DiscoverEU - applications closed

The application round is currently closed. There are two application rounds per year, one in spring and one in autumn. 

The next application round will take place from 1 to 15 October 2026. It will be open to applicants born between 1 January and 31 December 2008. For the winners of that round, the indicative travel period will be between 1 March 2027 and 31 May 2028.

Are you 18 years old and a resident of one of the EU Member States or third countries associated to Erasmus+? Get ready to explore Europe! 

What is DiscoverEU?

DiscoverEU is an action of the Erasmus+ programme that offers you the opportunity to explore Europe’s diversity, learn about its cultural heritage and history, and connect with people from all over the continent.  

You will be offered a travel pass and travel predominantly by rail. Check out the rules for people living on islands or in remote areas.

As a selected traveller, you will receive a DiscoverEU discount card (European Youth Card) for a wealth of discounts on cultural visits, learning activities, sports, local transportation, accommodation, and food.

How does it work?

To be eligible, you need to:

• be at least 18 years old on the first day of the travel period;
• complete the identity card (ID), passport or residence permit number in the online application form;
• be citizen or resident* of one of:
  • the Member States of the European Union including its outermost regions, or
  • the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) associated with the European Union, or 
  • the third countries associated to the Erasmus+ programme: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye. 
• Agree with the declaration of honour on the application form.

* For more information see the Rules section “2. Eligible applicants”

Then you will need to participate in a quiz (unless you apply as a group member).

If you have a disability or a health condition that makes your travel challenging, you will receive assistance and support. Check our FAQ C.10 to know more.

Can I travel with my friends?

Yes, you can! You can go solo or add up to 4 friends in your group provided they meet the eligibility conditions above. They will use your application code to submit their own application. Check out our FAQs B.5 to B.11 to know more.

You can also combine travel plans with other DiscoverEU travellers! The DiscoverEU Facebook Group may be a good platform to do this, if you consent to use this social media*. Join the Group now to chat with other participants.

Once you are selected, the Erasmus+ National Agencies will help you connect and learn, with the organisation of pre-departure meetings and travellers Meet-ups.

* Personal data processing falls under separate Data Protection Conditions and under the specific privacy statement of Facebook, which acts as separate data controller.

Share experiences

Selected participants automatically become DiscoverEU Ambassadors. As an ambassador, we will invite you to share your travel experiences on social media using #DiscoverEU. You may even decide to give a presentation at your school or local community.

I want to know more!

Interested in the previous application rounds? Check the DiscoverEU factsheets to read more about the action and the experiences of some of our young DiscoverEU travellers.

Europe is at your feet. Take the first step.     

Inspiring TedX video from Vincent-Immanuel Herr