How to choose an Erasmus+ course provider: a 12-point checklist
Check twelve things before you book: the provider’s OID, a day-by-day programme with learning outcomes, fixed dates, group size, named trainers, a fee in line with the 80 € daily unit cost, a written list of what is included, the documents you need for reporting, written cancellation terms, a fit with the Erasmus+ priorities, a real contact person and evidence from past participants.
Why you now have to check providers yourself
For years, many coordinators started their search in the course catalogue of the European School Education Platform. Since 27 May 2026, the catalogue no longer shows courses by external providers. The platform calls this a temporary measure: the catalogue had become hard to search for quality, and there was no proactive quality review of providers.
So the choice is yours, and so is the responsibility. Under the Erasmus Quality Standards, every activity has to serve your project’s objectives. A good provider makes that easy. A weak one can cost your staff a week and your project points in the final report.
We send our own staff abroad and we host staff from other countries, so we see both sides. The courses that work best are the ones where the coordinator knew, before booking, exactly what each day would bring.
The 12-point checklist
Use this table when you compare two or three providers. It takes about 15 minutes per provider.
| # | Check | What good looks like | Red flag |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Organisation ID (OID) | The provider is registered in the EU Organisation Registration System and gives you its OID. | No OID, or a name that does not match the OID record. |
| 2 | A real programme | Day-by-day sessions with learning outcomes, not just a topic title. | Only a title and “practical activities”. |
| 3 | Fixed dates | Dates are published for the year and the course runs on them. | “Dates on request” for an open course. |
| 4 | Group size | A clear minimum and maximum per group. | No information on who else will be in the room. |
| 5 | Trainers | Named trainers with experience in the topic. | No trainer information at all. |
| 6 | Fee in line with the unit cost | The course fee matches the Erasmus+ unit cost of 80 € per participant per day. | Extra mandatory fees that are not explained. |
| 7 | What is included | Materials, certificate, Europass Mobility support and any cultural activities, written down. | “Everything included”, with no list. |
| 8 | Documents for your project | Course programme, invitation letter, certificate of attendance. | Certificate only. |
| 9 | Written cancellation terms | Clear rules for changing dates or participants and for cancellations. | Terms only “on request”. |
| 10 | Fit with the Erasmus+ priorities | The course links to inclusion, digital, green or participation goals. | No link to your project’s objectives. |
| 11 | Support before and after | A contact person, practical information and follow-up. | Contact only through a generic form. |
| 12 | Evidence from past participants | Testimonials or references you can verify. | Only anonymous five-star quotes. |
Red flags
- No OID, or the provider asks you to “add it later”.
- A long list of topics with the same generic programme behind each one.
- Prices far from the 80 € daily unit cost, with no explanation.
- No written terms for changes or cancellations.
- Pressure to book before you have seen the programme.
What the course fee should cover
In Erasmus+ KA1, course fees are a unit cost of 80 € per participant per day. Courses and training last 2 to 10 days, so one participant’s course fee can reach 800 €. Travel, individual support and organisational support are separate grant lines.
In practice, the course fee should cover the training itself, materials, the certificate and support with Europass Mobility. Ask the provider to put this in writing.
Questions coordinators ask us
Is a cheaper course a better deal?
Not usually. Your grant pays the unit cost of 80 € per participant per day, whatever the provider charges. A lower price does not give your project extra money. Compare quality instead.
Can we combine a course and job shadowing?
Yes, in the same KA1 project. They are different activity types with their own durations and support amounts, so plan and report them separately.
How early should we book?
As soon as your grant is approved. Popular weeks, such as July, fill first.
Sources
- European School Education Platform: why courses by external providers were removed
- Erasmus+ Programme Guide: mobility projects for school education staff
- Erasmus Quality Standards
Facts checked on 16 October 2026. Found something out of date? Tell us and we will fix it.
