Policy framework

In Italy, cross-border learning mobility is promoted through a combination of regulatory measures aligned with European recommendations. While there is no dedicated national law, the guiding principles are embedded within broader education and training frameworks.

As highlighted in the Mobility Scoreboard, Italy has made significant progress in the recognition of qualifications and learning outcomes, ensured by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR) and the Information Centre on Academic Mobility and Equivalence (CIMEA), through the implementation of the Lisbon Recognition Convention and the use of the Diploma Supplement. 

The Ministry of Education and Merit (MIM) supports mobility in school and in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) sectors through participation in Erasmus+.

The portability of national grants remains partial and varies by region. According to the Mobility Scoreboard, information and guidance services are available but lack coordination, being primarily provided by Eurodesk, university mobility offices, and Erasmus+ agencies.

Main cross-border mobility programmes for students in formal education

Italy promotes cross-border learning mobility primarily through participation in the EU Erasmus+ programme, which is the most comprehensive initiative supporting mobility in general education, vocational education and training (VET), and higher education. Erasmus+ covers both outgoing and incoming students and includes short- and long-term exchanges. In higher education, student mobility typically lasts from one semester to a full academic year, leading to double or joint qualifications.

These programmes aim at improving language skills, fostering intercultural understanding and providing professional training. They are supported by European funding through the Erasmus+ budget. Participants receive financial contribution to cover travel, accommodation, and meals. 

The Ministry of University and Research, through the Ministerial Decree 548/2024, established the procedures for the use of the Italian Erasmus Fund, created under Article 1 of Law 213/2023.

The Fund is intended to provide scholarships for students participating in study mobility programmes with an ISEE (Equivalent Economic Situation Indicator) below €36,000 per year.

Promoting mobility in the context of non-formal learning and of youth work

Erasmus+ is also open to young people aged 13 to 30, youth workers, and all individuals active in the field of youth and non-formal education. Participants can gain mobility experience in another European country, or outside Europe, by submitting or taking part in projects based on non-formal and informal education methods, acquiring new knowledge and key competences essential for their personal and socio-educational development.

The SALTO Youth Resource Centres support the quality of projects under the Youth sector of Erasmus+. They provide resources, information, and training in specific fields for both National Agencies and other stakeholders involved in youth work and the recognition of non-formal learning.

They are also responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Youthpass, a tool designed to support the validation of non-formal and informal learning outcomes.

The application of interested youth organisations or entities must comply with the quality standards set out in the Erasmus Youth Quality Standards.

Quality assurance

In Italy, quality assurance for cross-border mobility is ensured through a combination of national-level coordination, primarily via Erasmus+ National Agencies, and institutional mechanisms adopted by higher education institutions. These include internal evaluation and monitoring systems aligned with European quality standards, as outlined in the 2024 Council Recommendation “Europe on the Move – learning mobility opportunities for everyone”.

The Erasmus Quality Standards, which apply to mobility projects in the fields of adult education, vocational education and training (VET), and school education, provide standards to guarantee a high-quality mobility experience and meaningful learning outcomes for all participants, while ensuring that all organisations receiving Programme funding actively contribute to its objectives.