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1. Student Mobility
Erasmus offers funding <strong>for</strong> three different kinds of mobility. To in<strong>for</strong>m yourself about these
possibilities <strong>for</strong> students to go abroad, select one of the following options:
1.1 Studying Abroad (3-12 months)
1.2 Traineeship Abroad (3-12 months)
1.3 Language Courses Abroad (up to 6 weeks)
A differentiated description of each of these mobility progr<strong>am</strong>mes, in<strong>for</strong>mation about their
requirements and how to apply are offered along the three phases of the model described in
the introduction.
1.1 Studying Abroad
This main part of the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me enables students at higher education institutions
to spend a period of study in another participating country. Students can study between 3 to
12 months abroad (at least one full academic term).
For getting Erasmus funding to study abroad, students should plan more or less one year of
preparation (including application). We’ve put together in<strong>for</strong>mation regarding frequently
asked questions (FAQ) in three phases which will be part of every student’s mobility
preparation:
1.1.1 Clarifying Possibilities and Requirements
1.1.2 Applying <strong>for</strong> Erasmus Funding
1.1.3 Preparing Your Stay
1.1.1: Selection of Host Institution, Requirements and Possibilities
In this phase, you find out whether you can apply <strong>for</strong> Erasmus-funding, where you can access
further in<strong>for</strong>mation and advice, and how to choose your host country.
Who can participate?
To apply <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus Scholarship, you need to be a student from an institution that holds an
Erasmus University Charta (see Glossary). You can apply, if you are:
• A citizen of one of the participating countries, or
• Enrolled at an institution of higher education in such a country.
Furthermore, students must be enrolled at least in the second year of higher education studies at

the beginning of their study period abroad. There is no age limit <strong>for</strong> taking part in the Erasmus
Progr<strong>am</strong>me.
Which countries can I visit with the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me?
All 27 members of the EU take part in the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me. Furthermore Norway, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Turkey and Switzerland are cooperation-partners.
Do I need to have special language skills?
There is no defined language level you have to attain to take part in the progr<strong>am</strong>me. Still, some
institutions might require you to provide evidence that you will be able to attend classes in a
particular language in order <strong>for</strong> them to support your request. At least you should have basic
knowledge of the language of your chosen host country and be able to communicate.
The Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me also offers special language classes (→ Erasmus Intensive Language
Courses) <strong>for</strong> less spoken languages in the countries where they are used as teaching medium at
higher education institutions. For these courses you need to apply independently from your
application <strong>for</strong> a scholarship to study abroad. Of course, such classes can be combined with
funding <strong>for</strong> a longer stay abroad.
Which institutions can I visit?
You can only go <strong>for</strong> an exchange with a <strong>for</strong>eign institution if your faculty or institute at your home
university and the selected host institution share a partnership agreement. Also, at least the
sending or the receiving country must be an EU Member State.
Find in<strong>for</strong>mation on your institution’s partners through the Erasmus homepage of your home
university or institute.
What should I consider when choosing a host institution?
Don’t only select your host institution based on its location or academic reputation. Also take
into account other criteria when making your choice. For ex<strong>am</strong>ple, smaller and less known
universities often provide a more personal stay. Some HEI offer good student-tutor relationships
or additional progr<strong>am</strong>mes to bring you into contact with the local students. We advise you to
seek in<strong>for</strong>mation on different possible host institutions and think about what is really important
<strong>for</strong> you. In particular, you should consider whether the courses offered at the host institution
match your interests and will be accredited by your home institutions. For in<strong>for</strong>mation on highquality
criteria, see our appendix.
How much money will I get?
Taking part in the Erasmus progr<strong>am</strong>me you will get a grant to help you cover the travel and
subsistence costs incurred in connection with your study period abroad. The monthly rates vary,
depending on the home institution and host country.
Furthermore you are exempted from paying fees <strong>for</strong> tuition, registration, ex<strong>am</strong>inations and
access to laboratory and library facilities at the host institution during your stay abroad.

It is also possible to receive additional allowances (Scholarships, housing assistance...)
1.1.2: Application <strong>for</strong> Erasmus Funding
This phase will give you in<strong>for</strong>mation about where, how and when to apply <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus-
Scholarship.
Where do I apply?
Usually you have to apply <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus-Scholarship at the coordination-office of your faculty or
institution (not at the office of the national agency!). To get further in<strong>for</strong>mation of the exact
application process and requirements, contact the National Agency (→
http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-progr<strong>am</strong>me/national_en.htm) office at your
home university or the Erasmus coordinator of your faculty or institute.
How do I apply?
Depending on the conditions of your home institutions the requirements <strong>for</strong> an application may
differ. Some universities just want to have the mandatory <strong>for</strong>ms and a letter of motivation, others
also have personal interviews.
When do I apply?
The application deadlines vary, but usually you have to apply one year in advance of your
intended stay abroad. But remember: At the time of beginning your study period abroad you
need to be at least in the second year of your higher education studies. This counts from the first
semester at an higher education institution, no matter if you changed your subject or university
in between.
1.1.3 Preparing Your Stay
This phase will give you in<strong>for</strong>mation about administrative and organisational things to be done
be<strong>for</strong>e you can start your stay abroad.
Which administrative things do I have to organise now?
Once your application <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus-Scholarship has been successful you are asked to sign an
agreement. With this agreement you accept the rules of the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me and take the
place at the host institution.
Then your Erasmus office/coordinator will enrol you at your host-university and register you at
the National Agency (→ http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learningprogr<strong>am</strong>me/national_en.htm).

Together with the respective Erasmus coordinator at your institution you will file a so called
„Learning-Agreement“. This agreement is some kind of insurance <strong>for</strong> getting credited your ECTS
points which you collect during your stay abroad.
What is a Learning agreement and what about my ECTS Points?
The learning agreement is elaborated from the student in consultation with the respective
Erasmus coordinator. In the agreement you have to present which courses you want to join at
your host institution. Of course you can also change courses afterwards (after consulting the
coordinator at your home university).
If you are not able to achieve all the ECTS Points as fixed in your learning agreement during your
stay abroad it is not all too bad. But at least you should show that you were willing to study and
acquire more or less the aims you have agreed upon in the agreement. Otherwise (at worst) you
will have to pay back your Erasmus-Scholarship.
In the case that your home university doesn't accept the ECTS Points your have accumulated at
the host institution (despite the arrangements you have made in the learning agreement) you
should to clarify this with the respective Erasmus-coordinator.
Do I need a special health insurance?
Be<strong>for</strong>e you go abroad you should check whether your health insurance covers expenses
occurring during your stay abroad. If not, you have to organise such an additional insurance
yourself. Some national agencies offer group insurances.
Which kind of support does my home university or host institution offer?
To what extent your home -or host university offer support, depends on the respective
institution. There are no regulations in place except <strong>for</strong> what is stated in partnership agreement
etc.
How can I find accommodation?
You should organise your accommodation yourself. Some universities may offer support in doing
so or they have special student-apartments, reserved <strong>for</strong> Erasmus exchange students.
A good idea is to get in contact with <strong>for</strong>mer Erasmus students who visited the s<strong>am</strong>e host
institution.

1.2 Doing a Traineeship Abroad
Student mobility <strong>for</strong> placements enables students at higher education institutions to spend a
placement (traineeship/internship) period in an enterprise or organisation in another
participating country. Students can do a placement between 3 and 12 months.
We’ve put together in<strong>for</strong>mation regarding frequently asked questions (FAQ) in three phases
which will be part of every student’s mobility preparation:
1.2.1 Clarifying Possibilities and Requirements
1.2.2 Applying <strong>for</strong> Erasmus Funding
1.2.3 Preparing Your Stay
1.2.1 Selection of Traineeship, Requirements and Possibilities
In this phase, you find out whether you can apply <strong>for</strong> Erasmus-funding, where you can access
further in<strong>for</strong>mation and advice, and how to choose your host country.
Who can apply?
To apply <strong>for</strong> a Erasmus-Scholarship you need to be a student from an institution that holds an
Extended Erasmus University Charta (→ see Glossary). You can apply, if you are either:
• A citizen of one of the participating countries, or
• Enrolled at an institution of higher education in such a country.
A placement can be done from the first year of higher education studies. There is no age limit <strong>for</strong>
taking part in the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me.
Where can I go with the Erasmus traineeship progr<strong>am</strong>me?
All 27 members of the EU take part in the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me. Furthermore Norway, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Turkey and Switzerland are cooperation-partners.
Host organisations <strong>for</strong> student placements may be enterprises, training centres, research centres
and other organisations.
Excluded are European Union institutions and other EU bodies including specialised agencies,
organisations managing EU progr<strong>am</strong>mes (in order to avoid possible conflict of interests and / or
double funding) and national diplomatic representations (embassy and consulate) of the home
country of the student.
Do I need to have special language skills?
There is no defined language level you have to attain to take part in the progr<strong>am</strong>me but some
institutions will ask you so. At least you should have basic knowledge of the language of your
chosen host country and be able to communicate.

The Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me also offers special language classes (→ Erasmus Intensive Language
Courses) <strong>for</strong> less spoken languages in the countries where they are used as teaching medium at
higher education institutions. For these courses you need to apply independently from your
scholarship application <strong>for</strong> a traineeship.
Which placement to chose?
The selection of a traineeship lies in your own responsibility. You search <strong>for</strong> it, select which kind
of traineeship you want to do and where to go. But it should be linked with your studies at
university. Otherwise the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me will see no need to fund you. There are no
guidelines which kind of organisation or company to select. Host organisations <strong>for</strong> student
placements may be enterprises, training centres, research centres and other organisations. The
only restriction is that it cannot be an EU-body. At least the sending or the receiving country
must be an EU Member State.
How much money will I get?
Taking part in the Erasmus progr<strong>am</strong>me you will get a grant to help you cover the travel and
subsistence costs incurred in connection with your traineeship period abroad. The monthly rates
vary, depending on the home institution and host country.
It is also possible to receive additional allowances (financial contribution or a contribution in kind
by the host enterprise/organisation, Scholarships, housing assistance...).
Students with special needs may also apply <strong>for</strong> a specific grant after they have been selected <strong>for</strong>
a mobility period.
1.2.2 Application <strong>for</strong> Erasmus Funding
This phase will give you in<strong>for</strong>mation about where, how and when to apply <strong>for</strong> a Erasmus-
Scholarship.
Where do I apply?
Usually you have to apply <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus-Scholarship at the coordination-office of your faculty or
institution (not the office of the national agency!). Some institutions have also <strong>for</strong>med special
placement consortia together with other universities. If your home university belongs to such a
consortium this body is responsible <strong>for</strong> the selection of candidates.
To get further in<strong>for</strong>mation of the exact application process and requirements, contact the
National Agency (→ http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learningprogr<strong>am</strong>me/national_en.htm)
office at your home university or the Erasmus coordinator of
your faculty or institute.
How do I apply?
First of all you will need a Trainee Agreement to apply <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus-Scholarship. This contract

is to be filed together with your host-organisation and signed by you, the respective organisation
and your Erasmus-coordinator. Which other documents you need <strong>for</strong> a complete application, you
will find on the websites of your home institution or consortium.
When do I apply?
Since you can start your traineeship whenever you want it is possible to apply <strong>for</strong> Erasmus-funds
throughout the year. There is no fixed deadline <strong>for</strong> applications which is valid <strong>for</strong> all universities
and institutions. Some want you to submit your documents at least 4 weeks be<strong>for</strong>e the beginning
of your traineeship and others will give you time until the day prior to your first working day.
Clarify their expectations as soon as possible to be on the safe side.
1.1.3 Preparing Your Stay
This phase will give you in<strong>for</strong>mation about administrative and organisational things to be done
be<strong>for</strong>e you can start your stay abroad.
Do I need a special health insurance?
Be<strong>for</strong>e you go abroad you should check whether your health insurance covers expenses
occurring during your stay abroad. If not, you have to organise such an additional insurance
yourself.
Which kind of support does my home university or host institution offer?
To what extent your home -or host university offer support, depends on the respective
institution. There are no regulations in place except <strong>for</strong> what is stated in partnership agreement
etc.
How can I find accommodation?
You should organise your accommodation yourself. Some companies may offer support in doing
so or they have special staff-apartments, where you can stay during your traineeship.
A good idea is to get in contact with <strong>for</strong>mer Erasmus students who did a traineeship at the s<strong>am</strong>e
city or stayed there <strong>for</strong> student-exchange.
1.3 Language Preparation
The Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) are specialised courses in the less widely used
and less taught languages. They are organised in the countries where these languages are used
as language of instruction at higher education institutions. The languages English, German,
French and Spanish (Castilian) are not eligible <strong>for</strong> EILC.

The EILCs give a preparation <strong>for</strong> the Erasmus mobility period abroad. Erasmus students visiting
these countries <strong>for</strong> studies and placements have the opportunity to study the language
concerned <strong>for</strong> two to six weeks. There is a minimum of 60 teaching hours in total, and at least 15
teaching hours a week.
We’ve put together in<strong>for</strong>mation regarding frequently asked questions (FAQ) in three phases
which will be part of every student’s mobility preparation:
1.3.1 Clarifying Possibilities and Requirements
1.3.2 Applying <strong>for</strong> Erasmus Funding
1.3.3 Preparing Your Stay
1.3.1 Selection of Host Country, Requirements and Possibilities
In this phase, you find out whether you can apply <strong>for</strong> Erasmus-funding, where you can access
further in<strong>for</strong>mation and advice, and how to choose your host country.
Who can apply?
To apply <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus Scholarship you need to be either:
• A citizen of one of the participating countries, or
• Enrolled at an institution of higher education in such a country.
To participate in a language preparation course you need to be selected <strong>for</strong> an Erasmus study or
placement period in one of the European countries listed above. Also your home institution
needs to hold an Erasmus University Charta (see Glossary). There is no age limit <strong>for</strong> taking part in
the Erasmus Progr<strong>am</strong>me.
Where do the EILCs take place?
The EILCs are organised in the following countries <strong>for</strong> the eligible languages in brackets: Belgium
(Dutch), Bulgaria (Bulgarian), Croatia (Croatian), Cyprus (Greek), Czech Republic (Czech),
Denmark (Danish), Estonia (Estonian), Finland (Finnish and Swedish), Greece (Greek), Hungary
(Hungarian), Iceland (Icelandic), Italy (Italian), Latvia (Latvian), Lithuania (Lithuanian), Malta
(Maltese), the Netherlands (Dutch), Norway (Norwegian), Poland (Polish), Portugal (Portuguese),
Romania (Romanian), Slovakia (Slovak), Slovenia (Slovenian), Spain (Catalan, Valencian, Basque
and Galician), Sweden (Swedish), Switzerland (Italian) and Turkey (Turkish).
In<strong>for</strong>mation about the courses can be found on the websites of the National Agencies (→
http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-progr<strong>am</strong>me/national_en.htm) of the
countries where EILCs take place.
How much money will I get?
Taking part in the Erasmus progr<strong>am</strong>me you will get a grant to help you cover the travel and
subsistence costs incurred in connection with your study period abroad.

Though Erasmus students do not have to pay a study fee <strong>for</strong> participation in an EILC course, fees
may be charged <strong>for</strong> excursions and <strong>for</strong> other charges.
You can also combine this Erasmus-funding with a Erasmus-Scholarship <strong>for</strong> studying abroad.
1.3.2 Application <strong>for</strong> Erasmus Funding
This phase will give you in<strong>for</strong>mation about where, how and when to apply <strong>for</strong> a Erasmus-
Scholarship.
Where do I apply?
Usually you have to apply electronically <strong>for</strong> an EILC through your home institution. They will
<strong>for</strong>ward your documents to the institution where the language course take place or to the
correspondent National Agency (→ http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learningprogr<strong>am</strong>me/national_en.htm).
The host institution then selects the participants.
To get further in<strong>for</strong>mation of the exact application process and requirements, contact your home
institution, your EILC host institution or the National Agency (→
http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-progr<strong>am</strong>me/national_en.htm).
How do I apply?
Applications have to be submitted electronically to your home institution.
What documents do I have to submit?
→ Application <strong>for</strong>m <strong>for</strong> Erasmus students: http://ec.europa.eu/education/Erasmus/eilc_en.htm
When do I apply?
The application deadlines vary, depending on when the courses take place.
The announcements <strong>for</strong> the EILCs are normally published in April/May (→
http://ec.europa.eu/education/erasmus/eilc_en.htm).
It is possible that the host-university which selects the participants will in<strong>for</strong>m you only at short
notice if you can take part in the language course.
1.3.3 Preparing Your Stay
Do I need a special health insurance?
Be<strong>for</strong>e you go abroad you should check whether your health insurance covers expenses

occurring during your stay abroad. If not, you have to organise such an additional insurance
yourself.
Which kind of support does my home university or host institution offer?
To what extent your home -or host university offer support, depends on the respective
institution. There are no regulations in place except <strong>for</strong> what is stated in partnership agreement
etc.
How can I find accommodation?
You should organise your accommodation yourself. Some universities may offer support in doing
so or they have special student-apartments, reserved <strong>for</strong> Erasmus exchange students.
A good idea is to get in contact with <strong>for</strong>mer Erasmus-students who visited the s<strong>am</strong>e host
institution.
Glossary
Erasmus University Charta
To be a part of the Erasmus progr<strong>am</strong>me every participating institution needs to hold a so called
ERASMUS University Charta, a document which entitles institutions of higher education to apply
<strong>for</strong> ERASMUS-funds.
Extended Erasmus University Charta
If you want to get an Erasmus placement scholarship your home institution needs to have an
Extended Erasmus University Charta, which includes not only Erasmus mobility <strong>for</strong> studies
abroad but also <strong>for</strong> traineeships.
Imprint:
Authors: Laura Winter and Johannes Katsarov
Published through the homepage of the NICE network at www.nice-network.eu
The academic network “NICE Network <strong>for</strong> Innovation in Career Guidance and Counselling in Europe”
has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views
only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible <strong>for</strong> any use which may be made
of the in<strong>for</strong>mation contained therein.