The European Union has opened calls for proposals under the Erasmus+ programme for opportunities targeting individuals and organisations from Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zimbabwe. Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship initiative for education, training, youth, and sport, promoting international mobility, collaboration, and capacity building in higher education and related fields.
Note: While some sources refer to “2025” opportunities, the current active calls (as of early 2026) largely relate to the 2026 programme cycle, building on prior announcements. Opportunities remain highly relevant for Africans, with specific actions focused on Sub-Saharan Africa (Region 9 countries, including Zimbabwe).
Key Opportunities Available
Erasmus+ offers various actions suitable for Africans, including:
- International Credit Mobility (ICM) — Short-term mobility for students and staff between higher education institutions in Programme Countries (EU and associated) and Partner Countries (including Sub-Saharan Africa).
- Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters (EMJM) — Prestigious full-degree master’s programmes jointly delivered by universities across countries, open to students worldwide with full scholarships for top applicants.
- Capacity Building in Higher Education (CBHE) — Projects to strengthen higher education systems through partnerships, with specific strands for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Jean Monnet Actions — Focused on EU studies, modules, chairs, and policy debate.
- Capacity Building in Vocational Education and Training (CBVET) — For vocational training enhancements.
- Capacity Building in the Field of Youth (CBY) — Youth-focused projects, including specific calls for Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Virtual Exchanges — Online intercultural dialogue and skills development for higher education and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
These promote learning mobility, cultural exchange, and institutional development.
Eligibility
- Individuals (e.g., students, educators, youth): From eligible Partner Countries in Sub-Saharan Africa (Region 9), including Zimbabwe. Must meet academic requirements for the chosen programme or mobility, show strong motivation for international collaboration.
- Organisations/institutions: Higher education institutions, youth organisations, vocational providers from Sub-Saharan Africa can partner or lead in capacity-building projects.
- Sub-Saharan Africa (including Zimbabwe) is explicitly invited and targeted in several actions (e.g., CBHE Sub-Saharan Africa strands, Virtual Exchanges, CBY for the region).
Benefits
Depending on the action, benefits typically include:
- Monthly stipend for living expenses
- Travel costs coverage (including visa support where applicable)
- Health insurance
- Accommodation assistance or guidance
- Academic and professional networking opportunities
- Tuition waivers (for certain mobilities)
- Full scholarships for Erasmus Mundus (covering participation costs, travel, installation, and subsistence)
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
- Review the official Erasmus+ Programme Guide — Download the latest version (e.g., 2025/2026 editions) for full details on priorities, eligibility, funding rules, and specific actions: Visit here.
- Identify the right opportunity — Check calls on the Erasmus+ website or Funding & Tenders Portal for actions matching your profile (e.g., student mobility via your home institution, or Erasmus Mundus catalogues).
- For individuals (e.g., students applying for Erasmus Mundus or mobility): Apply directly to the programme/consortium or through your home institution. Search Erasmus Mundus catalogues for programmes and scholarships.
- For organisations (capacity building, partnerships): Prepare a project proposal with partners (EU and African institutions).
- Register and apply — Use the European Commission’s Funding & Tenders Opportunities portal. Create an account if needed, select the relevant call/topic (e.g., ERASMUS-EDU-2026-CBHE-REGION-9 for CBHE Sub-Saharan Africa).
- Submit required documents — Include motivation letters, academic transcripts, CVs, partnership agreements (for projects), etc.
- Check deadlines — Vary by action (often February to April; e.g., some CBY/CBVET deadlines in February/March 2026, Virtual Exchanges in March/April). Always verify the latest on the portal or Programme Guide, as deadlines can change.