What is the “ESCI Champions” initiative?

The ESCI Champions initiative expands on the “Erasmus Without Paper Champions” initiative and aims to recognize:

  1. Higher Education Institutions that have demonstrated significant progress in adopting the building blocks of the European Student Card Initiative (ESCI).
  2. Other organizations, such as National Authorities, student unions, and third-party processors, that issue the European Student Card in line with the terms and conditions set by the EU.
ESCI-Awards

Which organisations are eligible and for which categories;

Higher education institutions holding an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) can become ESCI Champions in one of three categories:

Other higher education institutions and organisations that issue European Student Cards are eligible to participate in the ESC category only.

How many ESCI Champions can be appointed per country?

What is the role of the ESCI Champions?

The European Commission launched (03/04/2025) a Call for Interest for HEIs and other organisations interested in being recognised as «ESCI Champions for the period 2025–2027». The basic timeline of the Call is presented below:

  • Expression of interest by organisations: Until 16 May 2025
  • Evaluation by Digital Officers: 17–29 May 2025
  • Nomination of 3 ESCI Champions (in all, part, or one category): 30 May 2025
  • Evaluation by DG EAC in collaboration with Digital Officers: 31 May – mid-June 2025
  • Selection of one ESCI Champion (in one category) per country: Mid-June 2025
  • All applicants informed of the call results: Mid-June 2025
  • Introductory webinar for new ESCI Champions: End of June 2025
  • Kick-off meeting (in-person) – Gothenburg, Sweden: 9 September 2025

Check out other cases