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Call for Proposals: Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges in Neighbourhood East

Deadline: 26-Mar-2026

The Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges 2026 program provides grants of up to €500,000 to promote intercultural dialogue and digital skill development through online, people-to-people interactions. This initiative enables young people and students in the EU and eligible third countries to engage in moderated, small-group exchanges without the need for physical travel. The program specifically targets inclusion, digital transformation, and civic engagement while fostering soft skills like media literacy and teamwork.

The European Commission’s Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges initiative is a strategic funding action designed to expand international experience through digital platforms. Unlike traditional exchange programs, these virtual interactions remove geographical and financial barriers, allowing a broader demographic of youth to participate in intercultural learning and professional development.

Why It Matters: Expanding Global Citizenship Digitally

Virtual exchanges serve as a powerful tool for social and educational progress:

  • Accessibility: Provides international exposure to students who cannot participate in physical mobility due to economic, social, or health reasons.

  • Countering Radicalization: Strengthens critical thinking and media literacy to help young people identify and resist discrimination and online misinformation.

  • Employability: Develops essential “soft skills,” including foreign language practice, cross-cultural teamwork, and digital fluency.

  • Environmental Sustainability: Facilitates international collaboration with zero carbon footprint, aligning with the EU’s climate goals.

Key Concepts and Expanded Definitions

  • Virtual Exchange: A technology-enabled, sustained, people-to-people educational program where participants from different cultures interact under the guidance of trained facilitators.

  • Soft Skills: Non-technical skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving that are critical for modern professional environments.

  • Erasmus Lump Sum Grants (ERASMUS-LS): A simplified funding model where the grant is paid based on the completion of work packages rather than individual expense reporting.

  • Facilitator: A trained moderator who leads small-group online discussions to ensure dialogue remains constructive, inclusive, and educationally valuable.

Who is Eligible?

Participation requires a collaborative partnership between legal entities across multiple regions.

Eligible Organizations:

  • Higher Education Institutions (HEIs): Universities and colleges.

  • Youth Organizations: Non-profit organizations focused on non-formal education and youth development.

  • Associations of HEIs: Formal networks or consortia of universities.

Geographical and Leadership Rules:

  • Coordinator Eligibility: The coordinating organization must be established in an EU Member State or a third country associated with the Erasmus+ Programme.

  • Partner Eligibility: Organizations from eligible non-associated third countries can participate as beneficiaries but cannot act as coordinators.

  • Inclusion Focus: Projects must prioritize the inclusion of socially and economically vulnerable participants.

Grant Financials and Funding Rules

  • Total Action Budget: €2,040,948.

  • Maximum Grant per Project: €500,000.

  • Per-Participant Cap: The grant is capped at €200 per participant (youth or facilitator).

  • Participant Requirements: To receive the maximum grant of €500,000, the project must involve at least 2,500 participants.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

  1. Form a Consortium: Partner with organizations from at least one EU/associated country and one eligible non-associated third country.

  2. Define the Exchange Format: Determine if the exchange will be integrated into a Higher Education course or a non-formal youth project.

  3. Select Facilitators: Identify or plan the training for moderators who will lead the small-group interactions.

  4. Align with Thematic Priorities: Ensure the project addresses at least one priority: Inclusion/Diversity, Digital Transformation, Environment/Climate Change, or Civic Engagement.

  5. Develop a Gender-Sensitive Plan: Detail how the project will remain accessible and sensitive to gender and socioeconomic vulnerabilities.

  6. Submit via the Portal: The coordinator must submit the proposal through the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders portal under the ERASMUS-LS call.

Common Mistakes and Tips

  • Mistake: Lack of Facilitation. Proposals that do not include “moderated” interactions are often rejected. Virtual exchange is not just an online course; it requires active dialogue.

  • Mistake: Underestimating Participant Volume. If you apply for a high grant amount but fail to reach the proportional number of participants (e.g., 2,500 for a €500k grant), your budget may be cut or the proposal deemed unfeasible.

  • Tip: Integrate with Physical Mobility. Use the virtual exchange as a “teaser” or preparation for future physical Erasmus+ mobility programs to increase its impact score.

  • Tip: Focus on Data Sharing. Clearly explain which digital tools will be used and how participant engagement will be tracked and measured.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is physical travel funded under this grant? No. This specific action is for virtual exchanges only. It is designed to complement or provide an alternative to physical mobility.

2. Can an organization from a non-associated third country (e.g., in Latin America or Asia) lead the project? No. They can participate and receive funding as partners, but the Coordinator must be from an EU Member State or an Erasmus+ associated third country.

3. What is the minimum number of participants required? While there is no fixed minimum, the funding is strictly tied to a maximum of €200 per participant. A smaller number of participants will result in a lower maximum grant.

4. What age group is considered “young people” for this program? In the context of Erasmus+ Youth actions, this typically covers individuals aged 13 to 30, though students in Higher Education are also primary targets.

5. Are these exchanges just webinars? No. Virtual exchanges must involve interactive, small-group activities moderated by facilitators. Purely passive content like recorded lectures does not qualify.

6. How is “Lump Sum” funding different? You don’t need to report every small receipt. Instead, you define “Work Packages” (e.g., “Training 100 facilitators”) and receive the payment once that package is successfully completed.

7. Can a project involve both university students and youth organizations? Yes. Projects are encouraged to bridge the gap between formal higher education and non-formal youth work.

Conclusion

The Erasmus+ Virtual Exchanges 2026 program is a vital initiative for fostering global cooperation in a digital age. By providing up to €500,000 for moderated online interactions, the European Commission is ensuring that the values of tolerance, critical thinking, and citizenship are accessible to all, regardless of their ability to travel. Successful projects will be those that combine robust digital tools with a deep commitment to social inclusion and intercultural dialogue.

For more information, visit European Commission.