A new evaluation of Norway’s participation in Erasmus+ concludes that the programme delivers significant benefits for individuals, organisations and society, and that these benefits outweigh the costs of participation.  

Commissioned by the Norwegian authorities, the study draws on surveys, interviews, administrative data and previous research to assess the impact of Erasmus+ across education and training, youth and sport. The evaluation finds strong alignment between Erasmus+ objectives and Norwegian policy priorities, high and growing demand for participation, and evidence that the programme contributes to quality enhancement, international cooperation, inclusion and democratic engagement.  

Respondents and stakeholders report that the programme supports goals that are important to their own institutions and organisations, while also advancing broader European priorities such as inclusion, active citizenship, sustainability and digital transformation. Participants highlight personal development, intercultural understanding, networks and skills development as key outcomes, while institutions point to improved educational quality, international visibility and stronger international partnerships. The study also finds that Erasmus+ provides access to European policy and cooperation arenas that would be difficult to replicate through national schemes alone. Experiences from Switzerland and the United Kingdom, both of which introduced national alternatives after leaving Erasmus+, suggest that such schemes struggle to replace the international networks and institutional cooperation fostered by the programme. 

Looking ahead, the evaluation concludes that participation in the next Erasmus+ programme period (2028-2034) would generate greater societal benefits than relying on national alternatives. Although participation entails higher costs, the study finds that Erasmus+ produces substantially greater value through mobility, international partnerships, inclusion of participants with fewer opportunities and access to European knowledge networks.  

In a context of geopolitical uncertainty and increasing demand for international cooperation, the evaluation concludes that Erasmus+ remains a strategically important investment for Norway.