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

March 4, 2026 (full application, 17:00 Brussels time)

€145,600,000 total budget for 2026; typical funding duration is 2 years per alliance.

Supports deep, sustainable cooperation among European higher education institutions to enhance quality, innovation, and European values.

--- ## Description The European Universities initiative, funded through Erasmus+, aims to foster systemic, structural, and sustainable cooperation among European higher education institutions. The program supports transnational alliances that drive institutional transformation, promote innovative pedagogies, and strengthen links between higher education, research, innovation, and society. The overarching goals are to boost the quality, performance, and international competitiveness of European higher education, while reinforcing common European values and a strong European identity. Selected alliances are expected to pave the way for a new dimension in European higher education, supporting the development of a new generation of Europeans capable of working across cultures, languages, and disciplines. --- ## Due Dates - March 4, 2026: Deadline for submitting applications (full application) — 17:00 Brussels time --- ## Funding Amount - Total budget for this call: €145,600,000 (2026) - Funding is provided as lump sum grants under Erasmus+ - Typical funding duration: 2 years per selected alliance --- ## Eligibility - Open to alliances of higher education institutions established in Erasmus+ Programme Countries. - Existing deep institutional transnational cooperation alliances, including those previously selected under the 2022 Erasmus+ call, are eligible. - Full eligibility details, including admissibility and operational capacity requirements, are described in the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_erasmus-edu-2026-eur-univ_en.pdf). --- ## Application Process - Proposals 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-EUR-UNIV?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=13&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate). - Single-stage submission process. - Application materials include a standard application form and a detailed budget table (templates available on the call page). - Proposals are evaluated based on criteria outlined in the call document, including quality, impact, and implementation. - Evaluation period: March–July 2026 - Applicants will be informed of results in July 2026; grant agreements are expected to be signed by October 2026. --- ## Additional Information - The call supports both new and existing alliances of higher education institutions. - Proposals should demonstrate a commitment to deep institutional transformation and sustainable cooperation. - Guidance and detailed requirements are provided in the [ERASMUS Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/about_en) and the [call document](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_erasmus-edu-2026-eur-univ_en.pdf). --- ## External Links - [Call Details & Application Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/topic-details/ERASMUS-EDU-2026-EUR-UNIV?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=13&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [Call Document (PDF)](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/erasmus/wp-call/2026/call-fiche_erasmus-edu-2026-eur-univ_en.pdf) - [ERASMUS Programme Guide](https://ec.europa.eu/programmes/erasmus-plus/about_en) - [EU Funding & Tenders Portal FAQ](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/faq) - [Online Manual](https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/funding-tenders-opportunities/display/OM/Online+Manual) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [Contact the European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/about-european-commission/contact_en) | | Programme/Call Support | EACEA-EUROPEAN-UNIVERSITIES@ec.europa.eu | | IT Helpdesk | [IT Helpdesk Contact Form](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/support/helpdesks/contact-form) | | Phone | +32 2 299 11 11 |

European Universities - European Commission

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