legal entities active in the fields of higher education or youth.
Eligible Organizations:
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Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
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Youth organizations (non-formal education).
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Associations or networks of HEIs.
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Legal entities established in EU Member States or associated/non-associated third countries.
Regional Focus: Projects must involve a mix of EU Member States/Associated countries and non-associated third countries from eligible regions to strengthen the “Youth Dimension” in EU external relations.
Funding and Project Structure
The financial model is designed to scale with the number of participants reached.
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Maximum Grant: €500,000 per project.
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Funding Rate: Calculated at up to €200 per participant or facilitator.
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Project Duration: Typically 36 months.
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Group Format: Small groups moderated by trained facilitators.
How it Works: Eligible Activities
Funding covers the development and execution of three primary activity types:
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Facilitated Discussions: Online moderated sessions between students or young people from different countries.
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Staff/Youth Worker Training: Professional development for educators to learn how to design and manage virtual exchange projects.
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Interactive Online Courses: MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) or specific modules that prioritize community interaction through small-group forums rather than just passive content consumption.
Common Mistakes and Tips
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Mistake: Passive Learning. Projects that focus solely on recorded lectures without interactive, moderated dialogue are likely to be rejected.
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Mistake: Geographical Imbalance. Ensure the consortium meets the specific requirements for involving non-associated third countries from eligible regions.
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Tip: Integrate with Physical Mobility. Use Virtual Exchange as a “teaser” or preparation phase for future physical Erasmus+ exchanges to improve participant readiness.
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Tip: Prioritize Facilitator Training. High-quality moderation is a core evaluation criterion; invest in robust training for your group leaders.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Virtual Exchange a replacement for physical Erasmus+ study abroad? No. It is intended to be a complement to physical mobility or an alternative for those who cannot travel. It can also prepare students for future physical exchanges.
2. What is the role of a “facilitator”? A facilitator is a trained professional who guides small-group discussions, ensures respectful dialogue, and helps participants reach educational milestones.
3. Can a private company apply? Legal entities must be active in the field of higher education or youth. While some private entities may qualify if they meet these criteria, the focus is on educational and youth organizations.
4. How is the €200 per participant funding spent? This is a simplified cost option. It covers the costs of platform access, facilitator training, administrative management, and project execution.
5. Does the program support high school students? The call specifically targets “Youth” (non-formal education) and “Higher Education.” Generally, this covers ages 13–30 in the youth sector and university-level students.
6. Is there a specific platform we must use? No. Organizations can choose the digital platforms that best suit their pedagogical goals, provided they support interactive, small-group communication.
7. What are the “eligible regions” for non-associated third countries? These regions change based on EU priorities but typically include the Western Balkans, Neighborhood East, South-Mediterranean countries, and parts of Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Check the 2026 Program Guide for the specific list.
Conclusion
The Erasmus+ Virtual Exchange program is a strategic investment in global connectivity. By leveraging digital transformation to foster intercultural dialogue, the European Commission is creating a more inclusive and media-literate generation. Success in this call requires a strong focus on human-centric moderation and a commitment to reaching participants who have traditionally been excluded from international education.
For more information, visit European Commission.
