Erasmus+ myths that stop FE colleges applying — and the truth
Of the three sectors we work with, further education colleges have the strongest historical presence in Erasmus+ — and the most stubborn set of myths about why they shouldn't apply this round. Here are the six we hear most often, with what we actually see on the ground.
Myth 1: "Brexit killed Erasmus+ for UK colleges."
It didn't. UK FE colleges remain eligible to apply via the routes available in 2026/27. The scheme looks slightly different to its pre-2020 form, but the funded activities — staff mobility, learner mobility, vocational placements — are still on the table.
Myth 2: "Only big colleges win."
Not in our experience. Assessor scoring rewards the quality of activity design and partnership credibility — not the size of the lead organisation. Smaller colleges with a sharp, well-designed bid routinely outscore larger institutions whose applications are spread too thin.
Myth 3: "It only really funds T Level placements."
T Level industry placements abroad are one funded route, but they're not the only one. Staff CPD, vocational learner mobility outside T Levels, and short structured group exchanges all qualify, depending on the Key Action.
Myth 4: "You can't apply without a long EU funding history."
First-time applicants are funded every round. What matters is the quality of the bid and the partnership, not the length of your past project list.
Myth 5: "The grant won't cover the real cost."
The unit-cost system covers more than most colleges expect once you include travel, subsistence and organisational support together. Well-designed projects come close to full cost recovery; we walk through the numbers with clients on every discovery call.
Myth 6: "It's a finance team job, not a curriculum job."
This is the costliest myth. Erasmus+ bids written by your finance team rather than your curriculum team almost always score below colleges that do it the other way round. The strongest bids are led by curriculum, with finance close behind.
The 2026/27 Funding Map covers all of this in detail, alongside indicative budgets and the timetable for the next round. Download it below or book a 30-minute discovery call to talk through your college's situation.