No, Erasmus+ Isn’t Just for Students

Roibu Vlad
May 4
2 min read

Who can actually join a youth exchange, and why your degree doesn’t matter.

If you thought Erasmus+ was only for university students, you’re not alone

A lot of people think Erasmus+ is that one-year program where college students move to Spain, party a lot, and write their thesis in cafés. That program exists. But that’s not what we’re talking about here.

What most people don’t know is that Erasmus+ also funds youth exchanges — short-term projects for young people aged 18 to 30 ( country leaders can be 30+), no student status required.

That means:

You don’t need to be enrolled in school or university
You don’t need a diploma
You don’t need perfect grades or any grades at all
You can be in a gap year, working full-time, unemployed, freelancing, or just figuring it out

As long as you fit the age group and are open to learning and cultural exchange, you can apply.

It is for people who are curious, not just academic

Youth exchanges are built on non-formal education. That means you learn by doing. You explore topics like sustainability, human rights, media, or mental health through group activities, games, and creative tasks.

You do not need to be good at writing essays or sitting still for three hours.You need to be ready to share, reflect, participate, and listen.

That’s it.