Erasmus+ Guides 12 min read

    KA122 Mobility Projects for Hosting Institutions in 2026

    KA122 Mobility Projects enable hosting institutions across Europe and the USA to welcome learners and staff from partner organisations. This guide explains what hosting organisations need to know in 2026: eligibility, funding, responsibilities, quality expectations, and how to move from interest to partnership.

    PE
    Piktalent Editorial
    05 October 2026
    01

    KA122 in Context: Hosting Institutions at the Center

    KA122 Mobility Projects place hosting organisations at the heart of Erasmus+ mobility, enabling high-quality learning experiences across Europe and the USA. A strong hosting offer supports partner institutions’ learning outcomes while expanding your own international reach.

    • Benefit from a structured framework to host students and staff with defined supervision, facilities, and learning opportunities.
    • Strengthen international networks that support research, innovation, and curriculum development.
    • Enhance staff development and teaching capacity through cross-border exchanges.
    • Strengthen visibility and strategic positioning within your region and sector.
    • Contribute to inclusive mobility by planning accessible, safe, and supportive learning environments.

    Your hosting capacity should align with strategic goals, institutional capacity, and the needs of partner institutions. Start with a clear value proposition and a realistic plan for supervision and outcomes.

    Start with a strong value proposition
    Identify how your hosting site uniquely supports learning goals, career development, and cross-cultural skills for participants.
    Mobility typeNotes
    Student mobility for studiesAcademic placements and language support vary by partner
    Student mobility for traineeshipWork-based learning aligned with host capacity
    Staff mobility for teachingTeaching exchanges aligned with curricula and recognition
    Staff mobility for trainingProfessional development with actionable outcomes
    Mobility types under KA122 (host perspective)
    1. 1
      Inventory hosting capacity

      Assess supervision capacity, facilities, language support, and accessibility.

    2. 2
      Design KA122 offers

      Define mobility types you can host and the learning outcomes you can guarantee.

    3. 3
      Partner outreach

      Map potential sending institutions and establish initial contact mechanisms.

    KA122 Mobility Projects
    Erasmus+ action enabling mobility of learners and staff between participating organisations.
    Hosting institution
    A partner organisation that receives learners or staff under KA122.
    Learning Agreement
    A document describing expected learning outcomes, supervision, and assessment for a participant.
    02

    Eligibility and Roles for Hosting Institutions

    To participate in KA122 as a hosting organisation, you must meet criteria defined in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and establish robust collaboration with sending partners.

    • Be recognised as a legal entity able to sign grant agreements and mobility contracts.
    • Demonstrate capacity to supervise, assess, and recognise learning outcomes.
    • Have formal cooperation arrangements with at least one sending institution in an eligible programme country.
    • Maintain appropriate safeguarding, equal opportunity, and accessibility policies.
    • Provide accurate reporting and financial management for the project period.

    Clarity on roles and governance reduces risk and helps partners align expectations from the outset.

    Avoid common pitfalls
    Inadequate supervision, missing recognition, or misreporting can lead to funding adjustments or audit findings.
    CriterionWhat it meansHow to verify
    Legal statusBe legally registered and eligible to sign agreementsProvide official registration and signatories
    Partnership capacityActive cooperation with sending institutionsSigned cooperation agreements
    Quality assurance capacityAbility to supervise and assess mobility participantsStaff assignments and procedures
    Key eligibility criteria
    1. 1
      Confirm eligibility

      Verify legal status, capacities, and partnership readiness.

    2. 2
      Establish governance

      Assign clear responsibilities for coordinating mobility, finance, and reporting.

    3. 3
      Formalise partnerships

      Create or renew cooperation agreements with sending institutions.

    4. 4
      Set up implementation processes

      Define supervision, learning agreements, and recognition procedures.

    Beneficiary
    A participant in KA122 receiving support through the funding mechanism.
    Partner organisation
    An organisation that collaborates with the hosting institution in the project.
    03

    Funding Landscape for KA122 in 2026

    Funding under KA122 is organised around unit costs and project grants that cover mobility activities. Amounts are defined in the Erasmus+ Programme Guide and are updated yearly.

    • Unit costs vary by country and activity, and are defined in the grant agreement.
    • Funding typically covers travel, subsistence, and some mobility-related costs; indirect costs rules apply.
    • Financial management must follow the rules set in the grant agreement and reporting obligations.
    • Budget planning should anticipate variations by participant group and duration, as defined in the project grant terms.
    • Co-financing is not typically a requirement beyond ensuring compliance with funding rules.

    Work with your finance team early to map eligible costs, plan cash flows, and ensure auditable accounts.

    Budget discipline pays off
    A transparent budget and controls streamline audits and final reporting.
    ComponentDefinition
    Student mobility costsTravel, living allowance, insurance as applicable
    Staff mobility costsTravel, per diem, visas, and related support
    Project management costsCoordination, reporting, and evaluation overhead
    Indirect costsNon-specific overhead contributions (as allowed)
    Budget components (host perspective)
    1. 1
      Identify mobility types

      Choose which mobility activities you will sponsor.

    2. 2
      Check unit costs rules

      Review how costs are calculated for your country and activity.

    3. 3
      Draft a funding plan

      Outline budget lines for participants, staff, and indirect costs.

    4. 4
      Prepare financial controls

      Set up reporting templates and audit-readiness processes.

    Unit costs
    Predefined, fixed amounts used to reimburse mobility-related costs.
    Direct costs
    Costs directly linked to a mobility activity (e.g., travel, accommodation).
    Indirect costs
    Flat-rate contribution toward overheads or consortium management, as defined.
    04

    The KA122 Application Timeline and Process

    KA122 follows an annual cycle. Successful hosting institutions engage early, align with sending partners, and prepare robust project documentation.

    • Form a stable partnership with one or more sending institutions early in the cycle.
    • Develop the hosting offer and draft the Learning Agreement and supervision plan.
    • Submit the application within the defined window through the national agency or the EC platform.
    • If approved, sign the Grant Agreement and implement the mobility activities.
    • Monitor progress and prepare interim and final reporting and audits.

    A proactive, well-documented application reduces evaluation risk and helps safeguard ongoing mobility activities.

    Plan with your national agency
    National agencies provide country-specific guidance and support during the cycle.
    MilestoneTypical timing (year)Who is involved
    Partnership setupAhead of cycle windowHosting and sending organisations
    Application preparationMonths before submissionProject coordinators
    Submission and evaluationCycle windowNational agencies / EC
    Grant signature and start mobilityShortly after approvalAll partners
    Key milestones by year
    1. 1
      Partnership design

      Draft partner agreements and define responsibilities.

    2. 2
      Offer development

      Outline mobility types, outcomes, and support structures.

    3. 3
      Documentation

      Prepare Learning Agreements, supervision plans, and recognition policies.

    4. 4
      Submission

      Submit your application in the annual cycle.

    5. 5
      Implementation and reporting

      Carry out activities and complete required reports.

    Grant Agreement
    Legal document detailing funding, obligations, and reporting rules.
    Interim report
    Periodic progress report on mobility activities and use of funds.
    05

    Quality Requirements: What Host Organisations Must Deliver

    Quality lies at the core of KA122. You must provide structured learning opportunities, clear supervision, and recognition of learning outcomes.

    • Publish and implement a robust Learning Agreement and a suitable mobility agreement.
    • Offer appropriate supervision, mentorship, and language support when needed.
    • Ensure accessibility, safeguarding, and equal opportunities for all participants.
    • Provide clear recognition and credit for completed learning experiences.
    • Document progress, outcomes, and feedback for continuous improvement.

    A strong quality framework reduces risk, increases partner confidence, and supports successful mobility flows.

    Quality is a competitive advantage
    Institutions with strong QA processes attract more partner institutions and high-quality candidates.
    AspectRequirement
    Learning outcomesAligned with curricula and partner expectations
    SupervisionDefined roles and monitoring mechanisms
    AccessibilityCompliant with equal opportunities standards
    RecognitionClear credit and transcript procedures
    Quality criteria at a glance
    1. 1
      Setup supervision and recognition

      Assign supervisors and define recognition pathways.

    2. 2
      Learning outcomes alignment

      Ensure outcomes map to curricula and partner expectations.

    3. 3
      Safeguarding and accessibility

      Adopt inclusive practices and safety measures for all participants.

    4. 4
      Evaluation and feedback

      Implement instruments to capture impact and learnings.

    Learning Agreement
    Document detailing expected learning outcomes and supervision.
    Recognition
    Official acknowledgement of learning outcomes within the participant's curriculum.
    06

    Mobility Logistics: Hosting Specifics you Should Prepare

    Logistics determine the participant experience. Thoughtful planning minimizes risk and maximises learning.

    • Accommodation and local support for students and staff.
    • Health insurance, visa and residence arrangements where applicable.
    • Orientation, language support, and safety planning.
    • Access to facilities, transport, and remote-learning options if needed.
    • Clear points of contact within the host institution.

    Effective logistics reduce friction and enable smoother learning journeys for participants and hosts alike.

    Prioritise safety and inclusion
    Accessible facilities, emergency contacts, and inclusive language are essential foundations.
    AreaAction
    AccommodationConfirm options and accessibility
    InsuranceVerify coverage and claim processes
    On-site supportAssign mobility coordinator and contact points
    OrientationProvide welcome agenda and resources
    Logistics checklist
    1. 1
      Plan accommodation and logistics

      Secure housing options, accessibility, and safety measures.

    2. 2
      Visa and residence support

      Provide guidance and document templates for necessary permits.

    3. 3
      Pre-departure and orientation

      Develop an onboarding plan and initial learning activities.

    4. 4
      On-site support

      Assign a mobility coordinator and point of contact.

    Mobility Agreement
    Document detailing roles, responsibilities, and support during mobility.
    Learning outcomes recognition
    Process by which host institutions certify and credit learning.
    07

    Evaluation, Reporting, and Governance in KA122

    Governance and reporting ensure accountability and continuous improvement. Regular progress checks and a final review are required.

    • Provide interim progress reports on mobility activities and use of funds.
    • Complete final reports detailing outcomes and impact.
    • Maintain auditable financial records and documentation.
    • Share lessons learned to inform future cycles.
    • Engage in monitoring and quality assurance activities when requested.

    A robust reporting culture supports transparency and helps demonstrate the value of mobility for all partners.

    Keep documentation complete
    A clear paper trail reduces risk and speeds up audits and evaluations.
    Report typePurpose
    Progress reportUpdate on mobility activities and budget usage
    Final reportComprehensive outcome and financial closure
    Audit fileEvidence package for financial controls and compliance
    Typical report types and deadlines
    1. 1
      Set reporting cadence

      Define interim and final reporting timelines.

    2. 2
      Prepare required documents

      Compile progress, financial, and performance data.

    3. 3
      Verify compliance

      Ensure alignment with grant terms and funding rules.

    4. 4
      Close-out and audit readiness

      Complete close-out activities and prepare for potential audits.

    Administrative burden
    Documentation and reporting obligations associated with funding.
    Audit
    Independent review of finances and compliance with grant terms.
    08

    Case Study: A Hosting Institution’s KA122 Journey

    A mid-sized university located in Europe expanded its KA122 hosting capacity by building a formal partnership with three sending universities and establishing a dedicated mobility team.

    • Step 1: Mapped internal capacity and identified suitable learning areas.
    • Step 2: Signed cooperation agreements and created a mobility support team.
    • Step 3: Implemented Learning Agreements and a robust onboarding program.
    • Step 4: Monitored mobility and integrated outcomes into curricula for recognition.

    Key lessons included early partner alignment, clear supervision roles, and ongoing visibility of participant progress to the whole academic community.

    Build a scalable model
    Document processes so the program can grow with demand and new partner institutions.
    1. 1
      Partnership design

      Co-create expectations and governance with sending institutions.

    2. 2
      Offer development

      Align host capacity with learning outcomes and curriculum maps.

    3. 3
      Implementation

      Deliver supervision, orientation, and recognition activities.

    4. 4
      Evaluation

      Collect feedback and integrate improvements for next cycle.

    Mobility supervision
    Structured guidance and evaluation during the mobility period.
    09

    What to Do Next: Turning Interest into a KA122 Partnership

    If you’re ready to explore KA122 hosting, start by engaging with your networks and the KA122 offering through official channels. The next step is to connect with sending partners and a KA122-focused hosting page to begin formal discussions.

    • Map potential partner institutions and assess mutual learning goals.
    • Prepare a concise hosting offer and a draft supervision plan.
    • Reach out to sending partners to explore mobility opportunities and schedules.
    • Consult your national agency or the KA122 information page for country-specific steps.

    Ready to begin? Start with your institution’s KA122 pathway via our institutional resources and contact points. You can begin discussions with a partner now and use the KA122 materials to shape your proposal.

    We’re here to help
    If you want tailored guidance, contact us through our institutional channels or explore /services/ka121-ka122-mobility for detailed service options.
    1. 1
      Identify initial partners

      Choose universities or organisations you want to collaborate with.

    2. 2
      Create an offers document

      Draft your hosting offer, supervision plan, and recognition pathway.

    3. 3
      Initiate contact

      Reach out to potential sending institutions and discuss mobility formats.

    4. 4
      Access KA122 resources

      Visit the KA122 hosting pages and the wider Erasmus+ programme materials.

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    Frequently asked questions

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    Pages on the Piktalent site that go deeper on the topics covered above.

    References

    Official sources cited in this article. All links open in a new tab.

    1. Erasmus+ Programme Guide — European Commission
    2. KA122 information (EACEA) — EACEA
    3. Eurostat — Eurostat
    4. CEDEFOP — CEDEFOP
    5. OECD Education — OECD
    PE

    About the authors

    Piktalent Editorial — Erasmus+ mobility practitioners since 2009

    This guide is written by the Piktalent editorial and placements team. Piktalent is the mobility brand of The Student Mobility Group, which has organised international internships and Erasmus+ traineeships since 2009. We place students with host companies across Europe and the USA, sign the learning agreements, vet the hosts and support participants on the ground — so the procedures described here are the ones we run ourselves, not a summary of other websites.

    Why we can write about this

    • •Operating since 2009 as The Student Mobility Group; Piktalent since 2023.
    • •Erasmus+ KA131, KA171, KA121 and KA122 mobilities handled end to end for sending institutions.
    • •Host-company vetting, learning agreements, accommodation, insurance and in-country support in 30+ countries.
    • •Direct daily contact with national agencies, host employers, universities and VET providers.

    How this article is verified

    • •Every factual claim is checked against a primary source — EU institutions, national agencies, ministries or official statistics — before publication.
    • •Figures, fees and deadlines are re-checked at the verification date shown at the top of the article.
    • •Procedures are cross-checked against the cases our placements team handled in the last 12 months.
    • •Corrections are welcome: write to us and we update the guide with the date changed.
    Reviewed by the Piktalent placements teamSpot an error? Contact us

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