Canada is opening negotiations with the European Union to expand its participation in Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship program for international education, training and exchange. The
Canada is opening negotiations with the European Union to expand its participation in Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship program for international education, training and exchange.
The announcement came in a federal news release on October 30, 2026, following the Canada–EU Summit in Montréal, where the two sides unveiled a broader partnership called the Alliance for the Future. The government says Canada and the EU will negotiate “more opportunities for Canadians to study, live, and work in Europe” in the coming months, and will also explore a next-generation youth mobility partnership.
How Erasmus+ works today
Erasmus+ funds student exchanges, traineeships, staff mobility for educators, joint master’s programs delivered by institutions in several countries, and youth exchanges. Full participation is limited to the 27 EU member states and six associated countries. Canada is currently classed as a “third country not associated to the Programme,” so Canadian institutions can only join certain actions, and only through partner institutions in member or associated countries, which apply on their behalf. Students typically spend two to 12 months abroad for credit.
Interest is already strong: projects selected between 2022 and 2024 planned for 1,007 students and staff to travel from Canada to Europe and 866 in the other direction, and 91 Canadians received Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarships between 2021 and 2024. The current Erasmus+ program period runs until 2027, and Ottawa has not yet released details on the scope or timing of any expanded participation.
The existing route: International Experience Canada
Canadians and Europeans already have a work-and-travel channel. Through International Experience Canada (IEC), citizens of 22 of the 27 EU member states can obtain work permits in Canada — and young Canadians get reciprocal access abroad. IEC offers Working Holiday open work permits, plus employer-specific Young Professionals and International Co-op (Internship) permits. Participants are generally 18 to 35, with permits lasting 12 or 24 months depending on nationality.
Whether you are a young Canadian eyeing Europe or a European planning a working holiday here, NewSteps Immigration can explain your options under IEC and other programs.
Disclaimer: This post is general information only, published by NewSteps Immigration. We accept no liability for this post, as the information in it may be incorrect or may change without notice. Please refer to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the final and official information.