For years, Erasmus+ mobility meant folders full of physical documents, printed learning agreements, scanned signatures and endless email exchanges. That reality is undergoing complete transformation! In 2026, Erasmus+ is continuing its transformation toward a fully digital mobility management system, allowing institutions to manage nominations, agreements and reporting without paper. This shift is part of the European Commission’s broader digital transformation strategy and aims to make international mobility faster, more secure and more efficient for schools and coordinators.
What Does “Paperless Erasmus+” Actually Mean?
Paperless Erasmus+ refers to the Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) initiative, a European digital infrastructure that connects higher education institutions, vocational centres and schools through secure online platforms. Instead of exchanging PDFs and printed forms, institutions now use digital nomination systems, online Learning Agreements, secure data exchange platforms, electronic signatures and centralised reporting tools The goal is to replace manual administration with interoperable digital workflows.
How Digital Nominations Work
Under the paperless system, student and staff nominations are submitted digitally through institutional platforms connected to the Erasmus+ network. This means that host institutions receive participant data instantly, errors caused by manual data entry are reduced, approval processes become faster and students can track their mobility status online. What's more, digital nominations also allow National Agencies and institutions to monitor mobility flows in real time.
The Benefits for Schools and Coordinators
The move to digital Erasmus+ processes offers clear operational advantages such as:
What Changes for Students
For participants, this digital transition simplifies the mobility experience and students benefit from online access to learning agreements, easier document updates, faster confirmation of placements and reduced need for in-person administrative appointments. This creates a smoother and more user-friendly mobility journey.
Digital Tools Supporting Paperless Erasmus+
Several tools already support the digital transition as follows:
- Online Learning Agreement (OLA) platforms
- EWP Dashboard for institutional data exchange
- European Student Card Initiative for digital identity integration
- National Agency mobility management portals
Together, these tools create a connected digital ecosystem across Erasmus+ countries.
What Schools Should Prepare for in 2026
To adapt successfully, schools and institutions should train staff on digital Erasmus+ platforms, update internal procedures, ensure data protection compliance, communicate new workflows to students and coordinate closely with partner institutions. Remember, early adoption helps avoid confusion during peak mobility periods.
Challenges to Be Aware Of
While the digital shift brings benefits, it also introduces challenges:
- Platform compatibility differences between institutions.
- Initial learning curves for staff.
- Technical onboarding requirements
- Data management responsibilities
Schools that invest in training and preparation will transition more smoothly!
Paperless Erasmus+ FAQs
Q: Is Erasmus+ fully paperless in 2026?
A: Many processes are digitalised, but some institutions may still use hybrid systems during the transition phase.
Q: Do students need special accounts or platforms?
A: Usually yes, most institutions provide access to digital portals for managing learning agreements and mobility documentation.
Q: Is digital Erasmus+ mandatory?
A: The European Commission strongly encourages digital processes, and many National Agencies now prioritise paperless workflows.
To Sum Up
Paperless Erasmus+ is not just a technical upgrade — it is a transformation of how mobility is managed across Europe. By moving nominations and agreements online, Erasmus+ becomes faster, greener and more accessible for schools and students. Institutions that adapt early will save time, reduce errors, and improve the overall mobility experience.
If your school wants support with navigating digital Erasmus+ processes and integrating paperless mobility systems into your international programmes, TravelEdventures can help you build efficient, future-ready Erasmus+ workflows. Ask us about it here.
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