Lifelong Learning programme 2007 - 2013 Socrates / Comenius Grants for teachers of English as a foreign language  

Your application in a nutshell

Am I eligible for a grant?

What does the grant cover?

How and when to apply for a grant?

 AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A GRANT?

If you are a teacher, teacher-trainer or other ELT professional in Europe, you can apply to the European Union for a grant of up to €1500 to attend a 2-week training course. The grant is awarded under the Comenius initiative to cover tuition, accommodation and travel. If you meet the two criteria below, you are probably eligible and may apply for a Socrates/Comenius grant:

1. You are a citizen or resident of one of the 25 member states of the European Union or various associated countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Great Britain, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
2. You are one of the following:
   1. A qualified and practising teacher of English
   2. A trainer of English language teachers/ a teacher re-training as an English language teacher
   3. A primary or pre-primary teacher who may have to include teaching English in the future
   4. A teacher of other subjects through the medium of English
   5. An English teacher returning to the profession after a time away from teaching
   6. An inspector or advisor in the field of English teaching

Please note: teachers from private language schools are not normally eligible. You are not eligible if you have already received any kind of Socrates grant for teacher training within the past three years. In addition to the general criteria above, the Socrates National Agency to which you send your application, will pay attention to the compatibility of the course chosen with the objectives that you indicate and your capacity to show how you and the school where you work will benefit from your attending the course.   

 WHAT DOES THE GRANT COVER?

If you are successful in obtaining a grant, your travel costs including airfare will normally be paid in full, along with part of the course fee, accommodation and other incidental expenses. Your National Socrates Agency will decide on the amount of the grant they offer you. (Most National Agencies fix a maximum amount and award the grant according to the circumstances.) 

 HOW AND WHEN TO APPLY FOR A GRANT?

There is still time to apply for Comenius funding to attend a professional development course for teachers, trainers and other ELT professionals at one of our Partner Schools. Before writing your Comenius application, read the 'Call for Proposals'. You can read the Decision 1720/2006/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 November 2006 establishing an action programme in the field of lifelong learning (JO L 327 of 24.11.06, p.45)  or contact your national agency for more information.

A significant change for applicants is the introduction of European-wide deadlines for applications.  The deadline for grant applications for training activities taking place between 1 October 2008 and 31 March 2009 is:

• 30 June 2008 (for activities starting between 1 October 2008 and 31 December 2008)
• 30 September 2008 (for activities starting between 1 January 2009 and 31 March 2009)
  

When writing your application, answer all parts of the question, but try to be as clear and concise as possible. Back up any claims with examples. Before sending your Comenius application, make sure you have used the correct form and that the application has an original signature from the head of your institution. Check where you need to send your application.

 FEATURED COURSES

Our featured courses are eligible for Comenius Funding: