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.

Procedure

Preparing for Erasmus+

  1. 1

    Familiarise yourself with the basics

    Get to grips with the Erasmus+ Programme Guide at an early stage. It is the central reference document for all aspects of the programme. We also recommend using materials and resources from other National Agencies, such as the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Austrian Agency for Education and Internationalisation (OeAD) or Agence Erasmus+ France.

  2. 2

    Learn from existing projects

    On the Erasmus+ Project Results Platform, you will find funded projects from all programme areas. Use these for guidance on content and to develop a feel for the language and logic of Erasmus+ applications. Sample applications and templates are also available from Movetia.

  3. 3

    Engage your partners

    Your partners can provide valuable advice on the practical implementation of Erasmus+. You should also approach existing contacts at an early stage regarding potential Erasmus+ cooperation. International cooperations take time. For new project planning, you can apply to us for a Preparatory visit.

  4. 4

    Consider both scenarios

    Think about what your project idea would look like under both Erasmus+ and the Swiss solution, taking into account the respective budget frameworks, partner requirements and risks. This risk assessment will help you prepare the idea realistically at an early stage.

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.

Not yet receiving the newsletter? Click here to subscribe.

Events

An Erasmus+ training series will be held in spring 2026. This will provide an initial overview of Key Action 1 (KA1) and the funding logic within Erasmus+. Further information can be found on the Erasmus+ training events page.

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

Further information

  • Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE)

    To participate in the Erasmus+ programme, you must have a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). The charter aims to guarantee the quality of student and staff mobility activities and cooperation projects. In the following sections, we explain what an ECHE is and how the accreditation application process works.

    Learn more

  • Learning mobility of individuals

    Erasmus+ aims to give Swiss higher education institutions and colleges of higher education the opportunity to offer their students and staff a wide range of mobility options. In the following sections, we outline the applicable framework conditions, any changes for you compared to the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) and the actions available to you under Erasmus+.

    Learn more

  • Cooperation & Jean Monnet

    With Switzerland’s association with Erasmus+, Swiss higher education institutions and colleges of higher education could work together on shared challenges in cooperation projects and help shape the European Higher Education Area. In the following sections, we outline what would change for you compared to participation under the “Swiss Programme for Erasmus+” in the context of cooperation projects, and what funding opportunities would be available to you under Erasmus+.

    Learn more