← Back to Blog
Strategy

5 tips from approved KA2 applications

erasmusplus.ai8 min readApril 2026

A KA2 grant approval is rarely a matter of luck. It is the result of a clear project concept, precise application craft, and a consortium that truly fits together. EU approval rates often range between 10 and 30% — meaning only the very best applications receive funding.

Note: These tips are based on the 2026 Erasmus+ Programme Guide criteria for KA220. The four award criteria each have minimum thresholds — you must pass in every category, not just overall.

Tip 1

Ground your needs analysis in evidence

Evaluators read hundreds of applications claiming "there is a need for digital skills in VET." What they want: your evidence. Eurostat data, national policy documents, your organisation's own experience, published research. Generic problem statements do not score well, however well-written.

Tip 2

Align explicitly with EU and national priorities

Name the priorities directly and explain how your project addresses each one. Check your national agency's website for "European priorities in the national context" — aligning to those explicitly adds points.

Tip 3

Build coherent work packages, not activity lists

Evaluators assess whether objectives, activities, deliverables, and timelines are logically consistent. One management WP plus a maximum of four implementation WPs. Fewer, well-defined WPs almost always outperform many thin ones.

Tip 4

Make your partnership genuine, not decorative

Each partner should have a distinct, justified contribution based on their profile. If a partner adds no unique value, their participation weakens rather than strengthens your application.

Tip 5

Write a concrete, credible sustainability plan

Evaluators expect to understand what happens after the grant ends. Name specific platforms, institutional commitments, or follow-on mechanisms. "Continuing to use the results" is not sufficient.

The score threshold

Minimum 70/100 overall, plus minimums per criterion: Relevance 13/25, Quality 15/30, Partnership 10/20, Impact 13/25. In ex-aequo cases, priority goes to higher Relevance, then Impact scores.

Try it yourself

Generate your complete application draft for free and see how these principles work in practice.

Generate my draft →