Micro-credentials – focus on eco-systems

Overview

Supports transnational policy experimentations to develop, test, and scale micro-credential ecosystems across education, training, and labor markets. Targets public authorities, education providers, social partners, and NGOs working to align micro-credentials with EU standards and national frameworks.

Who Can Apply

Consortia of public authorities (national/regional/local), education/training institutions (higher education, VET), social partners (employers, workers’ organizations), NGOs, public employment services, and other micro-credential providers. Applicants must represent at least three eligible countries.

Funding Details

• Total budget: Not specified.
• Grant amount: Not specified (lump-sum funding model).
• Funding rate: Up to 100% of eligible costs.
• Co-funding: Not required.

What Is Funded

• Development and testing of micro-credential ecosystems, including:

- Integration with national qualifications frameworks and quality assurance mechanisms. - Cross-sector permeability (education, training, labor market). - Piloting and scaling micro-credentials in formal, non-formal, and informal learning contexts.

• Activities must align with the three building blocks of the Council Recommendation on micro-credentials (definition, description standards, design principles).

Technology / Maturity Requirements

Projects must demonstrate a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 4 (technology validated in lab) and 6 (technology demonstrated in relevant environment).

Key Dates

• Call opens: 2026-01-05
• Deadline: 2026-04-07T22:00:00Z
• Evaluation period: April–July 2026
• Applicant notification: October 2026
• Grant agreement signature: By January 2027

Application Process (High-Level)

• Single-stage submission via the [Funding & Tenders Portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal).
• Part B (Technical Description) limited to 40 pages, including a list of previous relevant projects.
• Proposals evaluated against criteria outlined in the call document.

Post-Award Obligations

• Reporting and dissemination requirements as per the lump-sum grant agreement.
• Projects must contribute to mutual learning and evidence-based policy at the EU level.

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.