Erasmus+ for African students and organisations: practical guide
Want study, training or funding through Erasmus+? This short guide explains what Erasmus+ offers, who can join, and clear steps to apply.
How Erasmus+ works
Erasmus+ is the European Union programme that funds study, traineeships, staff exchanges, and partnerships with organisations worldwide. For African individuals it usually means a semester abroad, an internship in Europe, or scholarships like joint master degrees. For universities, schools, and NGOs it can fund projects that improve teaching, create joint courses, or build institutional capacity.
Practical tips to apply
Find the right action first: mobility for individuals, cooperation for partnerships, or capacity building for larger institutional links. Check eligibility on your national agency page or the Erasmus+ programme guide because rules and deadlines change each year. Start early: partnership building and proposal writing take weeks, not days. Get a reliable partner in a programme country and agree roles, budget lines, and intellectual property from the start. Prepare clear learning agreements, CVs, and motivation letters for students and staff; these documents matter at selection. Language tests may be required so plan for them early and include language support in your budget.
Grants cover travel, living costs, and sometimes tuition, but they rarely cover all expenses so calculate top up funds. Ask your home institution about recognition of credits and use the European Credit Transfer system where possible. For organisations, keep clear records, follow reporting rules, and plan for audits to avoid grant recovery.
Use these resources: Erasmus+ National Agencies, the EU funding portal, university international offices, and local info days. Join online forums and alumni groups to find partners and real feedback from people who already travelled or ran projects. Keep proof of communications, invoices, and participant lists; they are the spine of a strong final report.
Common mistakes to avoid: weak partner roles, vague budgets, late signatures, and missing backup paperwork. If you need help, contact a local former grantee or a university office; experience saves time and increases chances.
Quick checklist: confirm action type, lock partners, draft budget, collect documents, submit before the deadline, prepare for interviews. Erasmus+ can open study and career doors if you plan carefully and follow the rules.
Want specific calls for African applicants? Check your national agency and the Erasmus+ section of your university site regularly. Reach out early and treat partnership as a two way street; good collaboration often wins funding.
Think beyond Europe: Erasmus+ funds projects that impact local communities, so pitch ideas that bring clear benefits home. Use measurable results like number of trained teachers, new course modules, or student exchange numbers to strengthen applications. Be honest about risks and mitigation plans, for example visa delays, language barriers, or local partner capacity gaps. Finally, document impact with photos, short reports, and testimonials so you have proof for future calls.
Students: contact your international office, apply for study leave, check visa and insurance rules, book housing early, and budget realistically for extras. Organisations: appoint a grant manager, set clear milestones, and build simple monitoring tools to track progress and costs. Start now, aim high.
UTM Kuala Lumpur Hosts Influential Erasmus+ Event to Boost Global Higher Education Collaboration
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia hosted a pivotal Erasmus+ event aimed at enhancing international collaboration in higher education. Over 75 participants from 29 universities attended to explore opportunities and practical insights into the Erasmus+ program. The event included an Info Session and a CBHE Cluster Meeting, focusing on project proposal writing and sustainable practices.