Erasmus+ for higher education and higher vocational education

The Federal Council is aiming for Switzerland to be associated with Erasmus+ from 2027. To ensure the successful participation of Swiss universities and colleges of higher education, we are supporting you in preparing for the transition. Here you will find information on Erasmus+ funding opportunities for mobility and cooperation, on the ECHE accreditation, and on the general timeline.

If the planned association with Erasmus+ goes ahead, international mobility and cooperation would no longer be funded by the so-called Swiss Solution as of June 2027, but via the European Commission and its Erasmus+ programme. This will lead to adjustments to the existing rules and framework conditions, whilst at the same time opening up new options for projects, mobilities and cooperations, and international networks.

To prepare for this transition, both structural and operational measures are required at the level of universities and colleges of higher education. A key step in this process is applying for the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE), which is a requirement for participation in the programme.

For project leaders in higher education and higher vocational education, this means that two scenarios should be considered for project planning in 2027: alignment with Erasmus+ and continuation under the current Swiss Programme for Erasmus+. You should therefore plan your project under Erasmus+ whilst also preparing a submission for the Swiss Programme for Erasmus+ in case association is not confirmed. Movetia will support you in this within the scope of its options.

The «ticket» to Erasmus+: ECHE accreditation

Any Swiss higher education institution or college of higher education wishing to apply for Erasmus+ funding must hold a valid Erasmus+ Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). This charter sets out the basic principles and minimum requirements that must be met when applying for and carrying out activities under Erasmus+. An ECHE is a prerequisite for all Erasmus+ mobility activities and cooperations.

Swiss higher education institutions wishing to participate in the 2027 Erasmus+ call had to submit their application for an ECHE by spring 2026. The next accreditation is available for the 2028 call. Further information on the accreditation application and future deadlines can be found here.

Structure of the programme

Erasmus+ is structured around three key actions (KA). Each key action has a different focus. Here you will find a summary of these key actions and their objectives for higher education and higher vocational education and training. 

This key action focuses on the mobility of individuals. In higher education and higher vocational education and training, this key action covers the mobility of students, lecturers and staff. In Switzerland, this mobility is currently funded by the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP). Within the framework of this key action, Erasmus+ supports the same types of mobility as SEMP, with additional offers for short-term and/or virtual mobility and comprehensive support for sustainable travel and inclusion. More information on learning mobility for individuals and the corresponding offers can be found here.

This key action focuses on institutional cooperation between different institutions and/or organisations. It promotes higher education cooperation in the form of partnerships and projects. In Switzerland, cooperation has so far been funded by the Swiss programme for Erasmus+ and the International Programme (IP). Instead of parallel funding from Swiss sources and participation as associated partners, institutions will in future be able to participate as full partners in the entire range of cooperation partnerships within the framework of Erasmus+. More information on cooperation and the corresponding offers can be found here.

This key action supports developments in education policy at European level. It promotes political dialogue, synergies and knowledge transfer in order to advance national and European education policy. You can find information on Key Action 3 on our page on cooperations. 

In addition, the Jean Monnet Actions in higher education support teaching and research initiatives related to the European Union and strengthen understanding of European integration processes in higher education.

Tools and networks

An association with Erasmus+ gives Swiss institutions of higher education and higher vocational education and training access to networks, services and tools.

The tools provided by Erasmus+ are designed to support project organisation and management. You can find inspiration for new projects, exchange experiences or gain access to language learning opportunities.

Tools

The Erasmus+ networks serve to establish new project partnerships or to connect as a participating organisation. They facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experience (online or at events), but also serve as a source of information for your project planning.

This list is not exhaustive and is regularly updated.

Networks

This list is not exhaustive and is regularly updated.

Information and events

With our newsletter «On the Road to Erasmus+», we keep you regularly updated on the key preparations for the planned association and give you an initial insight into what Erasmus+ has to offer.

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Events

Current events, such as webinars on Erasmus+, are regularly published on Movetia’s general events page.

Next steps for you in project planning

It’s worth starting to plan your project now. Explore the subpages on mobilities and cooperations to find out about the various funding schemes and how you can start preparing today.