Deadline: 08-Sep-2026
The Comenius Teaching Fellows mbo 2027 programme supports vocational education professionals in the Netherlands who want to develop and implement innovative teaching projects within their own educational practice.
The programme provides up to €50,000 per project to improve post-secondary vocational education, strengthen teaching quality, and support educational innovation that directly benefits students in publicly funded mbo institutions.
Programme Overview
The Comenius Teaching Fellows mbo programme is a Dutch education funding initiative focused on improving and renewing vocational education through innovative teaching practices.
The programme supports:
- Educational innovation projects
- Teaching quality improvement
- Student-centered learning approaches
- Professional development in education
- Innovation in vocational education practice
- Broader educational impact across institutions
The initiative also recognizes the importance of high-quality teaching and supports professional growth pathways for educators and researchers.
Main Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Improve post-secondary vocational education
- Support innovative teaching methods
- Enhance student learning outcomes
- Encourage educational experimentation and renewal
- Strengthen teaching impact within mbo institutions
- Promote professional recognition for educators
Funding Details
Maximum Grant Amount
- Up to €50,000 per project
Total Programme Budget
- €1,300,000
Expected Number of Funded Projects
- Approximately 26 projects
Funding Themes
Funding is distributed across:
- Three thematic areas
- One open theme
If funds remain unused within a theme, the Programme Committee for Higher Education may redistribute the budget to other themes or future Comenius mbo funding rounds based on project quality.
Who is Eligible?
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be:
- Education professionals working in publicly funded mbo institutions in the Netherlands
- Directly involved in teaching or student learning processes
Eligible applicants may include:
- Teachers
- Lecturers
- Educational specialists
- Learning coordinators
- Other vocational education professionals
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
- Develop and implement the project within their own educational practice
- Meet all formal requirements in the official call document
- Submit applications through the designated application system
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The programme supports projects focused on:
- Innovative teaching approaches
- Curriculum improvement
- Digital and blended learning
- Student engagement strategies
- Skills-based vocational education
- Inclusive learning environments
- Practical improvements in teaching practice
Projects should demonstrate direct benefits for students and vocational education quality.
How Applications Are Evaluated
Applications are assessed based on:
- Project quality
- Relevance to vocational education
- Innovation and originality
- Expected educational impact
- Contribution to teaching improvement
- Feasibility and implementation quality
Selection decisions are made by the Programme Committee for Higher Education through a structured review process.
How to Apply
Step 1: Develop an Educational Innovation Project
Applicants should identify:
- A challenge or opportunity in vocational education
- An innovative teaching solution
- Expected student benefits and outcomes
Step 2: Prepare the Proposal
The application should clearly explain:
- Project objectives
- Educational innovation approach
- Implementation plan
- Expected impact on teaching and learning
- Budget and resource allocation
Step 3: Submit Through the Official Application System
Applications must be submitted according to the procedures and deadlines outlined in the official programme documentation.
Why This Programme Matters
The Comenius Teaching Fellows mbo programme helps:
- Improve vocational education quality
- Encourage innovative teaching practices
- Support educator-led change
- Strengthen student learning experiences
- Promote recognition of excellent teaching
The programme also contributes to long-term educational renewal within the Dutch vocational education system.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Weak Student Impact
Projects should clearly demonstrate benefits for student learning and educational outcomes.
Limited Innovation
Applications should present meaningful educational improvements rather than routine teaching activities.
Unclear Implementation Plans
Applicants should explain how the project will be carried out within their institution.
Poor Alignment With Vocational Education Needs
Projects should directly address challenges or opportunities within mbo education.
FAQ
What is the Comenius Teaching Fellows mbo programme?
It is a funding programme supporting innovative teaching projects in vocational education institutions in the Netherlands.
How much funding is available?
Applicants may receive up to €50,000 per project.
Who can apply?
Education professionals working in publicly funded mbo institutions in the Netherlands are eligible.
What types of projects are supported?
Projects focused on educational innovation, teaching improvement, curriculum renewal, and student learning enhancement are supported.
How many projects are expected to be funded?
Approximately 26 projects are expected to receive funding.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are assessed based on quality, relevance, innovation, feasibility, and expected educational impact.
Conclusion
The Comenius Teaching Fellows mbo 2027 programme provides valuable funding opportunities for vocational education professionals in the Netherlands to develop innovative teaching practices that improve student learning and strengthen the quality of mbo education. By supporting educator-led innovation, the programme promotes long-term improvement and excellence in vocational education.
For more information, visit NKO.