Exchange programmes - Europe and beyond
Erasmus+ Programme Countries 2026: Full List and Eligibility
The Erasmus+ programme is built around a defined set of countries that can participate fully in every action. In the 2021-2027 cycle, that group is made up of the 27 EU member states and six associated third countries, a total of 33 programme countries, while dozens more countries join selected actions as partner countries. This page lists every Erasmus+ programme country, explains who can take part, and shows how the Erasmus+ youth exchange fits in.
What are Erasmus+ programme countries?
Erasmus+ programme countries are the countries that can fully participate in all actions of the Erasmus+ programme, from student and staff mobility to strategic partnerships and youth projects. In the current 2021-2027 programming period, this group includes every EU member state plus third countries that have signed association agreements with the programme.
There are 33 programme countries in total: the 27 EU member states and six associated third countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye). Organizations and individuals established in these countries can take part in Erasmus+ on equal terms.
Quick facts
- 33 programme countries in the 2021-2027 Erasmus+ cycle
- 27 EU member states plus 6 associated third countries
- Programme countries can take part in all Erasmus+ actions
- Partner countries join selected actions under specific conditions
- The official list is published in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide
Full list of programme countries
EU member states (27)
Third countries associated with the programme (6)
The term "programme country" is still used informally, but the official Erasmus+ Programme Guide now calls this group "EU member states and third countries associated with the programme". The list above reflects the official status as of the 2026 edition of the guide.
Partner countries (not associated)
Countries outside the programme country group are called third countries not associated with the programme (sometimes still called partner countries). They cannot take part in all actions, but they can join specific Erasmus+ activities such as youth exchanges, capacity-building projects, and higher education mobility, usually in cooperation with an organization from a programme country.
Partner countries are grouped into regions for administrative purposes. The main regions include:
- Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro
- Neighbourhood East: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
- South-Mediterranean countries: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia
- Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
- Central Asia, Middle East, Pacific, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, USA and Canada
- Faroe Islands, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom
Because the exact actions available differ from one region to another, the official eligible countries list is the definitive reference.
Who can participate
Participation depends on which action you want to join:
| Participant | Programme countries | Partner countries |
|---|---|---|
| University students (study exchange) | Yes, all actions | Selected actions, via partnership |
| Young people aged 13-30 (youth exchange) | Yes, all actions | Selected exchanges, via partnership |
| Teachers, trainers, and staff | Yes, all actions | Selected actions |
| Organizations and institutions | Yes, apply directly | Usually through a programme country partner |
Tip: if you live in a partner country, the fastest route into Erasmus+ is through a registered youth organization or university that already runs Erasmus+ projects. The exchange programmes hub collects related opportunities.
Erasmus+ vs Erasmus Mundus
Erasmus+ is the European Union's overall programme for education, training, youth, and sport, running from 2021 to 2027. It funds study exchanges, traineeships, staff mobility, youth exchanges, strategic partnerships, and dozens of other actions across its programme and partner countries.
Erasmus Mundus is one specific action inside Erasmus+. It funds internationally integrated Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters built by consortia of universities from at least three countries, with students studying in at least two countries and receiving a scholarship covering tuition, travel, and a monthly allowance. While every EU member state is automatically a programme country, Erasmus Mundus consortia draw partner universities from both programme and partner countries worldwide.
See the Erasmus Mundus hub for the full guide to Joint Master Degrees.
Erasmus+ youth exchange
Erasmus+ Youth Exchanges are short, fully funded cultural exchanges that bring together groups of young people aged 13 to 30 from different countries for activities built around a shared theme. Participation is arranged through registered youth organizations, which manage the funding application and logistics on participants' behalf. Travel, accommodation, and activity costs are covered by the programme.
Youth exchanges are one of the most accessible Erasmus+ actions because participants join as part of a national group rather than applying individually. A group leader aged 18 or over accompanies each group.
Erasmus+ Youth Exchange
Fully funded EU programme connecting young people through cross-cultural learning activities.
People also ask
Erasmus+ programme country frequently asked questions
What are the Erasmus+ programme countries?
Programme countries are the countries that can fully take part in all Erasmus+ actions. In the 2021-2027 cycle they include the 27 EU member states and six associated third countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye.
How many countries participate in Erasmus+ 2026?
33 countries fully participate as programme countries: 27 EU member states plus six associated third countries. Many more countries worldwide join selected actions as partner countries.
Which countries can take part in Erasmus+ youth exchanges?
Youth exchanges are open to groups from any programme country, and partner organizations from third countries can join in many cases. Each exchange is organized through registered youth organizations.
What is the difference between programme countries and partner countries?
Programme countries participate in all Erasmus+ actions on equal terms. Partner countries (third countries not associated) can only join selected actions and usually need to cooperate with a programme country organization.
Is the United Kingdom an Erasmus+ programme country?
No. The UK is not associated with the Erasmus+ programme in the current 2021-2027 cycle. UK students and organizations participate as part of third countries not associated with the programme.
Can students from outside Europe join Erasmus+?
Yes, in selected actions such as youth exchanges, capacity building, and higher education mobility, usually in cooperation with an organization from a programme country.
What is the difference between Erasmus+ and Erasmus Mundus?
Erasmus+ is the EU's broad programme for education, training, youth, and sport. Erasmus Mundus is a specific Erasmus+ action funding internationally integrated Joint Master Degrees built by university consortia from at least three countries.
Who can join an Erasmus+ youth exchange?
Young people aged 13 to 30 can join by connecting with a registered youth organization in their country. A group leader over 18 accompanies each national group.
Is the Erasmus+ youth exchange fully funded?
Yes. The sending youth organization arranges coverage of travel, accommodation, and activity costs, so participants generally do not pay participation fees.
How do I apply for an Erasmus+ youth exchange?
You do not apply directly to Erasmus+. Contact a registered youth organization or national agency in your country, ask about upcoming exchanges, and join a national group. The organization handles the application.