Since it was established in 1988, the programme has supported 14 million people in various education, training, youth and sport mobility activities. The 2021-2027 programme places a strong focus on social inclusion, the green and digital transitions, and promoting young people’s participation in democratic life.

Under its International Credit Mobility component, thousands of students and academic staff have to date benefitted directly from short-term academic mobility between South Africa and EU. In addition, numerous South African students received Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters’ degree scholarships. Erasmus+ also provides funding for capacity building in higher education and a number of collaborations exist between South African and European universities.

Opportunities from outside the EU: In 2024 Erasmus+ continues to expand, bringing positive change to diverse sectors and landscapes. Organisations from countries outside the EU can take part in selected actions of the Erasmus+ programme.

The Erasmus National Focal Point (ENFP) for South Africa is:

Dr Temwa Moyo
Acting Director: International Scholarships
Department of Higher Education and Training
Tel: +27(0)12 312 5025; email: Moyo.m@dhet.gov.za
Website: www.internationalscholarships.dhet.gov.za

See: Erasmus+ for Higher Education in South Africa

To find out more about the fields of study and qualifications on offer as well as essential information like entry requirements, application deadlines and start dates, we invite you to visit the Study in Europe website. There you will find information on planning your studies in Europe, on scholarships and funding, and on finding accommodation.

The website also contains a wide range of useful related information, e.g.

(i)    Did you know that some of Europe's smallest cities are recognised internationally as academic heavyweights. Find out whether these universities might be a match for you;
(ii)    … or, spare a thought on how you are going to get around; see: navigating European public transport as an international student;
(iii)    … and what about summer jobs in Europe?

So, what are you waiting for? There is no time like the present to explore your options to complete your higher education studies in Europe.

Visa Information System Leaflet and Visa Information System Factsheet 

Procedures differ, depending on whether or not you intend to travel to a country that is a party to the Schengen Agreement, or to a non-Schengen EU Member State.  

A large number of EU Member States are party to the Schengen Agreement that provides for a uniform approach to visa issues. Please, note that selected European states, not belonging to the EU, are also party to the Schengen Agreement.  At the same time, there are EU Member States that maintain separate national visa arrangements, outside the Schengen Agreement.  For a graphic illustration that illustrates membership of the Schengen Agreement, please refer to this factsheet entitled 'New EU VISA rules'.  See also Questions and Answers information leaflet.     

For travellers to one of the Schengen countries, please, read carefully the following information sheet on General Schengen Visa Requirements, which will also give you guidance as to which country's Embassy you need to apply to. 

If you are going to travel to a non-Schengen EU Member State (Bulgaria, Cyprus, Ireland or Romania), you need to contact the embassy of the particular country. 

The list of Embassies, Consulates and Honorary Consulates in South Africa can be viewed on the Consular protection for EU citizens page on our website