Switzerland benefits from an association with Erasmus+

There is no shortage of arguments in favour of Swiss re-association with Erasmus+. This is shown, among other things, by a report on the so-called Workshops+ that took place on six half-days at the beginning of the summer.

Parliament building in color

While Switzerland has not been part of the Erasmus+ education programme since 2014, the Workshops+ were able to demonstrate the many benefits of participation. Participants emphasised that mobility and cooperation activities can be significantly increased with an association to Erasmus+. They consider it realistic that Swiss institutions will be strongly committed and achieve a great deal of success in the European Education Champions League. In addition to the networking opportunities for Swiss institutions, Switzerland's participation in Erasmus+ is also financially interesting. More on this in our report!

Good cooperation between the different education stakeholders will be crucial to make the most of Erasmus+. Movetia will support the stakeholders in increasing activities across the board and in specific areas. These include:

  1. National communication campaign for a «culture change»: Raising awareness of the added value of stays abroad and international cooperation;
  2. Promoting all Erasmus+ offers and doing so as close to the people as possible (door-to-door), in cooperation with key stakeholders;
  3. Supportive measures: Facilitating networking and supporting the search for partner institutions, assistance with applications, etc.;
  4. Establishing support and coordination structures for exchange, mobility and cooperation at sub-national level;
  5. Coordination among the stakeholders: Supporting the implementation of the measures identified in the Workshop+ at political and institutional level.

What are the next steps towards a Swiss association to Erasmus+?

Association with Erasmus+ is one of the Federal Council's declared goals for 2022, which Guy Parmelin presented to the National Council on 13th September. The release of the cohesion contribution to the European Union seems to be a key political step in the process. If the negotiations are successful, a funding proposal is still needed on the Swiss side.

On the topic

  • Steigende Mobilitäten: Die Nachfrage bestätigt die Bedeutung des Austauschs innerhalb der Schweiz und mit Europa

    Die von Movetia geförderten Mobilitäten verzeichneten im Jahr 2025 einen Anstieg um 8% und überschritten erstmals die Marke von 40’000 Teilnehmenden. Der Jahresbericht und die Statistik 2025 zeigen den Aufschwung des Austauschs auf nationaler wie internationaler Ebene. Die Zunahme an Mobilitäten und Kooperationen im Bildungsbereich könnte sich durch die Teilnahme der Schweiz am europäischen Programm Erasmus+ noch weiter verstärken; darüber wird das Parlament bis Ende dieses Jahres entscheiden.

    Erasmus+ Austauschwoche Media release

    June 1, 2026

  • Using Erasmus+ strategically for Higher Education

    Across Europe, higher education institutions are increasingly recognising Erasmus+ as a driver for innovation, capacity building, and long‑term institutional development. Today, the programme is far more than a study-abroad scheme. When used strategically, Erasmus+ enhances teaching quality, supports institutional transformation, and fosters partnerships that help higher education institutions respond effectively to societal, environmental, technological and labour‑market challenges.

    Higher education Erasmus+

    May 12, 2026