What are the evaluation criteria for Erasmus+ funding proposals?

Erasmus+ funding proposals are evaluated based on four main criteria: relevance, quality of project design and implementation, impact, and dissemination. Each criterion is carefully assessed by independent evaluators who score proposals against specific quality standards. Understanding these evaluation criteria is essential for developing competitive applications that align with EU priorities and demonstrate clear value. The evaluation process ensures that only the most promising projects receive funding.

What are the main evaluation criteria for Erasmus+ funding proposals?

Erasmus+ funding proposals are assessed using four core evaluation criteria: relevance of the project, quality of project design and implementation, impact and dissemination. Each criterion carries specific weight in the overall assessment and requires careful attention when developing your proposal.

The relevance criterion examines how well your project addresses EU priorities and the objectives of the specific Erasmus+ action. Evaluators look for clear connections between your project goals and the needs of participating organisations and individuals.

The quality of project design and implementation focuses on your methodology, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. This criterion assesses whether your project activities are logically structured and whether you’ve planned appropriate resources to achieve your objectives.

The impact criterion evaluates the potential effects of your project at individual, organisational, and systemic levels. Evaluators want to see how your project will create lasting change beyond the funding period.

Finally, dissemination examines your plans for sharing project results with relevant stakeholders. This criterion ensures that successful approaches and innovations reach wider audiences, maximising the value of EU investment.

These four criteria form the foundation of the evaluation process across all Erasmus+ actions, though specific elements may be weighted differently depending on the particular programme strand.

How does the Erasmus+ relevance criterion affect proposal scoring?

The relevance criterion typically accounts for 25-30% of your overall score and can make or break your Erasmus+ application. Evaluators specifically assess how well your project aligns with EU policy priorities, programme objectives, and the needs of target groups.

To score highly on relevance, your proposal must clearly demonstrate alignment with at least one horizontal priority (such as inclusion, digital transformation, or environmental sustainability) and one field-specific priority relevant to your sector. Merely mentioning these priorities isn’t enough – you need to show how your project activities directly contribute to addressing them.

The needs analysis is particularly crucial for the relevance score. Evaluators look for evidence that you’ve conducted thorough research to identify specific gaps or challenges that your project will address. This should include both organisational needs and the broader European context.

Another key scoring element is the transnational value of your project. Your proposal should explain why cooperation across borders is necessary and how each partner contributes unique expertise or perspective. Projects that could be implemented within a single country without international collaboration typically score poorly on relevance.

The innovation aspect also influences your relevance score. While not all projects need to be completely novel, your proposal should explain how it builds upon existing knowledge and adds value beyond what’s already been done in the field.

What makes a high-quality project design in Erasmus+ proposals?

A high-quality project design demonstrates clear methodology, feasible implementation plans, and cost-effective resource allocation. This criterion typically represents 30-35% of the total evaluation score, making it the most heavily weighted aspect of your proposal.

Evaluators look for coherence between your objectives, activities, and expected outcomes. Your project design should present a logical flow where each element connects clearly to the next. Vague or disconnected activities will significantly reduce your score in this area.

The quality of your work plan is crucial. This includes a realistic timeline, well-defined responsibilities for each partner, and appropriate milestones for monitoring progress. Evaluators assess whether you’ve allocated sufficient time for each phase of the project, including preparation and evaluation.

Your methodology should be clearly explained and appropriate for achieving your objectives. Whether you’re using established approaches or innovative methods, you need to justify your choices and explain how they’ll be implemented in practice.

The budget allocation must demonstrate value for money. Evaluators check whether costs are reasonable and necessary for the proposed activities. They also assess whether resources are distributed fairly among partners based on their responsibilities.

Quality assurance and risk management strategies are also essential elements. Your proposal should identify potential challenges and outline contingency plans, showing evaluators that you’ve thought carefully about how to ensure successful implementation despite obstacles.

How is the impact of an Erasmus+ project evaluated?

Impact assessment in Erasmus+ proposals examines the potential effects of your project at individual, organisational, and systemic levels. This criterion typically accounts for 20-25% of your total score and focuses on both short-term outcomes and long-term sustainability.

Evaluators look for measurable impacts that are clearly linked to your project objectives. Your proposal should specify what changes you expect to see in participants, organisations, and wider communities, with concrete indicators for measuring success. Vague statements about “increased awareness” without specific metrics will weaken your impact score.

The evaluation plan is a critical component of impact assessment. You need to explain how you’ll collect data throughout the project to monitor progress and measure results. This should include both quantitative metrics and qualitative feedback mechanisms.

Evaluators particularly value projects with sustainable impacts that continue beyond the funding period. Your proposal should explain how the benefits will be maintained after EU support ends, including strategies for institutional integration of new approaches or continued collaboration between partners.

The transferability of your project results also influences your impact score. Evaluators assess whether your outcomes could be adapted for different contexts or scaled up to benefit wider audiences. Projects with potential for broader application typically score higher.

Finally, your impact assessment should demonstrate European added value – how your project contributes to EU policy objectives and creates benefits that wouldn’t be possible through national initiatives alone.

What are the requirements for dissemination in Erasmus+ proposals?

Dissemination in Erasmus+ proposals refers to your strategy for sharing project results with relevant stakeholders. This criterion typically represents 15-20% of your total score and focuses on maximising the visibility and impact of your project outcomes.

A strong dissemination plan identifies specific target audiences for your results, including both direct participants and wider stakeholders who could benefit from or implement your approaches. Your proposal should demonstrate clear understanding of these audiences and their information needs.

Evaluators look for diverse communication channels appropriate to each target group. This might include project websites, social media, conferences, publications, or training events. Your proposal should explain why you’ve chosen particular channels and how they’ll effectively reach your intended audiences.

The timing of dissemination activities is important. While many projects focus on sharing results at the end, evaluators value proposals that include dissemination throughout the project lifecycle, creating ongoing engagement with stakeholders.

Your dissemination plan should include clear responsibilities for all partners. Evaluators want to see that dissemination is integrated into your overall project management approach, with specific tasks assigned to partners based on their expertise and networks.

Finally, evaluators assess whether your dissemination strategy includes plans for exploitation – practical application of your results beyond the project. This might involve integrating new approaches into organisational practices, influencing policy, or developing new educational resources based on your findings.

Understanding these evaluation criteria is essential for developing competitive Erasmus+ proposals. At Euneos, we help education professionals navigate these requirements through our training courses on EU project development. Our practical approach focuses on translating these criteria into concrete project elements that address real educational needs while meeting Erasmus+ quality standards.

Ready to Apply for Erasmus+ Funding?

Now that you understand the key evaluation criteria for Erasmus+ proposals, take the next step in your application journey. Visit our How to Apply page for detailed guidance on the application process. Explore our AI-powered assistants that can help you navigate the Erasmus+ funding application process, increasing your chances of success. These innovative tools provide personalized support to ensure your proposal meets all evaluation criteria effectively.