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EuropeAid Funding for Education, Vocational Training and Skills Development

EU External Action funding support for education, vocational training and skills development projects. Erasmus+, EuropeAid and NDICI grants for education organisations worldwide.

Education and skills development is a cornerstone of EU development cooperation. Through EuropeAid grants, Erasmus+ International Partnerships, and NDICI thematic calls, the EU funds projects improving access to quality education, developing vocational and technical skills, supporting teacher training, strengthening higher education systems, and promoting lifelong learning in partner countries. INTERALTER supports universities, vocational training providers, education NGOs and public bodies in accessing this funding.

EU funding landscape

  • Erasmus+ International Capacity Building

    Supports university partnerships between EU and non-EU countries for curriculum development and institutional reform.

  • NDICI-Global Europe Education Calls

    Major EU development funding for education system strengthening, particularly in fragile and post-conflict contexts.

  • EU Delegation Education Grants

    Country-level calls for education support, often focused on primary and secondary education in low-income contexts.

  • IPA III Education Components

    Education and skills development funding for Western Balkans countries aligned with EU accession requirements.

Typical project types

  • Higher education curriculum development
  • Vocational and technical education reform
  • Teacher training and professional development
  • Distance and digital learning
  • Youth skills and employment transitions
  • Informal education and adult literacy
  • Education in emergencies and conflict contexts

Typical applicant types

  • Universities and higher education institutions
  • Vocational training providers and colleges
  • Education NGOs and civil society organisations
  • Ministries of education in partner countries
  • Teacher training institutes

Relevant EuropeAid regions

  • Western Balkans
  • Eastern Neighbourhood
  • Africa
  • Mediterranean
  • Asia-Pacific

How INTERALTER supports Education & Skills projects

  • Erasmus+ International Application Support

    We write Erasmus+ International Capacity Building applications, including the quality checklist, partnership agreements and work plan.

  • EuropeAid Education Proposals

    We write education sector grant proposals for EU Delegation and NDICI calls, with strong knowledge of EU education sector frameworks and indicators.

  • Consortium Building

    Erasmus+ International requires a minimum of two EU HEIs and one non-EU partner. We identify and engage suitable partners for your consortium.

Common questions

What is the difference between Erasmus+ and EuropeAid for education?
Erasmus+ focuses primarily on higher education cooperation and mobility, including partnerships between EU and non-EU universities. EuropeAid and NDICI fund broader education sector reform and strengthening in developing countries, including primary and secondary education.
Can NGOs apply for education funding, or only universities?
Both NGOs and universities can apply for EU education funding, though the specific eligible organisation types vary by call. EuropeAid grants are often open to NGOs, while Erasmus+ International is primarily for higher education institutions.

Related sectors

  • employment-social-inclusion
  • digital-transformation
  • youth-culture