European Degree Exploratory Action
European Degree Exploratory Action supports higher education institutions in creating and adapting joint transnational programmes and providing student support to advance inclusion and cross-border mobility.
Funder: European Commission
Due Dates: November 5, 2026 (Opening) | February 18, 2027, 17:00 CET (Submission)
Funding Amounts: €14 million total budget; up to €100,000, €70,000, or €600,000 per programme by theme; 80% funding rate; normally at least 24 months
Summary: Supports the creation, adaptation, and inclusive delivery of transnational joint higher education programmes aligned with the Joint European Degree Label.
Key Information: Consortia need at least two beneficiaries from two eligible countries, with an eligible higher education institution coordinating.
Description
The European Degree Exploratory Action is an Erasmus+ programme managed by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). It supports higher education institutions designing, adapting, and implementing innovative, inclusive transnational joint programmes at bachelor, master, and doctoral levels. Programmes must align with the Joint European Degree Label criteria in Annex II of the Council Recommendation on a European Quality Assurance and Recognition System in Higher Education and the label’s Operational Guide.
The action covers new programmes, adaptation of existing programmes, and student support that improves access, participation, and cross-border mobility. Any discipline is eligible. Strategic priorities include digital technologies and AI, clean and circular technologies, bioeconomy, transport, energy, water resilience, healthcare, aerospace, defence, New European Bauhaus, teacher and school-leader development, and sport. Both European Universities alliances and other higher education consortia may participate.
