[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

September 3, 2026 (Full application deadline, 17:00 Brussels time)

€68,000,000 total call budget; awards are typically multi-year, lump sum grants.

Supports transnational networks that drive innovation and excellence in vocational education and training (VET) across Europe.

--- ## Description The Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVE) initiative, funded under Erasmus+, is designed to foster innovation, quality, and inclusion in the vocational education and training (VET) sector across Europe. The program aims to establish and support transnational collaborative networks—bringing together VET providers, companies, social partners, authorities, higher education institutions, and research institutes—to create comprehensive skills ecosystems that drive regional development, social inclusion, and economic competitiveness. CoVEs are expected to develop flexible, learner-centered VET provisions, rapidly adapt to evolving economic and societal needs, and contribute to the implementation of EU strategies such as the European Pillar of Social Rights, the European Green Deal, and the Digital Strategy. The initiative encourages public-private partnerships, the use of digital technologies (including AI), applied research, mobility, and professional development. --- ## Due Dates - September 3, 2026: Full application submission deadline (17:00 Brussels time) All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates. --- ## Funding Amount - Total call budget: €68,000,000 for the 2026 round. - Grants are awarded as lump sums (ERASMUS Lump Sum Grants). - Typical project duration is multi-year; the number and size of awards will depend on the number and quality of proposals. --- ## Eligibility - Proposals must involve transnational partnerships including a broad range of stakeholders: VET institutions, companies, social partners, local/regional authorities, higher education institutions, and research organizations. - Eligible countries are detailed in the [Erasmus+ Programme Guide](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide), but generally include EU Member States and associated countries. - Applicants must demonstrate both financial and operational capacity. - Additional specific eligibility rules are found in the [Programme Guide](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/erasmus-programme-guide). --- ## Application Process - Single-stage application process. - Applications must be submitted electronically via the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PEX-COVE?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=11&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Applicants must use the standard application form and follow the page limits and layout described in the Programme Guide. - Supporting documents (budget table, partnership information, etc.) are required. - Evaluation criteria and award process are detailed in the Programme Guide. - The deadline for queries to the program mailbox is August 20, 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The initiative supports both national and transnational levels, addressing sector-specific and cross-cutting challenges (e.g., climate change, digitalization, inclusion). - CoVEs are expected to contribute to upward convergence in VET quality and ensure project results have impact beyond the direct partners. - More guidance, templates, and documents are available on the [EU Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PEX-COVE?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=11&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERASMUS-EDU-2026-PEX-COVE?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=11&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026](https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/2025-11/programme-guide-2026_en.pdf) - [Application Form Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/temp-form/af/af_erasmus-bb-lsii_en.pdf) - [Budget Table Template](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/temp-form/af/detailed-budget-table_erasmus-lsii_en.xlsm) - [Information on Partnerships and Activities](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/temp-form/af/information-on-partnerships-and-activities_erasmus-cove_en.xlsx) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | General inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Programme-specific | eacea-eplus-vet@ec.europa.eu (queries accepted until August 20, 2026) | | IT/Portal help | [IT Helpdesk](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone (Commission HQ) | +32 2 299 11 11 |

Centres of Vocational Excellence - European Commission

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