What Is Erasmus+ Staff Mobility and Why Does It Matter?

 

Every year, thousands of teachers and education professionals across Europe take part in Erasmus+ staff mobility programmes and for good reason. The Erasmus+ programme, funded by the European Union, is one of the most generous and accessible professional development opportunities available to educators today.

 

Under Key Action 1 (KA1) Learning Mobility of Individuals, teachers, school staff and higher education professionals can travel abroad to attend structured training courses, with most or all costs covered by an Erasmus+ grant. Travel, accommodation and course fees are all eligible for funding, making it possible to invest in your professional growth without financial barriers.

 

Whether you work in a primary school, secondary school, vocational training centre or university, Erasmus+ staff mobility has something to offer you.

 

Who Can Participate in Erasmus+ Staff Mobility?

 

Erasmus+ staff mobility is open to a wide range of education professionals. If you work at an eligible institution in an Erasmus+ Programme Country, you may be eligible to participate.

 

Eligible staff include:

 

• School teachers: primary, secondary and vocational, across all subjects
• Higher education staff: university lecturers, researchers and academic coordinators
• School support staff: administrators, librarians, counsellors and teaching assistants
• Vocational trainers: teachers and trainers in colleges and VET centres
• School leaders: headteachers, principals and management staff
• Adult education staff: trainers in adult learning organisations

 

The key requirement is that your institution must hold an Erasmus+ Accreditation or apply for a short-term KA1 project grant. Individual teachers cannot apply directly — funding flows through the institution.

 

What Types of Erasmus+ Training Courses Are Available?

 

When planning your staff mobility, you can choose from several types of approved activity:

 

1. Structured Training Courses These are purpose-built short courses — usually 5 to 10 days — run by accredited training providers across Europe. Topics include digital skills and AI in education, inclusive classrooms, classroom management, sustainability, language teaching methodology, CLIL, school innovation and much more. These courses are specifically designed for educators and are widely accepted by Erasmus+ National Agencies.

 

2. Job Shadowing Staff can spend time at a school or educational institution in another country, observing colleagues and exchanging best practice. This is particularly valuable for school leaders and administrative staff.

 

3. Teaching Assignments Abroad (Higher Education) University staff can deliver teaching at a partner institution abroad, combining it with a training element if needed.