Capacity building in VET in Caribbean

Overview

Supports international cooperation projects to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) systems in non-EU countries by improving institutional capacity, governance, and labor market alignment. Targets VET providers, public and private stakeholders, and organizations active in VET from eligible EU and partner countries.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include VET providers, public authorities, private sector entities, business associations, and non-governmental organizations from EU Member States, third countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme, and non-associated third countries. Consortia must involve at least four organizations from a minimum of three countries, including at least one EU Member State or third country associated with the Programme and at least two non-associated third countries.

Funding Details

Funding is provided as a lump sum grant. The total budget for this call is EUR 24,000,000. The maximum grant amount per project is EUR 1,000,000. Co-funding is not explicitly required but projects must demonstrate financial sustainability and cost-effectiveness.

What Is Funded

Key focus areas include:

• Strengthening VET management, governance, and quality assurance.
• Enhancing cooperation between VET providers and private sector stakeholders to improve employment opportunities.
• Aligning VET provision with local, regional, and national development strategies.
• Promoting innovation and inclusion in VET systems.
• Supporting the implementation of Global Gateway investment packages and Talent Partnerships.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4 and 6, indicating validation in a laboratory or relevant environment and prototype demonstration in an operational setting.

Key Dates

• Open date: 2025-12-03
• Deadline for queries: 2026-03-13 (end of business)
• Application deadline: 2026-03-25T23:00:00Z (Brussels time)
• Evaluation period: April – September 2026
• Applicants informed: September 2026
• Grant agreement signature: December 2026

Application Process (High-Level)

The application process is single-stage. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal). The Part B Technical Description of the application form is limited to 40 pages. Detailed guidance is provided in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026.

Post-Award Obligations

Reporting requirements include periodic technical and financial reports, as outlined in the Model Grant Agreement. Projects must also ensure dissemination of results and may be subject to audits or evaluations during and after the project lifecycle.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries include EU Member States, third countries associated with the Erasmus+ Programme (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, United Kingdom, Switzerland), and non-associated third countries. Applications must be submitted in English.

Notes

• An organization cannot coordinate more than two proposals under this action.
• Projects must align with broader EU policy objectives, including the Global Gateway strategy and Talent Partnerships.
• Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity as per the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026.