Forward-looking projects Erasmus+

Forward-looking projects Erasmus+ are large-scale cooperation projects. The aim is to develop innovative approaches that can improve education systems in Europe. Swiss educational institutions can participate.

Next steps

For institutions

Next application deadline: expected spring 2027

For institutions

Next application deadline: expected spring 2027

Overview

For whom

  • Swiss institutions at all educational levels, depending on the Call

Duration

  • 1-3 years 

Where

  • Mainly in Europe

What we fund

  • Financial contribution to staff and material costs of the Swiss organisation up to a maximum of 60% of the project costs

What to do

  • Institutions find European partner institutions and plan the project together
  • You submit a funding application for Swiss participation as an "associated partner" 

Deadlines

  • Application deadline: usually annually in spring
  • Next Deadlines: expected spring 2027
  • Project start: analogue to the Erasmus+ project 

Next steps

For institutions

Next application deadline: expected spring 2027

In detail

Erasmus+ provides targeted funding for projects to initiate systemic innovations in specific divisions. We finance the participation of Swiss institutions as associated partners. 

As a partner in forward-looking projects Erasmus+, you help to shape innovations, are the first to apply innovations, support innovation transfers to different countries, policy areas or for different target groups and distinguish yourself as a pioneer in the education system. You network with other innovative institutions in Europe.

Erasmus+ sets out the basic rules for the Erasmus+ project format. Each Erasmus+ call for proposals is divided into different priorities (lots), for which there are specific requirements for the application and evaluation of projects, e.g. topic-specific priorities, project durations, budgets, maximum EU funding per project.

Additional Swiss rules apply to applications to Movetia. Associated participation in an Erasmus+ project is funded by the Swiss Programme for Erasmus+

Shaping the future with innovative approaches

Forward-looking projects are large-scale projects that aim to identify, develop, test and/or evaluate innovative systemic approaches. These approaches are designed to improve education and training systems. Following the bottom-up approach, these projects aim to achieve a systemic impact at European level, ensure transferability to other contexts and target groups and drive the education and training policy agenda in Europe.

The Call is usually divided into different priority areas (lots), which are aimed at different areas of education, have different project lengths and provide different amounts of funding per project.

Swiss institutions as associated partners

At least three to six partner institutions from three different Erasmus+ countries must participate in forward-looking projects Erasmus+ projects - Switzerland is not included as a non-associated third country. One of these partner institutions submits the application to the Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels as the project leader.

Once you have found cooperation partners, your institution can enter into an associated partnership. You can apply to Movetia for funding for your participation in the project.

Requirements

For institutions:

  • The applying institution is based in Switzerland.
  • Individuals are not eligible to apply.

To the project:

  • Switzerland's participation as an "associated partner" and its roles and activities are mentioned in the Erasmus+ application.
  • The Swiss application is submitted to Movetia in parallel to the corresponding Erasmus+ application, in the same application round of the same year.
  • The funding amount is appropriate and proportionate in comparison to the EU partners and the planned activities.
  • At least 40% are own or third-party funds.
  • There is no double funding with other Movetia or Erasmus+ Funding opportunities.
  • Swiss participation in an forward-looking project Erasmus+ can only be funded if the Executive Agency in Brussels authorises funding for the Erasmus+ project at EU level.

Funding amounts

  • A maximum of 60% of the staff and material costs of the Swiss organisation that are directly related to the project. You must provide at least 40% of the project funding yourself or finance it from other sources (funding from Movetia or Erasmus+ is excluded).
  • We reserve the right to reduce the requested funds.

Funding criteria

Swiss participation in an forward-looking project Erasmus+ can only be funded if the Executive Agency (EACEA) in Brussels authorises funding for the Erasmus+ project at EU level.

Swiss applications will be assessed against the following quality criteria, focussing on the Swiss project rather than the Erasmus+ project as a whole

  • Relevance of the Swiss project (30%)
  • Quality of project conception & implementation (20%)
  • Project team & agreement (20%)
  • Impact & results (30%)

Q & A

Yes, this is possible in principle. There are three main reasons:

  • If an Erasmus+ project is rejected at EU level, the Swiss application cannot be approved either.
  • If the Added value / additional benefit of Swiss participation for Switzerland is not convincingly demonstrated, the project can also be rejected. 
  • In principle, we expect to see increased competition for Swiss funding for international educational cooperation programmes such as those supported by Movetia in the coming years. We may have to turn down projects due to limited funding.

By "institution" or "organisation" we mean an entity that is involved in educational activities. This includes schools, universities, vocational training centres, associations, foundations or other structures. These institutions must have a formal framework for their activities and be legally recognised in Switzerland. Collaborators working for an institution can start a project with the approval of their management.

Possible partner institutions for international cooperation include different types of educational and vocational training institutions such as schools, universities, vocational training centres, public authorities, associations and companies active in the field of education. These partners should come from different countries and enable genuine transnational cooperation to develop innovative educational projects, exchange practices or solve common educational challenges.

Further information

  • 4

    Dec

    2025

    Webinar: Infoveranstaltung Kooperationsförderung 2026

Further options

Similar funding opportunities

  • Nationale Kooperationen in der Lehrpersonenbildung

    Schweizer Institutionen der Lehrer:innenbildung erhalten finanzielle Unterstützung, um innovative Projekte mit Institutionen einer anderen Sprachregion zu entwickeln.

  • International cooperation for excellence

    The Erasmus+ Partnerships for Excellence focus on strategic international cooperation over several years.