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Research Newsletter – Issue 114: Erasmus Spotlight

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The Erasmus+ Programme

May 2026

Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe, with a budget of approximately €26.2 billion under the current programme (2021-2027).  Thirty per cent of the budget goes towards transnational collaborative projects and policy development activities in many areas that are often not funded through other programmes. 

The funding supports projects that foster cooperation and exchange of practices, allowing participants to make better use of new technologies; develop innovative teaching, training and learning methods; promote non-formal learning; and develop common tools and activities.

The programme supports priorities and activities set out in the European Education Area, Digital Education Action Plan and in the European Skills Agenda.  It helps make the European Pillar of Social Rights a reality, implements the EU Youth Strategy 2019-2027 and develops the European dimension in sport.

Key Facts about the Erasmus+ programme

  • The programme invests in forward-looking study fields such as climate change, digital skills, clean energy, artificial intelli­gence, health sciences, etc.
  • It provides valuable trans-sectoral opportunities, for example for working in the public sector and civic society space, and an important global reach
  • Engagement with Erasmus+ projects at DCU continues to grow across all our faculties. This year, we have seen the highest annual rate of submitted applications to date.
  • Even while competition grows across Europe, success rates in many of the calls remain among the highest for research funding. DCU’s overall success rate was 25% in 2025.
  • As DCU's 5th highest source of external funding for research, the Erasmus+ programme is a key element of DCU’s research activity & strategy.

Prepare now to apply for Erasmus+ 2027 

  • 2027 will be the last year under the current programme; from 2028, we expect some changes to the structure of the programme, though no major shifts to the current objectives and priorities are foreseen.
  • Expect the call to be launched in November. 
  • The UK rejoins Erasmus+ as a full programme country, meaning that universities and other organisations in the UK will once again fully take part in all the Actions of the Programme from 2027.
     

How to find out more

  • Attend our online information session: Friday 5th June at 10.00am – Registration link
  • Look out for in person workshops and events from September ahead of the launch of the 2027 Call.
  • Contact DCU’s Senior Erasmus + Development Officer Dr Sophie Ball.

 

Comparing Erasmus+ with Horizon Europe

As DCU's fifth- and second-highest sources of external funding for research respectively (period 2020-2024), both Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe programmes are key elements of DCU's research activity and strategy.

In DCU, 38 PIs submitted applications under one or both Horizon programmes and the Erasmus+ programme over the 5-year period 01/01/2020-06/01/2025, representing 15% of the total number of applicants to these programmes. The scope for engaging in both programmes is neither restricted to a specific topic area nor career level. These PIs represent all five Faculties from early career to established researchers. 

Many of the successful Horizon awardees reported that they continue to also apply under the Erasmus+ programme, indicating that the Erasmus+ programme is not solely an entry level award but continues to bring many benefits to research careers.

Key benefits identified by DCU participants are diverse and include international collaboration and networking, access to significant funding, and the ability to leverage funding for future projects. Participating DCU PIs have praised both programmes for their ability to foster international partnerships, leading to longer-term relationships and future funding opportunities. Some PIs also appreciated the lighter-touch reporting under both programmes compared to national funders. 

The Erasmus+ programme provides a different, complimentary range of opportunities for activities and funding to Horizon or national funders and brings many benefits to research careers. 

 

Contact

Guidance and information on the Erasmus+ programme are provided by DCU’s Senior Erasmus+ Development Officer Dr Sophie Ball.  One-to-one meetings can be arranged at any time of the year to discuss ideas for a project, for support with finding partners, or for a general discussion about the opportunities under the Erasmus+ programme. Sophie runs events throughout the year to support staff in submitting successful funding applications.  Past presentations, a list of current Erasmus+ projects at DCU, and other resources can be found on DCU’s Erasmus+ webpage.