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The College proudly participates in the Erasmus+ Programme, the European Union’s flagship initiative for education, training, youth, and sport. Erasmus+ offers students the opportunity to study, train, or gain professional experience abroad at partner institutions and organisations across Europe, enriching both their academic journey and personal development.

Through Erasmus+, students can broaden their academic horizons, develop intercultural and language skills, and experience different teaching methods and educational systems. Participation in the programme enhances employability, independence, and global awareness, while credits earned abroad are fully recognised as part of the students’ programme of study.

In addition to student mobility, Erasmus+ supports staff exchanges, teaching assignments, and professional training, strengthening international cooperation and contributing to the continuous improvement of academic quality at the College. By participating in Erasmus+, the College reinforces its commitment to internationalisation, academic excellence, and lifelong learning.

For detailed information about the Erasmus+ Programme, including eligibility criteria, mobility opportunities, and application procedures, please consult the Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2026 available on the official Erasmus+ website.

For further assistance or guidance, please contact erasmus@casacollege.ac.cy

What is Erasmus+?

The European Commission’s Erasmus+ programme is one of Europe’s most successful educational initiatives, supporting learning mobility and international cooperation in education for more than 25 years. Through Erasmus+, millions of students across Europe have had the opportunity to study, train, and gain international experience at higher education institutions in other European countries.

Erasmus+ invests in the education, training, and personal development of people of all ages and backgrounds, helping them acquire new skills, broaden their cultural understanding, and improve their future career prospects. The programme builds on the success of the original Erasmus initiative, which formed part of the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP) from 2007 to 2013, before evolving into the current Erasmus+ programme in 2014.

The mobility component of Erasmus+ allows higher education students to spend part of their degree studying at a partner institution abroad or to undertake a traineeship in another European or associated country. The programme also supports academic staff and administrative staff mobility, enabling educators and professionals to teach, train, and exchange best practices internationally. In addition, Erasmus+ promotes transnational cooperation and collaborative projects among universities and educational institutions across Europe, strengthening the quality, innovation, and global outlook of higher education.

Programme Vs. Partner Countries

The Erasmus+ programme distinguishes between Programme Countries and Partner Countries, allowing students, staff, and institutions to participate in a wide network of international mobility and cooperation opportunities.

Programme Countries are those that participate fully in Erasmus+. These countries contribute financially to the programme and operate a National Agency responsible for managing and implementing Erasmus+ activities at the national level. The 33 Programme Countries include the 27 Member States of the European Union, as well as six associated third countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Turkey.

In addition, Erasmus+ also collaborates with Partner Countries, which are third countries not formally associated with the programme but able to participate in specific activities and cooperation projects. For the 2021–2027 Erasmus+ programme period, these partner countries are organised into 14 global regions to facilitate international collaboration and academic exchange.

These regions include areas such as the Western Balkans, Eastern Partnership countries, the South Mediterranean, Asia, Central Asia, Africa, and the Americas, among others. Participation and eligibility may vary depending on the specific Erasmus+ action or project and the rules applicable to each region.

Through this structure, Erasmus+ promotes global academic cooperation, cultural exchange, and international mobility, strengthening partnerships between European institutions and educational organisations around the world.

Key Erasmus+ Partner Country Regions (Third Countries):
Region 1	Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro
Region 2	Eastern Partnership: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine
Region 3	South Mediterranean: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia
Region 4	Russia: Territory of Russia as recognized by international law
Region 5	Asia: Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam
Region 6	Central Asia: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan
Region 7	Middle East: Iran, Iraq, Yemen
Region 8	Pacific: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu
Region 9	Sub-Saharan Africa: Various nations including Angola, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo
Region 10	Latin America: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela
Region 11	Caribbean: Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago
Region 12	USA and Canada
Region 13	European Microstates: Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State
Region 14	Other European Countries: Faroe Islands, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Our Partner Universities

At present, Casa College maintains active cooperation with higher education institutions across nine European countries and has concluded seventeen bilateral agreements designed to facilitate both student and staff mobility under the Erasmus+ programme. These partnerships enable students to undertake part of their studies abroad and provide academic and administrative staff with opportunities for teaching, training, and professional exchange, thereby strengthening international collaboration and enhancing global learning

Country	University Name	Erasmus Code	Types of Mobility
			Student	Teaching
Hungary	Edutus University	HU TATABAN 01	✓	✓
Hungary	Kaposvar University	HU KAPOSVA 01	✓	✓
Hungary	Eotvos Jozsef College	HU BAJA 01	✓	✓
Poland	University of Life Sciences in Lublin	PLLUBLIN 04	✓	✓
Poland	Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce	PL KIELCE 02	✓	✓
Poland	Kazimierz Pulaski University of Technology and Humanities in Radom	PL RADOM 01	✓	✓
Czech Republic	University of South Bohemia	CZ CESKE 01	✓	✓
Czech Republic	Univerzita Palackeho v Olomouci	CZ OLOMOUC01	✓	✓
Slovakia	Pan-European University	SK BRATISL 08	✗	✓
Slovenia	Alma Mater Europaea – European Center	SI MARIBOR 10	✓	✓
Romania	Universitatea Sapientia di Cluj-Napoca	RO CLUJNAP 07	✓	✓
Romania	Romanian American University Bucharest		✓	✓
Latvia	Baltic International Academy	LV RIGA 28	✓	✓
Portugal	SESC Sociedade De Estudos Superiores E Culturais Sa		✓	✓
Bulgaria	University of St.Cyril and Methodius Turnovo		✓	✓
Bulgaria	South-West University Neofit Rilski		✓	✓
Bulgaria	Varna University of Management		✓	✓

Policy Statement

Casa College’s participation in the Erasmus+ Programme constitutes a central component of its strategic framework for institutional modernisation and internationalisation. The College recognises, reinforces, and continuously enhances the value of student and staff mobility, as well as its engagement in European and international cooperation initiatives. The mobility of students and staff—within and beyond the European Union—together with structured collaboration with Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), academic networks, research bodies, and enterprises, represents a core priority of the College’s institutional policy.

Casa College operates within a distinctly international academic environment. Approximately 90% of its student population originates from more than fifteen countries, creating a multicultural setting that promotes intercultural dialogue, cooperation, inclusivity, and mutual understanding. English serves as the language of instruction, thereby facilitating accessibility, integration, and international academic exchange.

By signing the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, Casa College formally commits to upholding its principles and contributing to the European Union’s agenda for the modernisation and internationalisation of higher education. The institution seeks to enhance educational attainment levels and contribute to the preparation of graduates and researchers capable of responding effectively to evolving European and global socio-economic challenges. Student mobility is regarded not only as a transformative academic experience but also as a strategic instrument for institutional development, international visibility, and student recruitment. Through inclusive access policies and learner-centred approaches, the College aims to further broaden participation in higher education.

Staff mobility plays a significant role in strengthening academic excellence and fostering international cooperation. It supports the continuous development, quality enhancement, and internationalisation of both first-cycle (Bachelor’s) and second-cycle (Master’s) programmes currently offered by the institution. Furthermore, it contributes to the expansion of research partnerships and the advancement of collaborative academic initiatives at the European and international levels.

In its commitment to improving the quality and relevance of higher education provision, Casa College will continue to modernise its curricula to align with labour market demands and societal needs. Applied research will be further developed through structured collaboration between academia and industry. Research and innovation will be reinforced through the exchange of academic and administrative staff, facilitating the sharing of expertise and good practices. Teaching and learning processes will be enhanced through the continuous review of programme content, targeted professional development initiatives, and the establishment of recognition schemes that promote excellence in teaching and learning. In addition, the College will further develop its digital infrastructure and integrate innovative Information and Communication Technology (ICT) methodologies to prepare students effectively for participation in the digital economy and knowledge society.

Quality enhancement through mobility and cross-border cooperation will be achieved by attracting highly qualified students, researchers, and academic staff. Through these initiatives, the College seeks to strengthen the academic standards of its degree programmes and enhance research output. Casa College supports the removal of barriers to cross-border education at both institutional and national levels, thereby facilitating international academic collaboration and student mobility.

The integration of higher education, research, and business is regarded as essential for promoting excellence and contributing to regional development. Casa College will deepen its engagement with industry and society by developing applied, industry-oriented research and designing academic programmes that respond directly to professional and labour market requirements. The incorporation of structured industry placements and practicums within degree programmes, the establishment of industry advisory councils, and alignment with relevant professional and regulatory frameworks will ensure that graduates acquire practical competencies and transferable skills that enhance employability.

Institutional governance will continue to be modernised to ensure effective management of international and cross-border education initiatives. Enhanced governance structures and sustainable funding mechanisms will support the implementation of the College’s International Strategy. Capacity-building among institutional leaders and administrative staff, combined with the strategic and effective use of ICT, will contribute to improved organisational performance and ensure alignment with the College’s strategic objectives.

Inter-institutional agreements and partnerships will be established on the basis of shared academic standards, mutual trust, transparency, and compatibility of academic profiles. Particular attention will be given to ensuring coherent learning outcomes, quality assurance mechanisms, and reciprocal recognition arrangements.

In the implementation of Training Agreements, Casa College will ensure that all necessary provisions are in place to guarantee high-quality mobility experiences for both students and staff. Equal access and equal opportunities will be ensured for all participants, irrespective of background, gender, ethnicity, disability, socio-economic status, or other personal characteristics. Mobility initiatives will include incoming and outgoing student credit mobility at Bachelor’s and Master’s levels from Programme and Partner Countries, covering study periods and traineeships in enterprises. Academic and non-academic staff mobility between HEIs and enterprises will be supported for both teaching and training purposes, including mobility involving Partner Countries. Professionals from enterprises will also be encouraged to contribute to academic activities through the delivery of specialised training and lectures.

Casa College fully endorses and implements the principles of non-discrimination and equal treatment. Selection procedures for mobility will be fair, transparent, merit-based, and appropriately documented, ensuring equal access to all eligible participants. The College guarantees full academic recognition of successfully completed study periods and traineeships undertaken within the framework of mobility, in accordance with established academic regulations and quality assurance standards.

The institution remains fully aware of the actions funded under the Erasmus+ Programme and its strategic priorities, including learning mobility of individuals, cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices, and support for policy reform. Through active and sustained engagement in these actions, Casa College reaffirms its commitment to contributing meaningfully to the European Higher Education Area and to advancing excellence, inclusion, and international cooperation in higher education.

Programme Opportunities

Casa College can participate in the Erasmus+ Programme by applying for funding as either a sending or a hosting organisation. The main mobility opportunities are outlined below:

1. Mobility between Programme Countries – KA131

(Project duration: 26 months – starting June 1)

This action supports the mobility of students, recent graduates, and staff between Erasmus+ Programme Countries. It also allows institutions to organise Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs), which combine short periods of physical mobility with online learning. Mobility may take place in Programme Countries and, in some cases, in certain third countries, subject to specific programme rules.

2. International Mobility – KA171

(Project duration: 24 or 36 months – starting August 1)

This action supports incoming and outgoing mobility of students, recent graduates, and staff between Programme Countries and third countries not associated with the Erasmus+ Programme.

For both KA131 and KA171 actions, institutions must hold the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE).

Participation Without Submitting an Application

Institutions may also take part in the programme without submitting their own application by:

• Participating as members of an existing Erasmus+ consortium
• Acting as host organisations for mobility participants from another country

Eligible Participants

The following individuals may participate in Erasmus+ mobility activities:

• Teaching and administrative staff employed at Casa College
• Students enrolled in an officially recognised and accredited programme at Casa College
• Recent graduates, within 12 months of completing their studies

Eligibility of Organisations

Casa College is eligible to participate in because it is:

• An Accredited Higher Education Institution that holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE)
• A legal entity

Useful Information

A. Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs)

Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) are short, intensive learning programmes offered within the Erasmus+ framework. They combine physical mobility with online collaboration, using innovative teaching and learning methods. BIPs are designed to provide added academic value compared to regular courses offered by participating higher education institutions.

The physical mobility component usually lasts between 5 and 30 days, while the online (virtual) component can vary in duration. Students who participate in a BIP must receive at least 3 ECTS credits upon successful completion.

Each BIP partnership must include:

• One coordinating institution (which typically also acts as the host institution)
• At least two additional partner institutions

All participating institutions must hold a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE).

Within a Blended Intensive Programme, the following mobility activities may take place:

• Student mobility for studies
• Staff mobility for teaching
• Staff mobility for training

B. Student Mobility for Studies (SMS)

Student Mobility for Studies (SMS) under the Erasmus+ Programme allows students enrolled in a higher education institution to study abroad at a partner institution as part of their degree programme. The study period must be relevant to the student’s academic programme and contribute to their learning, personal development, and international experience.

For study mobility to take place:

• The sending and receiving institutions must have a signed Inter-Institutional Agreement.
• Both institutions must hold the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) if they are located in EU Member States or in countries associated with the programme.
• Institutions from third countries not associated with the programme must agree to respect the principles of the Charter when signing the Inter-Institutional Agreement.

Students cannot undertake mobility in the country where their home institution is located or in their country of residence during their studies.

Duration of Mobility

• Up to 12 months per cycle of study
• Long-term mobility: 2 to 12 months (may include a virtual component)
• Short-term mobility: 5 to 30 days with physical presence, mainly for students with fewer opportunities, doctoral candidates, or participants in Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). Short-term mobility usually includes a mandatory virtual component.

Study Cycles (European Qualifications Framework – EQF):

• First Cycle: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (EQF 5–6)
• Second Cycle: Master’s degree or equivalent (EQF 7)
• Third Cycle: Doctorate or equivalent (EQF 8)

C. Student Mobility for Traineeships / Placements (SMP)

Student Mobility for Traineeships (SMP) enables students or recent graduates to undertake practical training or work placements abroad, allowing them to gain professional experience and develop skills relevant to their field of study.

Participation is open to students enrolled in higher education institutions that hold the ECHE, as well as recent graduates within 12 months of completing their studies.

For traineeships:

• The sending and receiving institutions must have a signed Inter-Institutional Agreement.
• Both institutions must hold the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, where applicable.

Traineeships may take place in:

• Public or private companies
• Public organisations or social partners
• Research institutes (research assistantships)
• Schools or training centres (teaching assistantships)
• Other eligible organisations worldwide, except EU institutions and agencies.

Students cannot undertake traineeships in the country of their home institution or in their country of residence during their studies.

The traineeship must be relevant to the student’s academic programme and personal development, and where possible it should be integrated into the study curriculum.

Duration of Mobility

• Up to 12 months per study cycle
• Long-term traineeships: 2 to 12 months (may be combined with a study mobility period)
• Short-term mobility: 5 to 30 days for students with fewer opportunities, doctoral candidates, or participants in Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs). A virtual component is usually required, except for doctoral candidates.

Study Cycles (European Qualifications Framework – EQF):

• First Cycle: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (EQF 5–6)
• Second Cycle: Master’s degree or equivalent (EQF 7)
• Third Cycle: Doctorate or equivalent (EQF 8)

D. Staff Mobility for Teaching & Training

The Erasmus+ Programme also supports staff mobility, enabling academic and administrative staff to participate in teaching or training activities abroad. These opportunities promote professional development, the exchange of expertise, and stronger cooperation between higher education institutions and organisations.

1. Staff Mobility for Teaching (STA)

Staff mobility for teaching allows academic staff to teach at a partner higher education institution abroad, contributing to international academic cooperation and knowledge exchange.

Duration of Mobility

• 2 to 60 days: Teaching at a Higher Education Institution (HEI) located in a Programme Country or a third country associated with the programme, provided the institution holds the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) and has a signed Inter-Institutional Agreement with the sending institution under KA131.
• 5 to 60 days: Teaching at a Higher Education Institution in a third country not associated with the programme, recognised by the relevant national authority and with a signed Inter-Institutional Agreement under KA131 International Mobility or KA171.

For invited staff from enterprises, the minimum physical mobility period is one day.

Teaching Requirements

• The mobility must support the participant’s professional and personal development plan.
• Teaching activities must include at least 8 hours per week (or for a shorter mobility period).
• For mobility lasting longer than one week, the teaching hours should be proportional to the duration of the stay.

2. Staff Mobility for Training (STT)

Staff mobility for training allows academic and administrative staff to participate in training activities abroad in order to develop professional skills and exchange good practices.

Duration of Mobility

• 2 to 60 days: Training at an HEI located in a Programme Country or a third country associated with the programme that holds the ECHE and has a signed Inter-Institutional Agreement with the sending institution. Training may also take place in organisations active in the fields of education, training, youth, research, or innovation (in this case, an Inter-Institutional Agreement is not mandatory).
• 5 to 60 days: Training at an HEI in a third country not associated with the programme, recognised by the competent national authority and with a signed Inter-Institutional Agreement under KA131 International Mobility or KA171.

For invited staff from enterprises, the minimum physical mobility period is one day.

Training Activities

The training content must be related to the participant’s professional duties at their home institution. Activities may include:

• Structured training programmes (excluding conferences)
• Job shadowing
• Observation periods at partner institutions or organisations

3. Combined Teaching & Training Mobility

Staff mobility abroad may combine teaching and training activities within the same mobility period. In such cases, the minimum teaching requirement is reduced to 4 hours per week (or proportionally for shorter stays).

All mobility periods must be continuous and carried out within a single, uninterrupted timeframe.