Erasmus+ KA1 - learning mobility for education institutions
Key Action 1 supports individual learning mobility for teachers, trainers and education staff across Europe. Erasmio helps you find suitable training courses.
What is Key Action 1?
Key Action 1 (KA1) is the core of the Erasmus+ programme for individual learning mobility. It enables education institutions to send staff abroad in Europe for structured courses, observations and job shadowing.
Unlike KA2 partnerships and KA3 policy reforms, KA1 focuses on the personal development of individual professionals. Travel, accommodation and course fees can be reimbursed from EU funds.
KA1 funding sectors
KA1 covers four education sectors. Each sector has its own application bodies and funding priorities.
School education
KA121Teachers, school leaders and education staff take part in observations, training courses and structured courses in other EU countries.
Learn moreVocational education and training
KA122Learners, teachers and trainers in vocational education expand their skills through mobility experiences in other European countries.
Learn moreHigher education
KA131Students and higher education staff complete study periods or traineeships in Europe and internationally.
Learn moreAdult education
KA122Staff in adult education institutions take part in European observations, job shadowing and training courses.
Learn moreThe accreditation process
Erasmus accreditation is a quality seal for education institutions. It enables simplified annual funding applications without a full new content application.
Create a European Development Plan
Define your long-term internationalisation goals in the European Development Plan, the content basis of your application.
Submit the online application
The application is submitted through the EU portal to the national agency. In Germany, the Pedagogical Exchange Service (PAD) is responsible for schools.
External review
Independent reviewers assess your application against the Erasmus+ quality standards and may ask follow-up questions.
Accreditation decision
The national agency communicates the decision. If successful, you receive the Erasmus accreditation seal.
Annual funding applications
Accredited institutions can submit simplified annual funding applications for their mobility activities without a full new content application.
Monitoring & quality assurance
Regular reports and quality checks help ensure compliance with Erasmus+ standards.
Accreditation types
Different accreditation levels are available depending on your institution's experience.
Initial accreditation
For institutions planning Erasmus+ mobility activities for the first time. It helps build experience and structures.
- European Development Plan
- At least one planned mobility activity
- Proof of institutional capacity
Renewal
For experienced institutions after successful initial accreditation. It enables higher funding volumes and greater planning security.
- Successful final report
- Proof of completed mobility activities
- Updated development plan
Full accreditation
For institutions with proven experience and excellent results. It offers maximum independence in planning.
- At least two completed funding periods
- Quality evidence provided
- Strategic anchoring
Further information
Official sources
Erasmus+ Programme Guide
The official European Commission guide with all funding rules and application conditions.
National agency Germany
PAD for schools and DAAD for higher education are the German contact points for applications and advice.
Apply for accreditation
Step-by-step guide to Erasmus accreditation for schools and education institutions.
Erasmus+ project database
Search funded projects and get inspired by successful institutions.
Start accreditation
Ready to take the first step? Browse our courses or contact your national agency directly to start the accreditation process.