Erasmus+ funding awarded to Northern Ireland’s educational, training and youth work organisations has reached over €38m since 2014, according to figures released by the British Council and Ecorys UK, the National Agency delivering the European Union scheme in the UK.
The funds have been granted to 283 projects led by organisations in the higher and adult education, schools, youth, and vocational education and training sectors in Northern Ireland. Funds were awarded as follows between 2014 and 2018 to date:
- €12.6m goes to universities
- €14.3m goes to organisations working in vocational education and training
- €4.7m goes to schools
- €4.1m goes to youth work organisations
- €2.2m goes to organisations working in adult education
The figures show that a record-breaking €10.1 million was awarded to Northern Ireland organisations so far in 2018 – a rise of £1.2 million from 2017 - and this figure is only set to increase in 2019 with €187 million reserved for UK schools, colleges, universities and youth organisations – an increase from €170 million this year.
As well as opportunities for young people, Erasmus+ enables UK teachers, academics, youth workers and education staff to teach or train abroad, and to work with international partners to drive innovation and excellence in education and youth work.
Jonathan Stewart, Director, British Council Northern Ireland said: “Erasmus+ will enable around 250,000 young people from the UK to explore new countries and cultures, develop new skills and boost their employability.
“In 2019, €187 million will be available to the UK, so that more young people benefit from international experiences. The funding will also help organisations to form partnerships across Europe and beyond, to internationalise education, training and youth work and address common issues such as youth unemployment and social integration.”
Funding deadlines for Erasmus+ 2019 have been announced and organisations can apply through www.erasmusplus.org.uk.
Erasmus+ is just one of a number of programmes available to organisations through British Council Northern Ireland. For more information visit http://nireland.britishcouncil.org, www.erasmusplus.org.uk or follow on Twitter at @BCouncil_NI.