Online language support
The Online Language Support (OLS) of the Erasmus+ programme is an online language training service offered by the European Commission. It offers the opportunity to study languages and test the development of language skills online. Language assessments and training are based on the European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). OLS is a free service for the user and a great opportunity to assess and improve language skills.
CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Language training for everyone
The Erasmus+ OLS online language training service has two parts; open access OLS and core OLS.
The open access side offers a sneak peek of the languages of the Erasmus+ programme countries to anyone, and it is intended for all those interested in European languages. On the open access side, there are sneak peeks, basic information and study materials.
Erasmus+ participants are given access to the limited access side of OLS (core OLS), where language tests are taken and language courses tailored to their level are taken. Access is granted by the participant's home institution. In European mobility (also to partner countries) those going on study exchange and traineeships through the Erasmus+ programme are advised to complete a language skills assessment in the OLS service before the mobility period abroad. The language assessment should be done when the main working language of the study or traineeship is available in the OLS service and the duration of the mobility is at least 2 weeks.
Currently, participants in Erasmus+ programme can take placement tests in 29 different languages. Languages can be studied with online language courses and communities and forums are open for discussion.
OLS platform
OLS language test and training takes place in the European Commission's EU Academy online learning environment. The open access OLS is, as its name suggests, open to anyone interested in European languages and does not require registration. Participants in the Erasmus+ program get the right to limited access to OLS from the OLS contact person of their sending organisation. The guidance for the OLS language assessment will be given to these students by email or during the orientation session.
In addition to tests, language courses, podcasts, videos, community discussion areas and self-study materials, on the EU Academy platform you will also find:
- instructions for participants and contact persons
- instructional videos and guidance for logging into the platform and operating on the platform
- answers to frequently asked questions
- community managers who will help you with questions related to language training
You log in to the EU Academy platform with EU Login credentials, which the system prompts you to register the first time you log in. Unlike many other Commission systems, EU Academy does not require a two-step login. However, when registering to EU Academy for the first time, the participant is asked to read and accept several policies related to information security and personal data processing.