Adding a Plus to Your CoVE: how you can involve Swiss VET institutions

Knowledge on CoVEs #Building networks #Erasmus

How to work with Swiss institutions in a CoVE

Adding a Plus to Your CoVE: What you need to know about Swiss institutions and Erasmus+ CoVEs

Did you know that Swiss institutions can actively participate in Erasmus+ projects, even though Switzerland is not currently an Erasmus+ programme member? By understanding the process and taking advantage of available EU and Swiss funding, you can enhance your project with Swiss innovation and expertise, driving forward the shared goals of vocational excellence across Europe. This article will guide you through the process of involving a Swiss institution in an Erasmus+ CoVE project.

1) Liaise Early (Before Submitting an Erasmus+ Bid)
The key to successful collaboration with Swiss institutions is to establish a partnership early in the project development phase. By including Swiss partners in your Erasmus+ proposal from the outset, you can secure adequate funding and fully integrate their contributions into your project. While it is possible to involve a Swiss institution later on, obtaining funding at that stage becomes more challenging or even impossible.
During this initial phase, Swiss institutions can receive support from Movetia, the Swiss National Agency for Exchange and Mobility. This support may include guidance, as well as a contribution to a preparatory visit to help Swiss partners familiarise themselves with your institution and the project.

Good to Know: The Swiss Vocational and Professional Education & Training (VPET) system is globally recognised for its excellence. It provides qualifications ranging from initial levels (EQF 3 & 4) to higher levels (EQF 5-8). If you need assistance finding a Swiss partner, Movetia can help with the search.

2) Include the Swiss Institution as a “Full Partner” or “Associated Partner”
When it comes to integrating Swiss partners into Erasmus+ CoVEs, you have two main options:
•    As Full Partners: Swiss institutions can be fully integrated into the project and access Erasmus+ funding. However, you must clearly articulate the essential added value they bring to the consortium.
•    As Associated Partners: Swiss institutions are included in the proposal but will not be direct beneficiaries of Erasmus+ funding. Instead, they can apply for financial support from Movetia. This application process must run in parallel with your Erasmus+ submission, with deadlines available on the Movetia website. If both applications are successful, the Swiss project will operate alongside the Erasmus+ CoVE, with its own reporting requirements, but add funding on top of the EU funding.

Movetia offers strategic advice on both options, assisting Swiss institutions and their European partners in making informed decisions. In the past, a considerable number of projects of both options have been successfully funded (25 projects with Swiss full partners and 38 with Swiss associated partners in VET, Higher Education and Adult Education, Calls 2021-2023).

Good to Know: Always adhere to Erasmus+ rules. For example, a CoVE consortium must include at least eight applicants (beneficiaries) from a minimum of four EU Member States or third countries associated with the program. Since Switzerland is not associated with Erasmus+, Swiss institutions do not count toward this minimum configuration.

3) Benefit from Complementary Expertise and Strengths
Once your project is financed, you can collaborate closely with your Swiss partners within the CoVE framework, and potentially even beyond. 
Good to Know: Switzerland has a global mobility scheme that supports learning mobility for students and staff, including those coming to Switzerland. For other Erasmus+ funding lines, such as cooperation partnerships, similar options are available as outlined above for CoVEs. An association to Erasmus+ remains the strategic goal of the Swiss Federal Council. Negotiations between Switzerland and the European Union are ongoing.

Interested in Collaborating with Switzerland?
If you’re interested in partnering with Swiss VPET institutions, or need more information, we kindly invite you to connect with VET Swiss institutions and Movetia during a standing lunch at WorldSkills 2024 in Lyon, France, on Friday, 13 September (please register here). Else, do not hesitate to reach out to Movetia via vocational.education@movetia.ch.