Under the EU’s Erasmus+ programme, around 250 million euros are once again available for cross-border mobility at German universities. This was announced today by the National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education Cooperation at the German Academic Exchange Service (NA DAAD). The funds are available across three funding streams, specifically for stays abroad by students, doctoral candidates and university staff within the European Union and worldwide.

Under the ‘Individual Mobility’ funding stream, German universities will once again receive 205 million euros over the next two years, the same amount as last year. The budget will be used by the universities to fund stays abroad for students, doctoral candidates and university staff. The focus is on funding stays in the 33 programme countries of the Erasmus area, which from June 2027 will once again include the United Kingdom and, for the first time, Switzerland. Universities may also use up to 20 per cent of the funds for global mobility outside the programme countries. The Erasmus programme is thus becoming increasingly important for study and work placement stays outside Europe as well. 

Universities are planning around 61,500 mobility placements abroad 

With the funding provided, universities are expected to be able to support around 61,500 people in undertaking a semester abroad, an international work placement, or a teaching or professional development placement. Study placements abroad remain particularly in demand. At the same time, work placements abroad – with around 10,700 placements planned – are becoming increasingly popular. Further training for university staff abroad is also gaining in importance; around 4,200 placements are to be organised to drive forward the internationalisation of university administrations.

32 million euros for mobility from around the world to Germany

Under the ‘Mobility with Partner Countries’ funding stream, Erasmus+ will provide German universities with around 32 million euros over the next two years. These funds are intended to facilitate around 6,800 stays in Germany by international students, PhD candidates and university staff.

Funding for partnerships and programme support

In addition, around eight million euros will be channelled into so-called ‘Cooperation Partnerships’, which enable universities to work with international partner organisations to drive forward cross-sectoral internationalisation projects in Europe. This will support around 20 new projects across all academic disciplines, ranging from ‘entrepreneurship’ and artificial intelligence (AI) to innovative teacher training.

All types of universities benefit

All types of universities in Germany benefit from the funding provided under the Erasmus programme. The programme focuses on internationalisation and the development of structures to promote inclusion, diversity and sustainability. 
The funds are managed and disbursed at national level by the National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education Cooperation at the DAAD (NA DAAD). Further funding for European and international cooperation between German universities – such as for the European University Alliances – is provided directly by the European Union.