KA1 mobility funding is a cornerstone of the Erasmus+ programme that enables educational staff and learners to undertake international professional development experiences. This EU-funded initiative supports various mobility activities including structured courses, teaching assignments, and job shadowing opportunities across Europe. The funding aims to enhance educational practices, foster international collaboration, and develop key competencies for both individuals and institutions.

What is KA1 mobility funding in Erasmus+?

KA1 mobility funding (Key Action 1) is the learning mobility strand of the Erasmus+ programme that provides financial support for educational staff and learners to participate in international professional development activities. This funding mechanism is designed to enhance the quality of teaching and learning across Europe by enabling participants to gain new perspectives, skills, and knowledge through international experiences.

The primary objective of KA1 mobility is to improve educational practices by exposing participants to different teaching methodologies, educational systems, and cultural contexts. For educational institutions, these mobilities serve as catalysts for innovation and modernisation, helping to internationalise their approach and develop European-wide networks.

KA1 mobility grants cover various costs associated with international training activities, including travel, accommodation, course fees, and organisational support. The programme emphasises inclusive participation, aiming to make international professional development accessible to educators from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.

Who can apply for Erasmus+ KA1 mobility funding?

Organisations rather than individuals apply for KA1 mobility funding. Eligible applicants include schools, universities, vocational education and training institutions, adult education organisations, and other entities active in the fields of education, training, youth, and sport. These organisations apply on behalf of their staff and learners who will participate in the mobility activities.

For school education, eligible applicants include:

  • Schools providing general education at pre-primary, primary, or secondary level
  • Local and regional education authorities responsible for schools
  • Coordination bodies representing groups of schools

To qualify, organisations must be based in an Erasmus+ programme country (EU member states plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey) or partner country, depending on the specific action. First-time applicants can apply for a short-term project, while more experienced organisations might pursue accreditation for long-term participation.

The key requirement for all applicants is the ability to demonstrate a European Development Plan that outlines how the proposed mobilities align with the organisation’s needs and long-term development strategy.

How does the KA1 mobility application process work?

The KA1 mobility application process follows a structured timeline with specific deadlines typically occurring once or twice yearly. Applications are submitted through the European Commission’s online platform, with the entire process encompassing several key stages:

  1. Needs analysis and planning: Organisations identify their development needs and plan relevant mobility activities that address these needs.
  2. Development of European Development Plan: This document outlines the organisation’s internationalisation strategy and how the proposed mobilities support it.
  3. Application preparation: Completing the application form with detailed information about planned activities, participants, expected outcomes, and budget requirements.
  4. Submission: Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline to the National Agency in the applicant’s country.
  5. Evaluation: National Agencies assess applications based on relevance, quality of design, impact, and dissemination plans.
  6. Results and grant agreement: Successful applicants receive notification and sign a grant agreement.

Applications are evaluated on quality rather than on a first-come, first-served basis. Successful proposals demonstrate clear links between the organisation’s needs, the planned mobilities, and expected impact. They also include comprehensive plans for preparation, implementation, and follow-up activities.

What types of activities does KA1 mobility funding cover?

KA1 mobility funding supports a diverse range of professional development activities for educational staff. The main types of eligible activities include:

  • Structured courses and training events: Participating in formal training programmes, workshops, or conferences that address specific educational topics.
  • Job shadowing: Observing colleagues at host institutions to gain insights into different teaching practices, methodologies, and educational approaches.
  • Teaching assignments: Teaching at a partner institution abroad, allowing for exchange of expertise and development of new teaching skills.
  • Invited experts: Bringing specialists from other countries to provide training within the home institution.
  • Hosting teachers in training: Receiving teachers who are in their training phase or recently qualified.
  • Preparatory visits: Short visits to potential host organisations to prepare for future mobility activities.

For school education staff, structured courses focusing on digital skills, innovative teaching methods, inclusive education, and sustainability are particularly popular. Job shadowing opportunities allow teachers to observe different educational systems in action, while teaching assignments facilitate direct exchange of pedagogical approaches.

The duration of these activities typically ranges from 2 days to 2 months, with the most common format being 5-7 day structured courses.

What are the financial aspects of KA1 mobility grants?

KA1 mobility grants operate on a unit cost model, providing standardised funding amounts based on specific categories. The main budget components include:

  • Organisational support: A fixed amount per participant (typically €350-500) to cover costs related to preparing, managing, and following up on mobility activities.
  • Travel contribution: Funding calculated based on distance bands between sending and receiving locations, ranging from €20 for green travel over short distances to €1,500 for very long journeys.
  • Individual support: Daily allowances for accommodation, meals, and local transport, varying by destination country (typically €90-180 per day).
  • Course fees: Support for structured course participation (up to €80 per participant per day, with a maximum of 10 days).
  • Linguistic support: Funding for language preparation when necessary.
  • Inclusion support: Additional funding for participants with fewer opportunities or special needs.

The grant is typically paid in two instalments: a pre-financing payment (usually 80%) upon signing the grant agreement, and the balance after completion of the project and submission of the final report. All expenditures must be documented according to the requirements specified in the grant agreement.

Financial management responsibilities include maintaining accurate records, ensuring all costs are eligible according to programme rules, and submitting financial reporting on time.

How can schools maximize the impact of KA1 mobility projects?

To maximize the impact of KA1 mobility projects, schools should implement a comprehensive approach that extends beyond the mobility period itself. Effective strategies include:

Before mobility:

  • Conduct thorough needs analysis to identify specific development areas
  • Select participants strategically based on institutional needs and individual development goals
  • Provide adequate linguistic and cultural preparation for participants
  • Establish clear learning agreements with specific objectives and expected outcomes

During mobility:

  • Maintain regular communication with participants
  • Encourage documentation of experiences through journals, blogs, or portfolios
  • Support participants in collecting relevant materials and resources

After mobility:

  • Organize formal and informal knowledge-sharing sessions where participants can disseminate their learning
  • Implement new teaching methods, tools, or approaches learned during mobilities
  • Integrate international perspectives into curriculum development
  • Maintain connections with host institutions for ongoing collaboration
  • Evaluate the impact through surveys, observations, and performance indicators

The most successful schools approach KA1 mobilities as part of a broader internationalisation strategy rather than isolated events. By systematically integrating learning outcomes into institutional practices, schools can create sustainable change that benefits the entire educational community.

We at Euneos have extensive experience in providing high-quality professional development courses specifically designed for Erasmus+ KA1 participants. Our courses address current educational challenges and are delivered in supportive learning environments that facilitate networking and exchange of best practices among European educators.

Ready to Take Your Erasmus+ Journey Further?

Ready to turn your Erasmus+ ambitions into reality? Visit our comprehensive application guide to learn everything you need to know about securing KA1 mobility funding. Our step-by-step instructions will help you navigate the application process with confidence.

While you’re there, be sure to explore our AI-powered assistants designed specifically to help you with your Erasmus+ funding applications. These intelligent tools can provide personalized guidance, answer your questions, and significantly streamline your application process. Don’t miss this opportunity to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance your chances of success!