Diversity & Inclusion in Erasmus+ Implementation

DiEM Project Launch

The Diversity and Inclusion in Erasmus+ iMplementation (DiEM) project focuses on a core priority of the Erasmus+ Programme 2021-2027, widening student participation through inclusion for students with fewer opportunities.

Through rigorous evaluation, data analysis, and policy research, the DiEM project aims to identify barriers hindering access to mobility and propose effective solutions, setting the ground for a reinforced inclusion strategy in its successor programme by:

• Providing a comprehensive evidence-based evaluation of the perspectives of stakeholders and the policy changes implemented across levels, producing research reports and analysis of data and policies;
• Improving the implementation of the different tools in Erasmus+ Higher Education incorporated in the Erasmus+ programme 2021/2027, as well as information about the existing possibilities for students;
• Building the capacity of the main stakeholders of the programme in the field of inclusive internationalisation, fostering collaboration and co-creation processes, including Higher Education Institutions and their networks, students and their representatives, and National Authorities involved in the project, through the creation of workshops, peer learning communities and training materials;
• Supporting the transformation of inclusive internationalisation practices across the Higher Education sector, building on successfully tested models and proposing policy experimentation that can contribute to a better Erasmus+ programme;

The project seeks to have a qualitative and quantitative impact in making Erasmus+ more inclusive, identifying barriers that make access to mobility more challenging and hamper the experience of participants, and proposing solutions that help to remove those barriers, ultimately leading to a better experience for more students.

To accomplish these ambitious aims and objectives, seven partner organisations with diverse backgrounds, representing international students, Higher Education Institutions and researchers joined in, they are: The Erasmus Student Network AISBL (ESN) (Coordinator), Academic Cooperation Association (ACA), University of Latvia, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Pavia, Jagiellonian University, and European University Foundation.

Ultimately, the project has the following four objectives:

• Comprehensive Evaluation: Evidence-based evaluations of stakeholder perspectives and policy changes will be conducted, generating insightful reports to drive better strategies.
• Enhanced Implementation: The use of Erasmus+ Higher Education tools will be improved, and awareness about available opportunities will be spread.
• Capacity Building: Stakeholders for collaborative, inclusive internationalisation will be empowered through workshops and training.
• Transformative Practices: Successful models will be built upon and policy experiments proposed to transform inclusive internationalisation in higher education.

Building on the results of the SIEM project and other relevant work on the topic, the project will be based on a broad understanding of inclusion that does not only look at the specific of the different fewer opportunities groups, but also at the common barriers faced by students, and how Higher Education systems can be adapted through better incentives provided by the Erasmus+ programme.

• Date: 11 Mar 2025

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Focus Groups on Access to Mobility Opportunities and Inclusion in Mobility

Following the project’s goal of “Providing a comprehensive evidence-based evaluation of the perspectives of stakeholders”, the DiEM project has conducted focus group interviews with participants from 10 different countries to understand the most pressing barriers students face while going abroad on student mobility.

The focus groups sought to gather in-depth information from mobile and non-mobile participants regarding the barriers they face to participate in mobility and the necessary push factors to support them in going abroad. The information gathered will be used to design a report on access to mobility opportunities. The first set of focus groups was led by the partner universities, while the second set was a student-led focus group done by the Erasmus Student Network.

The first set of students who participated in the focus groups were students who have never participated in student mobility programmes, while the second group were students who have either recently been on student mobility, or are currently on exchange and are from fewer opportunities backgrounds.

For the non-mobile students, the conducted research focused on the barriers to going abroad for these students and what could have helped them. For the second group, the focus group analysed the barriers students have faced before, during and after mobility and solutions that would support students to study abroad.

The final results of these focus group interviews can be expected to be released at the end of April and will be included in the upcoming Report on the Current State of Play on Diversity and Inclusion in the Erasmus+ Programme and presented during an online conference. The results should provide valuable insights into the barriers and possible support measures for student mobility. These findings will contribute to evidence-based recommendations aimed at improving support structures, reducing barriers, and fostering more inclusive mobility opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.

• Date: 11 Mar 2025

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Transnational Partner Meeting at the University of Pavia

The DiEM Project Consortium convened for its second transnational partner meeting at the University of Pavia on December 3–4, 2024. During the meeting, partners reviewed the progress of project activities and engaged in in-depth discussions on key priorities, including expanding access to mobility opportunities for students and strengthening inclusion support for those with fewer opportunities.

The consortium also outlined upcoming activities and milestones, including the publication of the Report on the Current State of Play on Diversity and Inclusion in the Erasmus+ Programme, ongoing surveys examining inclusion in the context of internationalisation in higher education, and the implementation of inclusion measures across different national contexts.

Reaffirming their shared commitment, project partners emphasised their dedication to enhancing the accessibility and inclusivity of the Erasmus+ programme while preserving its diversity.

• Date: 11 Mar 2025

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Institutional Survey on Inclusive Internationalisation of Higher Education Open for Contributions!

The DiEM Project Consortium has launched a survey on Inclusive Internationalisation of Higher Education, open to university staff working in the field.

The survey seeks to assess the implementation of inclusion measures at higher education institutions, perceptions of Erasmus+ programme outcomes, and challenges in advancing its inclusion priority. It also examines how institutions support outgoing mobility students, identifying areas for improvement and practical steps to enhance accessibility. The findings will inform the development of a strategic roadmap to guide higher education institutions in enhancing inclusive internationalisation support.

Fill out the survey by clicking here.

The survey will remain open until the end of March 2025.

• Date: 11 Mar 2025

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Transnational Partner Meeting at the University of Latvia

In the end of June 2025, partners of the DiEM project consortium gathered at the University of Latvia in Riga for their third transnational partner meeting. A series of collaborative sessions to review progress, exchange ideas, and co-develop several key project outputs provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the work done so far and align on the next steps across different work packages.

Discussions focused on shaping core deliverables, including the Report on Access to Opportunities, the Inclusion Monitor, and the Guidelines for Inclusive Internationalisation Support. Partners engaged in in-depth exchanges on frameworks and methodologies that will guide the project’s outputs moving forward, drawing on data from student perspectives, institutional surveys and study visits.

Looking ahead, partners planned a series of key upcoming activities: the launch of the Virtual Assistant and the Inclusive Mobility Monitor and Heatmap, an upcoming workshop in Brussels for National Agencies, and the launch of a Community of Practice supported by related training for university staff in Berlin. Further updates will follow as we move towards the launch of tools and resources that aim to foster more inclusive and equitable international student mobility in higher education.

• Date: 22 Jul 2025

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Study Visits at Partner Universities: Gaining Insights for Inclusive Internationalisation

We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the DiEM study visits at our four partner universities: the University of Pavia, Humboldt University of Berlin, University of Latvia, and Jagiellonian University.

The visits were conducted between May and July 2025 by project partners from the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) and the European University Foundation (EUF), with the kind organisational support of each host institution. In total, 25 in-depth interviews were carried out with university staff in a wide range of roles, including Erasmus+ faculty coordinators, mobility office personnel, accessibility and equal opportunity officers, as well as student representatives from ESN and other student organisations.

These interviews offered a rich and nuanced understanding of institutional approaches to managing incoming and outgoing student mobilities, the provision of information on mobility opportunities, and the support structures in place for diverse student groups. The study visits also allowed us to map the various actors involved in implementing inclusive practices, and to reflect on the roles and responsibilities across institutional departments.

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants for their time and valuable contributions. The insights gathered will now be analysed by the project consortium and will inform the development of guidelines on inclusive internationalisation support, showcasing best practices identified during the visits.

These guidelines will feed into the creation of a digital training tool designed to support university staff in enhancing the inclusivity of mobility programmes.

As a next step, we are excited to announce that a training event will take place in Berlin in autumn 2025 - details and registration information will be shared shortly.

We look forward to continuing our work towards more equitable and inclusive international opportunities in higher education.

• Date: 22 Jul 2025

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Join Us on 22 September: Registrations Open for Diversity and Inclusion in Erasmus+ Mobility Online Event

The DiEM project consortium invites you to an online conference exploring how the Erasmus+ programme can become more inclusive and equitable. This event will mark the launch of a new research report on the experiences of students from groups with fewer opportunities in international mobility.

Bringing together perspectives from students, universities, and national-level stakeholders, the event will also present key project outputs:

• Research Report "Inclusive Access and Participation in Erasmus+ Mobility”: Presents the student perspective, highlighting barriers to participation in mobility and challenges that participants from groups with fewer opportunities face throughout the mobility journey.
• Guidelines for Inclusive Internationalisation Support: Offer an institutional lens, drawing on university practices and research to help higher education institutions better support diverse student needs.
• Inclusive Mobility Monitor: Provides a national-level view, showcasing comparative data on how inclusion in mobility is addressed across different countries.

Together, these contributions aim to foster a deeper, multi-level dialogue on the current state and future direction of inclusion in Erasmus+ mobility - from personal experiences to structural solutions.

• 📆 22 of September 2025, 14:00 - 16:00 CET
• 📍 Online, Zoom
• 🔗 Register via this form: link to form
• 📃 Look at the Live Agenda via this link

Register by 18th of September. Registered participants will receive a link to Zoom prior to the event.

• Date: 19 Aug 2025

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Join the Peer Learning Community on Inclusive Mobility

The DiEM project consortium is delighted to invite professionals from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) involved with student mobility management, ED&I implementation and student services to its Peer-Learning Committee (PLC) for the period from October 2025 to December 2026.

This Peer-Learning Community will consist of one in-person meeting in Berlin in December 2025 and at least three online meetings. The objectives of the PLC on inclusive mobility are as follows:

• Drive change at the institutional level towards more inclusive universities,
• Steer active participation and help build capacity among its members by developing training materials for staff,
• Create space for developing and testing approaches for inclusive mobility management and implementation,
• Act as a platform for expertise sharing on inclusive practices at HEIs,
• Co-create joint university-student initiatives to widen participation and/or improve inclusive mobility support.

Topics that will be covered in the sessions might include the following: developing ED&I strategies, collaboration between roles, units and departments in HEIs for inclusive universities, advancing support to students with fewer opportunities and information outreach strategies. The format of the sessions can include peer-group advising, exchange of good practices, panel discussions, workshops.

🔗You can express your interest in joining the PLC by filling in the form https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/17Rw0LRmbt

We warmly encourage you to take part in shaping this community of practice!

Should you have any questions, feel free to reach out to [email protected]

• Date: 07 Oct 2025

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Insights from the Diversity and Inclusion in Erasmus+ Mobility Online Event

On September 22, 2025, the DiEM consortium delivered an online conference focusing on the launch of the project’s new research report on Inclusive Access and Participation in Erasmus+ Mobility. More than 120 participants attended, engaging in fruitful discussions aimed at enhancing inclusion and diversity in mobility support for all students.

The DiEM online conference mainly aimed at presenting the key findings of the Inclusive Access and Participation in Erasmus+ Mobility report. Introduced jointly by Magdalena Klarenbach and Dr. Ewa Krzaklewska from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, as well as Neli Kalinova-Schmieder, Projects & Policy Officer at ESN, this research built on both qualitative and quantitative research methods between May 2024 and February 2025 to gain a comprehensive understanding of the barriers, support structures and experiences shaping access to and participation in mobility opportunities in higher education. The report focused on different groups of students facing challenges over the mobility process and at different levels (individual, institutional and national). Concretely, this included students from lower socio-economic backgrounds, from ethnic minorities, rural students, students with physical or learning disabilities, or identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

This presentation was complemented by interventions of project partners focusing on ways to address both institutional and national level barriers. Christina Bohle, Erasmus+ Institutional Coordinator at Humboldt University, and Charles de Groot, Research & Policy Officer at EUF, introduced their work on Strengthening Mobility Support for Students with Fewer Opportunities, a set of guidelines for inclusive organisational structures in higher education. They also opened an invitation for participation in the project’s Peer Learning Community for higher education staff involved with student mobility management, ED&I implementation and student services.

Martin Bogdan, Policy & Project Coordinator at ACA, focused in turn on national approaches to inclusion and diversity in Erasmus+, emphasising the need for formalised and integrated strategies, increased institutional engagement in implementation, and improved monitoring and data collection. To that extent, he also announced the upcoming release of the Inclusion Monitor and Comparative Report on National Approaches to Inclusion developed by the project.

The DiEM online conference concluded with an engaging panel discussion with Dr. Luca Alexa Erdei (Eötvös Loránd University) and Kypros Katsiamis(ESN Cyprus), moderated by Simone Lepore, President of the ESN. After introducing the research findings from Erasmus GAP project, Luca stressed the extreme importance to tailor interpretive strategies not only tackling challenges identified at the individual, institutional and national levels, but also directly targeting the interactive and influential relationship between them. Finally, Kypros shared some thought-provoking insights on the main challenges encountered by mobility students and mentioned the importance of raising awareness among underrepresented students regarding their right to mobility. He also highlighted the immediate need for real strategies to increase inclusive mobility experiences, including concrete steps to facilitate further institutional engagement.

• Date: 10 Oct 2025

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Peer Learning Community Training and Transnational Partner Meeting at Humboldt University in Berlin

The Peer Learning Community (PLC) met on December 11 and 12, 2026 for an in-person training event at Humboldt University in Berlin. Participants from around twenty higher education institutions joined empowering discussions on how to make international mobility more accessible, equitable and inclusive for all students, representing a variety of countries among which Czech Republic, Sweden, France, North Macedonia, Türkiye, Switzerland and Latvia for instance.

The training programme combined policy inputs, practical tools and collaborative exercises. Sessions focused on integrating inclusion into institutional strategies, strengthening cross-unit cooperation between international offices, student services and accessibility units, designing targeted support measures for students, improving inclusive communication practices, and actively involving students as partners in shaping mobility initiatives.

This training followed the fourth DIEM transnational partner meeting, hosted on December 10 and discussing the project progress and objectives with special attention brought to quality assessment, the organisation and content of PLC trainings, and the outcomes of workshops conducted with National Agencies with a focus on improved models for inclusion in Erasmus+.

This past week marked an important step in the DiEM project’s efforts to enhance inclusion and diversity within the Erasmus+ programme. Looking ahead, the PLC will continue its work through a series of online meetings throughout 2026, allowing members to deepen collaboration and exchange good practices and tools for sustainable institutional change.

• Date: 17 Dec 2025

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