What is Erasmus+ KA2 and why is it relevant?
Erasmus+ Key Action 2 stands for transnational cooperation and innovation. In contrast to mobility programmes such as KA1 — which focus on individual exchanges — KA2 is about strategic partnerships and innovative educational projects. The aim is to sustainably improve the quality of vocational training, general education, and youth work across Europe.
The range of eligible projects is broad: from developing new teaching methods to the digital transformation of educational offerings and strengthening entrepreneurial skills. KA2 creates spaces for cooperation in which educational institutions, companies, and organisations can learn from each other and drive innovation together.
Important Erasmus+ priorities for KA2 projects
A promising KA2 project must be aligned with current Erasmus+ priorities. Evaluators explicitly score how well your project addresses these areas:
- ✓Digital education — developing innovative learning methods with digital tools
- ✓Environmental sustainability — integrating environmental aspects and "green skills"
- ✓Social inclusion — promoting educational equity for disadvantaged groups
- ✓Participation of young people — strengthening active participation in society
Who can participate in Erasmus+ KA2?
| Organisation type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Educational institutions | Schools, universities, vocational training institutions, adult education providers |
| Companies & associations | SMEs, chambers of trade, employers' associations |
| Public institutions | Ministries, regional authorities, employment agencies |
| NGOs & youth organisations | Social organisations, associations for non-formal education |
What requirements must be met?
A convincing project concept
Applying for Erasmus+ KA2 requires careful planning. It is not enough to sketch out a rough idea — the European Commission attaches great importance to a detailed presentation of project objectives, expected results, and social benefits.
- ✓Strong needs analysis: use studies or statistics to show why your project is needed
- ✓Clear, measurable goals and expected impact
- ✓Sustainability plan: describe how the project will have long-term impact after funding ends
Alignment with Erasmus+ priorities
A promising application must demonstrate concretely how the planned project contributes to the Erasmus+ priorities. Projects that address digitalization, environmental sustainability, or social inclusion in their work packages — not just their introduction — have a significantly better chance of approval.
Strong, complementary partnerships
The quality of a KA2 application depends heavily on consortium composition. Successful projects bring together partners with complementary skills and genuine roles.
Funding and budget planning
Erasmus+ KA2 uses the lump-sum funding model, where a fixed total amount is approved for the entire project rather than reimbursing individual costs. Clear, coherent cost planning increases your chances of success.
A real-world example: ITONBOARD
What does a KA2 project look like in practice? One successful example is ITONBOARD, an Erasmus+ project to promote digital skills in vocational orientation. The aim: to get young people interested in IT careers at an early stage and give them practical insights into the industry.
In collaboration with schools, companies, and educational institutions, the project developed interactive learning modules, an IT interest test, and a digital escape game. The offer is supplemented by a project week for schools, e-learning materials, and guidelines for IT internships. A central element is the ITONBOARD internship platform, enabling pupils and companies to find and organise suitable IT placements.
ITONBOARD demonstrates how KA2 projects can create innovative educational opportunities that facilitate access to the digital world of work — and produce results that outlast the project period.
Conclusion: Is it worth applying for Erasmus+ KA2?
Participation in Erasmus+ KA2 is a strategic decision that goes far beyond simply acquiring funding. Educational institutions, companies, and organisations that want to network internationally, develop innovative educational approaches, and establish long-term collaborations should definitely explore these opportunities.
The application process is demanding — but the investment is worth it. Successful projects not only benefit from financial support; they also gain valuable international partners, new skills, and greater visibility across the education and business sectors.
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