How Erasmus+ Is Funded (and Why You’re Not Paying for It)

Where the money comes from, how it gets to you, and why this isn’t a scam.

Let’s start with the obvious question

How is it possible that you can travel to another country, get free food, stay in a nice place, attend workshops, and meet people from all over Europe — without paying hundreds of euros?

The short answer: the European Union is funding it.The long answer? Let’s break it down.

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is a program created and funded by the European Commission. Its purpose is to support learning, mobility, and cooperation across Europe and beyond.

That includes:

• University exchanges

• Vocational training

• Internships abroad

• Youth work

• Non-formal education like youth exchanges

The budget is massive. Between 2021 and 2027, Erasmus+ has over 26 billion euros in funding.Yes. Billion. With a B.

And a chunk of that is reserved specifically for young people and youth organizations — which is where youth exchanges come in.

Where does the money actually go?

The EU does not hand money directly to participants. Here’s how it flows:

1. The European Commission funds national agencies in each country

2. Youth organizations like Youth Fusion apply for grants for each project

3. Once approved, they receive money to cover:

   • Travel costs

   • Accommodation and food

   • Materials, trainers, and logistics

   • Insurance and emergency support

4. Participants join the exchange and have almost everything paid for

So when you fly out, stay somewhere cool, eat three meals a day, and join workshops — it’s all already handled.

Why is the EU doing this?

Because Erasmus+ isn’t just about travel. It is about building a stronger, more connected Europe.

The program is designed to:

• Help young people develop skills that school often misses

• Promote intercultural understanding

• Encourage inclusion and equal access

• Support future employment, volunteering, and civic engagement

If you grow as a person and build friendships across borders, the EU sees that as a win.

"I learned more in ten days than I did in six months of school. And it was free. That’s what shocked me most."— Participant, 19, Greece

So what do you have to pay?

In most cases, nothing.Sometimes a symbolic participation fee of 30 to 50 euros.That’s usually it.

You do not pay for flights upfront unless that’s the specific agreement. Some organizers book them for you. Others reimburse you right after.

The money is real. The opportunities are real.

You are not entering a pyramid scheme. You are not applying for a contest.This is public EU funding, built to support youth, inclusion, and education.

So if you have been wondering if it’s too good to be true — now you know. It is good. But it is also true.