Record number of people have applied to take part in the Erasmus+ programme – Minister Harris

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Innovation, Research and Science, Simon Harris has welcomed news that a record number of people have applied to take part in the Erasmus+ programme over the next two years.

Up to 7,000 people have applied for Erasmus+, compared to 5,100 who applied in February 2020.

Léargas and the Higher Education Authority launched the 2021 to 2027 Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps programme at a virtual event today.

The launch also heard the Erasmus+ Programme has now been expanded to include adult learners and early childhood organisations for the first time. The period of travel for participants can vary from as little as a week to as long as a year.

Over 85,000 learners, staff, young people and volunteers are to benefit from improved funding under the new programme over the next six years, with EU funding of €42 million available this year alone.

The money will used to support study visits, traineeships, volunteering and inter-institutional collaboration between schools, further education centres, adult education, youth and higher education institutions.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Harris said: “This is a record-breaking year for Erasmus+, with more people than ever applying for the programme. This is despite the uncertainty of the pandemic and Brexit.

“And this year, for the first time, adult learners will be able to travel for periods of learning. This is a really exciting development in expanding this important programme.

“It’s wonderful that for the first time adult learners and early childhood organisations will be able to apply for Erasmus+, which further strengthens a more inclusive approach in education.

“Erasmus+ has opportunities for so many different kinds of people. It is for everyone and I am so pleased the doors are being opened for more to access it.”