Centres of Vocational Excellence

Overview

Supports the creation of transnational networks of vocational education and training (VET) centres to develop high-quality, adaptive skills ecosystems. Targets VET institutions, companies, social partners, and regional authorities collaborating to address economic and societal challenges through vocational excellence.

Who Can Apply

Eligible applicants include VET institutions, companies, social partners (e.g., trade unions, employer associations), public authorities, higher education institutions, and research institutes. Consortia must involve partners from at least three eligible countries, with a focus on local and regional collaboration.

Funding Details

Specific grant amounts, total budget, and funding rates are outlined in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026. Projects are expected to operate under a lump-sum funding model, with financial details provided in the model grant agreement.

What Is Funded

Key focus areas include:

• Development of innovative VET practices (e.g., digital technologies, AI, applied research).
• Enhancing VET attractiveness, inclusion, and mobility (e.g., apprenticeships, teacher training).
• Joint VET provisions, including micro-credentials.
• Addressing sector-specific or societal challenges (e.g., climate change, digitalisation, integration of migrants).
• Supporting regional development, innovation, and social inclusion.

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must demonstrate a technology readiness level (TRL) between 4 and 6, indicating validation and demonstration of solutions in relevant environments.

Key Dates

• Call publication: 2025-11-27
• Application deadline: 2026-09-02T22:00:00Z (17:00 Brussels time)
• Evaluation period: September 2026 – March 2027
• Applicant notification: March 2027
• Grant agreement signature: June 2027

Application Process (High-Level)

Multi-stage process involving submission via the Funding & Tenders Portal. Applicants must use the standard Erasmus+ application form (ERASMUS BB or LSII) and provide a detailed budget table and partnership information. Evaluation follows criteria outlined in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026.

Post-Award Obligations

Reporting and dissemination requirements are specified in the model grant agreement. Projects must ensure outputs and results have impact beyond the consortium and project duration.

Geographic Scope & Language

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Iceland, United Kingdom, Switzerland. Application language: English.

Notes

• Proposals must adhere to page limits and formatting rules in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026.
• Queries to the COVE functional mailbox must be submitted by 2026-08-20.
• Projects must align with EU policies, including the European Green Deal, Digital Strategy, and Industrial/SME Strategies.