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Non-teaching staff are welcome in Erasmus+! Discover which roles qualify, what activities are available, and how to access professional development opportunities across Europe.
Administrative staff can participate in Erasmus+ professional development
One of the most common misconceptions about Erasmus+ is that it's only for teachers. This couldn't be further from the truth. The programme explicitly welcomes administrative staff, technical support personnel, and other non-teaching staff who play crucial roles in educational institutions.
According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, staff mobility includes "teachers, trainers, education specialists, school leaders, and any other non-teaching staff working in school education." This inclusive language recognizes that quality education depends on the entire school community working effectively together.
When administrative staff develop new skills, build international networks, and gain fresh perspectives, the benefits ripple throughout the institution—from more efficient operations and improved communication systems to better support for international partnerships and enhanced student services. If you're a school secretary who's streamlined enrollment procedures after observing innovative practices abroad, or an IT coordinator who's implemented new systems learned at a European training course, you're creating lasting institutional impact.
Erasmus+ eligibility for administrative staff is surprisingly broad. The key requirement is that you must have an employment relationship with an educational institution that holds Erasmus+ accreditation or is part of an approved project. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
School Administrators
Principals, vice-principals, directors
Administrative Assistants
Secretaries, office managers, support staff
Financial Officers
Accountants, budget managers, finance coordinators
IT Support Staff
Technical coordinators, systems administrators
HR Personnel
Human resources coordinators, recruitment staff
Librarians
School library staff and media specialists
Student Services Staff
Guidance counselors, career advisors
Facilities Management
Operations managers (if on staff contract)
External Contractors
Temporary or outsourced staff
Volunteers
Unpaid helpers without employment contracts
Important distinction: Eligibility is based on employment status, not job title. If you have a valid employment contract with your institution (permanent or fixed-term), you're likely eligible. External contractors, consultants on service agreements, and unpaid volunteers typically do not qualify, as they lack the formal employment relationship required by the programme.
Administrative staff can participate in various mobility activities, each offering unique learning opportunities and professional development benefits:
2-60 days
Observe and learn from administrative practices at partner institutions. Shadow Erasmus+ coordinators, international office staff, school management, or specialized departments relevant to your role.
Popular for:
5-10 days (fees funded up to €800)
Attend structured professional development courses in project management, EU funding, digital administration tools, or other specialized topics relevant to educational administration.
Course topics include:
3-7 days
Participate in international staff weeks at universities. These intensive networking events bring together administrative staff from across Europe for workshops, presentations, and collaboration.
Benefits:
2-60 days
Specialized training at partner organizations in IT systems, financial management, student information systems, or other administrative domains where expertise exchange benefits both institutions.
Ideal for:
Building international connections through administrative staff mobility
Explore specialized training opportunities by season and destination
Intensive summer programs combining professional development with European cultural immersion.
Cozy winter sessions focused on reflective teaching practices and skill enhancement.
Exclusive training programs in the beautiful coastal city of Larnaca, Cyprus.
Ancient wisdom meets modern pedagogy in the heart of Athens, Greece.
While individual eligibility is important, your participation also depends on your institution's status and the alignment of your mobility with institutional goals. Here's what must be in place:
Erasmus+ Accreditation
Your institution must have valid Erasmus+ accreditation for school education or be part of an approved KA1 mobility project. Check with your Erasmus+ coordinator to confirm your school's status.
Employment Contract
You must have a valid employment contract (permanent or fixed-term) with the institution. Consultants, external contractors, and volunteers are not eligible under standard mobility rules.
Internal Selection
Selection through your institution's fair and transparent process. Criteria typically include professional relevance, institutional benefit, quality of application, and equitable distribution of opportunities.
Learning Agreement
Documented learning objectives approved before mobility. Your mobility plan must outline specific goals, activities, and expected outcomes aligned with institutional priorities.
Administrative staff receive the same funding rates as teachers: travel support (€180-€1,500), daily allowance (€140-€180/day), and course fees up to €800.
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Comprehensive training for school principals and educational leaders across Europe.
Enhance administrative skills for efficient school management and operations.
Yes! Erasmus+ KA1 explicitly includes non-teaching staff in mobility activities. According to the Erasmus+ Programme Guide, staff mobility encompasses 'teachers, trainers, education specialists, school leaders, and any other non-teaching staff working in school education.' This includes secretaries, IT staff, administrative coordinators, librarians, and other support personnel.
Admin staff typically participate in job shadowing (observing practices at partner institutions) or staff training events (like international staff weeks) rather than teaching assignments. The activities focus on administrative best practices, systems management, international office operations, and professional networking. Funding rates and eligibility criteria are the same.
Most activities are conducted in English, especially staff training courses and international staff weeks. For job shadowing at non-English speaking institutions, basic local language knowledge can be helpful but is rarely required. English proficiency at B1-B2 level is typically sufficient for effective participation.
Yes, IT coordinators, technical support staff, and systems administrators are explicitly eligible. Popular activities include job shadowing at innovative schools, training courses on educational technology management, and international staff weeks focused on digital transformation in education.
Funding is identical to teacher mobility: travel support based on distance (€180-€1,500), daily subsistence allowance (€140-€180 per day depending on destination), and course fees up to €800 for 10 days. A typical 7-day mobility to Cyprus costs approximately €1,560-€2,100, fully funded by Erasmus+.
Absolutely! School secretaries, administrative assistants, and office managers are eligible. Many participate in job shadowing to learn about international student management systems, digital administration tools, or efficient office practices at innovative schools across Europe.
Your institution must have valid Erasmus+ accreditation for school education or be part of an approved KA1 project. You must have a valid employment contract (not just temporary or consultant status), and your mobility must align with your institution's European Development Plan (EDP).
Contact your institution's Erasmus+ coordinator to express interest. They manage the internal selection process. You'll need to submit a Europass CV, motivation letter, and mobility plan outlining your learning objectives. Selection criteria typically include professional relevance, institutional benefit, and fair distribution of opportunities.
Administrative staff play a vital role in Erasmus+ success. Find the right opportunity for your professional development.