Canada and the EU are in early talks to let Canadian students join Erasmus+, the EU's flagship student exchange programme. Euronews reported on 16 September 2026 that Canada could become the first non-European country to formally join Erasmus+. No agreement has been signed, and the talks are still at an early stage.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen extended an invitation to Canada to become an associate member of Erasmus+. This would be a first: no non-European country has ever held associate member status in the programme. The talks are taking place as Canada and the EU build closer ties under Prime Minister Mark Carney. MEP Javier Moreno Sánchez, who chairs the European Parliament's delegation for Canada, welcomed the development.
Whether or not the talks succeed, you can start studying in Europe or Canada right now. ApplyBoard works with partner institutions in Ireland and Germany today. You do not have to wait for any agreement to begin your journey.
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What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union's main programme for education, training, youth, and sport. It gives students, teachers, academics, and professionals funding to study, train, volunteer, or gain work experience in another country.
The programme launched in 1987 as a student exchange scheme for higher education. It has since grown into one of the world's largest educational mobility programmes. More than 15 million people have taken part since 1987. The EU has set aside €26.2 billion for Erasmus+ for the period 2021 to 2027. That is nearly double the budget of the previous seven-year period.
Erasmus+ covers six areas: higher education, vocational training, school education, adult learning, youth, and sport. The European Commission's Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture runs the programme.
Programme countries and partner countries
Not all countries take part in Erasmus+ in the same way. There are two types: programme countries and partner countries.
Programme countries have full access to all Erasmus+ funding and actions. Their students can apply for Erasmus+ grants, and their institutions can host students from across the programme. Programme countries include all 27 EU member states and six non-EU countries.
Partner countries (officially called "third countries not associated to the programme") can join certain Erasmus+ actions under specific conditions, but they do not have the same level of access. Canada is currently a partner country.
Note: The six non-EU programme countries are members of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) or are EU candidate countries. They pay into the Erasmus+ budget and have negotiated their participation through formal agreements with the EU.
Why Does This Matter for International Students?
If Canada and the EU reach an agreement, the impact on students on both sides could be significant.
Right now, Canadian students cannot access Erasmus+ grants for funded study placements in Europe through the programme. As a partner country, only certain Canadian institutions can join specific Erasmus+ actions. Full associate membership would change this. Canadian students could gain access to Erasmus+ funding for study and work placements across Europe.
European students could also benefit. If an agreement is reached, they could study in Canada through Erasmus+ for the first time. EU funding would support their exchange, opening a major new destination to Erasmus+ participants.
The talks could also expand cooperation under Horizon Europe, the EU's research and innovation funding programme. Canadian researchers and institutions currently have limited access to Horizon Europe. This could grow as part of a wider Canada-EU partnership.
That said, the talks are at an early stage. No timeline has been set, and agreements of this kind typically take years to negotiate and ratify. Do not make study plans based on an outcome that has not yet been confirmed.
Disclaimer: Discussions between Canada and the EU are ongoing. No agreement has been reached as of September 2026. Do not make study plans based on a potential Erasmus+ agreement that has not been confirmed. Check official EU channels at erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu and the Government of Canada website for the latest updates.
Study in Europe or Canada today
You do not need to wait for the talks to conclude. Explore European study destinations on ApplyBoard, or start your application right now.
Study in Europe with ApplyBoard Right Now
You do not have to wait for any Erasmus+ agreement to study in Europe. ApplyBoard works with partner institutions in Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Malta right now. You can browse programmes, compare options, and apply, all through one platform.
Ireland
Ireland is an English-speaking country in Western Europe. It has become one of the fastest-growing study destinations in Europe, with a strong presence of global technology, pharmaceutical, and finance companies.
- All programmes at ApplyBoard's Irish partner institutions are taught in English.
- Ireland is home to European headquarters of major global technology and pharmaceutical companies.
- Eligible graduates can apply for a post-study work permission (the Third Level Graduate Programme, commonly called Stamp 1G) to stay in Ireland and look for work after graduation.
Read more about studying in Ireland on Assist.
Germany
Germany is one of Europe's largest economies. It is a leading destination for students interested in engineering, technology, business, and sciences. ApplyBoard's German partner institutions offer programmes in English, German, and a mix of both, so you can find an option that suits your language level.
- Programmes at ApplyBoard's German partner institutions are taught in English, German, or a combination of both. Check each programme's language requirements before you apply.
- Germany has a strong job market in engineering, information technology, and manufacturing.
- Non-EU graduates of German institutions can apply for an 18-month residence permit to look for work in Germany after graduation.
Read more about studying in Germany on Assist.
Spain
Spain is one of Europe's most popular study destinations, combining a world-class lifestyle with a growing international student community. Barcelona and Madrid are major hubs for business, technology, and design programmes.
- Programmes at ApplyBoard's Spanish partner institutions are taught in English, Spanish, or a combination of both. Check each programme's language requirements before you apply. Spanish-taught programmes can also be a great way to develop your language skills alongside your degree.
- Spain is a member of the EU, so graduates who secure work there benefit from access to the wider European job market.
- Lower cost of living compared to Western European capitals makes Spain an attractive option for students watching their budget.
Read more about studying in Spain on Assist.
Malta
Malta is a small English-speaking EU member state in the Mediterranean. It offers a unique mix of European culture, a warm climate, and an affordable study environment.
- English is an official language in Malta, so all programmes at ApplyBoard's Maltese partner institutions are taught in English.
- Malta is a full EU member state, giving graduates the same EU employment access as other European destinations.
- The island's compact size, safe environment, and low cost of living are draws for international students who want a manageable, welcoming setting.
Read more about studying in Malta on Assist.
Interested in Studying in Canada?
If you are a European student and the Erasmus+ news has made you curious about Canada, ApplyBoard can help. Canada is ApplyBoard's home market, with access to hundreds of partner institutions across the country.
- Hundreds of partner institutions: ApplyBoard connects you with universities, colleges, and language schools across Canada.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP): Eligible graduates of designated learning institutions (DLIs) in Canada can apply for an open work permit after graduation. The permit can last up to three years, depending on how long your programme is. You can only receive a PGWP once. Check IRCC for full PGWP eligibility rules.
- Bilingual country: Canada has two official languages, English and French. You can find programmes in both.
- Strong graduate sectors: Technology, healthcare, engineering, and business are leading sectors for international graduates in Canada.
Tip! Canadian universities typically have September, January, and May intakes. Apply at least six months before your target start date to allow time for visa processing. An ApplyBoard counsellor can help you plan your timeline and choose the right programme.
Erasmus+ is the European Union's main programme for education, training, youth, and sport. It gives students, academics, and professionals funding to study, train, or gain experience in another country. The programme has been running since 1987 and has helped more than 15 million people take part in a learning mobility experience. The EU has allocated €26.2 billion to Erasmus+ for 2021 to 2027.
Source: European Commission, Erasmus+.
Canada is currently a "partner country" in Erasmus+. This means some Canadian universities can join specific Erasmus+ actions under certain conditions. Canada is not yet a full programme country. As of September 2026, Canada and the EU are in early talks that could make Canada the first non-European country to become an associate member. No agreement has been reached, and no timeline has been announced.
Source: Euronews, 16 September 2026.
Yes. ApplyBoard works with partner institutions in Ireland, Germany, Spain, and Malta. You can browse programmes and apply right now through the ApplyBoard platform. You do not need to wait for the Canada-EU Erasmus+ talks to conclude. Visit ApplyBoard to get started.
The Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) is a work permit that lets international graduates of eligible Canadian institutions work in Canada after finishing their studies. The permit can last up to three years, depending on the length of your programme. You can only receive a PGWP once. To be eligible, you must graduate from a designated learning institution (DLI) that participates in the PGWP programme. Most applicants also need to provide language test results when applying. Check the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for full and current eligibility rules.
The Canada-EU Erasmus+ talks are an exciting development for global education. Whether you want to study in Europe, or you are a European student curious about Canada, the opportunity is already within reach. ApplyBoard is here to help you choose the right programme and guide you through every step of your application.
Start your application today
Browse programmes in Ireland, Germany, Spain, Malta, Canada, and more. An ApplyBoard counsellor will support you from first enquiry to enrolment.