Students with Fewer Opportunities

The Erasmus+ programme is committed to inclusivity in international education and cultural exchange. It acknowledges the diverse challenges that may hinder some students from participating in international mobility programs. The programme aims to create opportunities for all students to engage fully, regardless of the obstacles they may face. If you encounter difficulties that could limit your participation, the Erasmus+ programme offers resources and support to help you explore these valuable opportunities.

What Does "Fewer Opportunities" Mean?

In the Erasmus+ programme, the term "students with fewer opportunities" includes individuals who may face barriers to participating in international education. These are students who encounter obstacles that can hinder their full participation in education, particularly in international contexts. Such obstacles may include physical, mental, or sensory impairments; severe health issues; cultural differences; educational challenges; social barriers; economic disadvantages; or discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or other factors.

Recognizing these diverse needs, the European Commission has established specific criteria to identify and support students with fewer opportunities. By understanding each student's unique circumstances, the programme aims to provide tailored assistance, ensuring that all participants can benefit from the enriching experiences that international exchanges offer. Click here to access detailed criteria.

Dedicated Budgets and Support

To ensure that all students can participate in mobility activities, Erasmus+ allocates specific budgets to support students with fewer opportunities. This financial support includes:

A monthly top-up amount of 250 EUR for students and recent graduates with fewer opportunities on long-term mobility.
For short-term mobility students with fewer opportunities may receive between 36-127 EUR per day, depending on the country of destination.

In addition to financial aid, Erasmus+ also offers support for accompanying persons who assist participants with fewer opportunities. This includes covering the travel and subsistence costs of the accompanying person to ensure that students with disabilities or significant health issues can fully engage in the mobility experience.

This comprehensive support is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all students, making it easier for them to fully engage in Erasmus+ projects and benefit from international mobility. For more details on eligibility and application procedures, please refer to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2024.

Additional Resources and Training

Beyond mobility opportunities, Erasmus+ also supports projects aimed at increasing inclusion and diversity within higher education institutions. Through Erasmus+ open calls, there are various options to establish initiatives that enhance these values within institutions, providing ongoing support to students.
If you are involved in promoting inclusion and diversity, or if you work with students and youth (13-30) from diverse backgrounds, we encourage you to learn more from our info session on inclusion and diversity (Heb). This page offers valuable resources designed to help you effectively support students and ensure the program’s accessibility for those facing various barriers.