School Exchange Partnerships: new, simplified application for pupil and staff mobility

In 2018, it is now even easier to apply for pupil and staff exchanges in Erasmus+. School-to-School Partnerships have been replaced by School Exchange Partnerships. The underlying objective of the modification was to simplify the application, management and funding rules, reduce the administrative burden, and make the action more accessible for its target group.

The new action is more welcoming to schools that have no previous experience with Erasmus+, as the application procedure is simplified and based on an online form.

Under the new guidelines, schools can organise short-term exchanges of pupils, accompanied by staff, lasting from three days to two months (excluding travel days), instead of the minimum five-day period required before. Schools can also offer long-term exchanges of between two months and a year for pupils over the age of 14. Projects should last between 12 and 24 months in the case of short exchanges and up to three years for long-term exchanges of pupils. Partnerships must involve a minimum of two and a maximum of six schools, from at least two programme countries.

Efforts to better support smaller projects started in 2016 with the introduction of “Exchange of good practice” partnerships. The need for a new formula was also suggested by the National Agencies Working Group for Strategic Partnerships in school education, as it was recognised that the complexity of the previous framework could prevent some schools (small schools, schools in disadvantaged areas, first-time applicants) from entering the Programme.

Participating schools in all projects are strongly encouraged to use the eTwinning online platform to work together on the project before, during and after the mobility activities.

For more details, please check the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and see the brochure outlining various Erasmus+ opportunities for schools.