A Clear and Practical Guide for Erasmus+ 2026: All the Key Updates Schools Need to Know

Every year, the Erasmus+ programme evolves and 2026 is no exception.  For the coming year, there’s no radical redesign but there is huge focus on discipline, compliance and quality standards. 

For this year, schools are expected to prepare their mobilities earlier, align projects more clearly with EU priorities and manage applications and funding with greater precision. These changes aim to improve transparency, accessibility and long-term impact.

Below is a clear overview of what is new and how these aspects directly affect schools and coordinators.

1. Confirmed Application Deadlines for 2026

One of the most important updates for school age education is the fixed and early application calendar, the main deadlines include:

• KA121-SCH (Accredited mobility): 19 February 2026 at 12:00 CET
• KA122-SCH (Short-term mobility projects): 19 February 2026 at 12:00 CET
• KA210-SCH (Small-scale Partnerships): 5 March 2026 at 12:00 CET
• KA220-SCH (Cooperation Partnerships): 5 March 2026 at 12:00 CET
• KA240-SCH (European Partnerships for School Development): 9 April 2026
• KA120-SCH (Erasmus+ Accreditation applications): 29 September 2026

What this means for schools

These deadlines mean that preparation must begin well before the new calendar year. Partnerships, Erasmus+ plans, internal approvals and project design should ideally be ready by January. Late preparation significantly reduces application success rates.

2. Optional Second Application Round in Autumn 2026

In 2026, National Agencies may open an additional application round, possibly around 1st October for actions such as Small-scale Partnerships or selected mobility projects.

This is not guaranteed in every country, but it is available as an option across the programme framework. Each National Agency decides whether or not they wish to activate this second round.

Why This Matters

This provides:

• A second opportunity for schools who missed spring deadlines.
• More flexibility for first-time applicants.
• Better access for smaller institutions with limited administrative capacity.
  
  

Schools should always monitor announcements from their own National Agency to confirm availability.

3. Accreditation Rules Are Now More Strictly Applied

Erasmus+ accreditation remains a central access route for long-term mobility projects, but in 2026 the expectations are even clearer and stricter.

Key updates include:

• Accreditation may be withdrawn if it is not used for three consecutive years.
• Erasmus plans must be regularly updated and aligned with current priorities.
• National Agencies may increase monitoring and request additional reporting.
  
  

The Practical Impact

Accreditation is no longer passive. Schools must actively implement mobilities and demonstrate quality management year after year.

4. New EU Financial Regulation Fully Applies

From 2026 onward, EU Financial Regulation 2024/2509 applies fully to all Erasmus+ actions.

This affects:

• Eligible and ineligible costs.
• Budget structure and reporting.
• Grant management procedures.
  
  

What Schools Should Prepare For

Budgets must be more precise. Each cost must clearly correspond to planned activities. Financial accuracy is now a core compliance requirement, not just an administrative formality.

5. Sustainability Is a Core Evaluation Priority

Environmental responsibility is now embedded across Erasmus+ project evaluation. Schools are expected to:

• Reduce environmental impact where possible.
• Promote climate awareness in learning activities.
• Consider greener travel and digital alternatives.
• Integrate sustainability into Erasmus plans and project objectives.
  
  

Projects that treat sustainability as a real operational goal — not just a written statement — are more competitive.

6. Digital Skills and Media Literacy Receive Stronger Weighting

Erasmus+ 2026 reinforces learning priorities linked to:

• Digital competence.
• Media literacy and fake news awareness.
• Critical thinking and problem-solving.
• Online safety and democratic participation.
  
  

Teacher training, school mobility and partnership projects that integrate these skills clearly are more aligned with programme priorities.

7. Mobility and Inclusion Rules Are Clearer

The updated Programme Guide introduces clearer guidance on:

• Mobility duration requirements.
• Funding ceilings for KA121 and KA122.
• Exceptional cost reimbursement.
• Inclusion support procedures.

Key Change

Inclusion support must be planned and justified clearly. Schools are encouraged to identify participation barriers during the project design, not after approval.

Erasmus+ 2026 Practical FAQs

Q: What is the main mobility application deadline for schools in 2026?

A: Most school mobility actions close on 19 February 2026 at 12:00 CET.

Q: Will every country have a second application round in October?

A: Not necessarily. Each National Agency decides independently whether to open a second call.

Q: Is accreditation still recommended for schools?

A: Yes. Accreditation remains a strong advantage because it gives long-term access to mobility funding. However, schools must actively organise mobilities and manage projects correctly. Accreditation that is not used or poorly managed may be withdrawn.

To Sum Up

Erasmus+ 2026 is built around early planning, stronger accountability and clearer priorities.

Schools that succeed this year will:

• Respect early application deadlines.
• Use accreditation actively
• Align projects with sustainability and digital priorities.
• Prepare budgets with precision.
• Monitor National Agency announcements carefully.

With the right preparation, these updates create better-quality mobility projects and more meaningful learning experiences.

If your school needs support adapting to Erasmus+ 2026 requirements, TravelEdventures helps turn programme rules into well-structured, compliant mobility projects that deliver real educational impact.  Get in touch with our team by clicking here and let’s talk about your mobilities abroad.