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Erasmus programme 2026-2027: what it is, where to go and how much it pays
Spain is putting close to 409 million euros into the Erasmus+ programme this year. Here's what it is, which destinations Spanish students choose most, and how much the grant actually pays by country.
What the Erasmus+ programme is
Erasmus+ is the European Union programme that funds study or internship placements at universities and companies in other countries, usually for one or two semesters within a degree programme. In Spain it's managed by the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities through SEPIE (the Spanish Service for the Internationalisation of Education), which distributes funding among participating universities.
For 2026, Spain has close to 409 million euros to boost international mobility and educational cooperation. Of that amount, 376.8 million goes directly to mobility projects, which will allow a total of 163,097 students, teaching staff and administrative personnel to train abroad. In Higher Education alone, 1,374 projects are expected to be funded, enabling 76,559 mobility placements, with an investment of 222 million euros.
The programme also prioritises digitalisation, sustainability and inclusion: around 27% of mobility students with fewer economic opportunities receive additional support to make sure Erasmus doesn't depend only on who can afford it.
Where to do Erasmus: the most chosen destinations
Spanish students don't spread their destinations evenly across Europe. Here are the countries they choose most, by share of mobility placements:
| Country | % of Spanish students |
|---|---|
| Italy | 24.61% |
| France | 9.18% |
| Portugal | 9.11% |
| Germany | 8.16% |
| Poland | 8.06% |
| Belgium | 4.54% |
| Netherlands | 4.43% |
| Czechia | 3.43% |
| Ireland | 2.82% |
| Finland | 2.26% |
Italy leads by a clear margin, partly thanks to cultural and linguistic proximity and cities with a long Erasmus tradition such as Bologna, home to Europe's oldest university. Germany stands out especially in Berlin, with universities such as Humboldt-Universität, FU Berlin or TU Berlin, a common destination for students looking for a tech-focused, multicultural environment.
Choosing a destination isn't just a matter of preference: each Spanish university has specific bilateral agreements with destination universities, so the places actually available depend on which agreements your faculty has signed, not just which country you'd prefer.
What it costs and what the grant pays
The Erasmus grant amount varies according to a three-tier country system, designed to offset differences in cost of living:
| Group | Countries | Monthly amount |
|---|---|---|
| High cost of living | Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden | €350-674 |
| Medium cost of living | Czechia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Malta, Portugal | €300 |
| Low cost of living | Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Turkey | €250 |
Since the 2024-25 academic year, SEPIE has authorised each Spanish university to set the exact amount within that range, so two students in the same country can receive different amounts if they're going from different universities — it's worth confirming with your faculty's international relations office before deciding on a destination.
Besides the base amount, there are two extra top-ups for 2026-2027: those who received the Ministry's general grant the previous year get an additional 280 euros a month, and the 27% of students with fewer opportunities receive an extra 250 euros a month. In practice, the grant covers a significant part of accommodation and living costs, but rarely the full amount — most students supplement it with family savings or remote work.
Erasmus traineeships: the other option
Besides the study exchange, Erasmus+ also funds Erasmus traineeships: a paid or training placement at a company, NGO, or institution in another European country. Unlike a study exchange, your university doesn't need a specific bilateral agreement with the host organisation — you find it yourself (often with help from the international office), and your university simply validates that it meets the programme's requirements.
Another key difference: an Erasmus traineeship can be applied for even during your graduation year, within twelve months of finishing your studies, making it a common option for those who didn't get to do a study exchange during their degree. The grant follows the same three-tier country system as the study exchange, though typically with an extra top-up of around €50-100 a month compared with the study grant, depending on each university's call.
Choosing a university for your degree while also thinking about international mobility opportunities? Compare cutoff grades, price and career outcomes at Vocaria →