Erasmus+: A Complete Guide

1. What is Erasmus+ and Why Should You Care?

Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme for education, training, youth, and sport. For university students, it primarily means one thing: funded time abroad—either studying at a partner university or doing a traineeship (work placement) at a company, research centre, or organisation.

The programme runs in seven-year cycles. We're currently in the 2021–2027 cycle, which means everything in this guide applies until at least 2027.

A Short History

The name comes from Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch Renaissance scholar who lived and worked across Europe in the 15th–16th centuries. The programme launched in 1987 with just 11 countries and 3,244 students. Today, it involves 33+ countries and sends over 600,000 higher education students abroad every year.

Key milestones:

• 1987: Erasmus launches with 11 countries

• 2014: Becomes Erasmus+, absorbing youth programmes, vocational training, and sport

• 2021: Current programme cycle begins with increased budget (€26.2 billion total)

The Real Benefits That Matter

• CV boost: Employers consistently rank international experience highly. Studies show Erasmus alumni have 23% lower unemployment rates five years after graduation.

• Higher salary potential: The European Commission's impact studies show Erasmus alumni earn more on average.

• Language skills: Living somewhere beats any classroom. Most students return with working proficiency in a second or third language.

• Network: You'll meet people from across Europe (and beyond). These connections often last decades.

• Independence: Managing life abroad—bureaucracy, accommodation, finances—in another language builds real-world skills.

• Travel: Your grant covers living costs, leaving weekends free for exploring neighbouring countries.

Myths vs Reality

2. Who Can Go? (Eligibility Rules 2021–2027)

Which Students Qualify

You must be enrolled at a higher education institution that holds an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). This includes:

• Bachelor's students (typically from 2nd year onwards)

• Master's students

• PhD/Doctoral candidates

• Short-cycle students (2-year vocational higher education)

• One-cycle programmes (medicine, law, architecture, etc.)

Your institution decides when you can go. Most require completion of your first year before study mobility.

Recent Graduates

You can do a traineeship abroad up to 12 months after graduation—but you must apply while still enrolled. This is a popular option for those who missed the chance during their studies or want work experience before job hunting.

Important: As of September 2025, some countries are phasing out recent graduate traineeships. Check with your international office for the latest rules.

The 12-Month Rule

You get 12 months of Erasmus+ mobility per study cycle:

• 12 months during your Bachelor's

• 12 months during your Master's

• 12 months during your PhD

This can be split across multiple stays or mobility types (e.g., 4 months study + 8 months traineeship).

Exception: One-cycle programmes like medicine or architecture get 24 months per cycle.

Previous Erasmus stays at other universities count toward your limit.

Students with Disabilities or Fewer Opportunities

If you have a disability, chronic illness, or come from a disadvantaged background (defined by your national agency), you get:

• Priority in selection

• €250/month top-up on your grant

• Real-cost funding up to €15,000/semester for disability-related expenses (personal assistants, adapted accommodation, medical equipment)

• Extra travel days if needed

This is a genuine priority for the programme. Don't hesitate to disclose and apply for extra support.

3. Where Can You Go? Participating Countries

Programme Countries (Full Funding)

These countries participate fully in Erasmus+. You can go to any institution with an ECHE and bilateral agreement with your home university.

That's 27 EU countries + 6 associated countries = 33 Programme Countries.

Partner Countries

These are countries outside the programme that can participate in certain Erasmus+ actions with different rules and often different (sometimes higher) funding:

• Western Balkans: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro

• Eastern Partnership: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova, Ukraine

• Southern Mediterranean: Algeria, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Palestine, Syria, Tunisia

• Rest of world: Asia, Africa, Americas, Pacific—limited places, usually for specific agreements

Your university must have a specific agreement. Funding for partner countries is more limited but often more generous when available (around €700/month).

Switzerland

Current status: Switzerland is a Partner Country, not a Programme Country. After a 2014 referendum on immigration, Switzerland was suspended from Erasmus+.

What this means for you:

• Swiss students cannot receive EU Erasmus+ grants but have access to the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) funded by the Swiss government

• EU students going to Switzerland may receive funding through their university's 20% quota for partner countries

• The Swiss and EU governments are negotiating re-association, possibly from 2027

4. Types of Erasmus+ You Can Do

Study Mobility (SMS)

Spend 2–12 months at a partner university. Take courses, earn ECTS credits , have them recognised at home. No tuition fees at the host university.

Traineeship Mobility (SMP)

Work 2–12 months at a company, NGO, research centre, or other organisation. Can be during your studies or up to 12 months after graduation.

Blended Mobility

A short physical stay (5–30 days) combined with virtual activities. Useful for those who can't commit to long stays. Must earn at least 3 ECTS.

Doctoral Short-Term Mobility

PhD students can do 5–30 days of physical mobility (conferences, research stays, lab work) with optional virtual components. Credit requirements are flexible.

5. Money & Funding – How Much You Actually Get

Erasmus+ grants are contributions to living costs, not full scholarships. They're designed to cover the extra expense of living abroad, not your entire budget.

Monthly Grant Rates (2025/2026)

Rates vary by sending country (your national agency sets them) and destination. These are typical ranges:

Note: Traineeship rates include a €150/month top-up over study rates.

Travel Grant

Travel support is calculated by distance band (straight-line distance, not actual travel):

Green travel means bus, train, carpool, or bike for the majority of your journey. You also get up to 4 extra funded travel days.

Top-Ups

Use the Erasmus Generation Grant Simulator to estimate your specific funding.

6. How to Apply – Step-by-Step

Critical point: There is no central Erasmus+ application for students. You apply through your own university.

Step 1: Check Your University's Deadlines

Typical deadlines are November–February for the following academic year. Some universities have rolling deadlines for traineeships. Check your international office website.

Step 2: Find a Destination

Browse your university's partner list. Each faculty/department usually has specific agreements. You can't just pick any university in Europe—there must be a bilateral agreement.

For traineeships, you find the placement yourself. Use:

• Erasmus Intern Portal

• Company websites

• Your professors' networks

• LinkedIn

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Typical requirements:

• Application form

• Motivation letter (1–2 pages explaining why this destination)

• CV/resume

• Transcript of records

• Language certificate (often B1/B2 level, depends on destination)

• For traineeships: acceptance letter from host organisation

Step 4: Selection

Your university selects candidates based on their criteria (grades, motivation, language skills). Nomination lists go to host institutions for final acceptance.

Step 5: Administrative Tasks

After selection:

• Receive nomination confirmation from host

• Complete host university's application

• Arrange accommodation

• Get visa if needed (non-EU students)

• Sign Grant Agreement with your university

• Complete Learning Agreement

Step 6: Pre-Departure

• Attend mandatory information session

• Complete Online Linguistic Support (OLS) language assessment

• Receive first grant payment (usually 70–80%)

7. The Learning Agreement – The Most Important Document

The Learning Agreement is a three-way contract between you, your home university, and your host institution. It guarantees that what you study abroad will be recognised at home.

What It Contains

• Courses/activities you'll complete abroad

• ECTS credits for each

• How they'll be transferred to your home degree

For Study Mobility

• List the courses you'll take at the host university

• Get approval from your home department coordinator

• Get acceptance from host university

• Sign before departure

For Traineeships

• Describe the work you'll do

• Define learning outcomes

• Get supervisor signatures from both sides

Changes During Mobility

You have 5 weeks after the mobility starts to make changes using the "During the Mobility" section. All three parties must approve changes.

Online Learning Agreement (OLA)

Most universities now use the digital Online Learning Agreement system. It streamlines the signature process and stores everything electronically.

Pro tip: Before you leave, know exactly which courses you're taking and which home courses they replace. Vague agreements cause recognition problems later.

8. Your Rights & Obligations – The Erasmus+ Student Charter

The Erasmus+ Student Charter is your reference document.

Your Rights

• Receive guidance on the application process and host institutions

• Get a signed Learning Agreement before departure

• No tuition, registration, or exam fees at the host institution

• Access to the same services as local students (libraries, labs, housing support)

• Receive first grant payment within 30 days of signing Grant Agreement

• Full academic recognition of successfully completed activities

• Receive Transcript of Records within 5 weeks of completing exams

• Maintain any grants or loans from your home country

• Access to OLS language courses

• Support for visa, insurance, and accommodation questions

Your Obligations

• Respect the Grant Agreement terms

• Complete the full mobility period as agreed

• Complete and sign all Learning Agreement sections

• Immediately report any changes to both institutions

• Sit all required exams and assessments

• Fill out the EU Survey (Participant Report) after returning

• Provide any documents your university requests

• Respect host country laws and institution rules

• Behave responsibly and represent the programme well

If Something Goes Wrong

1. Identify the problem clearly

2. Contact your coordinator (names are in your Learning Agreement)

3. Use formal appeals procedures at your university

4. If institutions fail their obligations, contact your National Agency

9. Practical Life Stuff

Accommodation

Your host university usually offers:

• Student dormitories (cheapest, often require early application)

• Private housing lists

• Buddy programmes pairing you with local students

Apply for university housing immediately after acceptance. Private rentals in cities like Amsterdam, Paris, or Copenhagen can take months to find.

Typical monthly costs:

• Dorm: €200–500

• Shared flat: €300–700

• Studio apartment: €500–1200+

Health Insurance & EHIC

If you're an EU/EEA citizen, get your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before departure. It covers emergency medical care in other EU countries.

EHIC does not cover:

• Repatriation

• Lost/stolen belongings

• Private healthcare

• Non-emergency treatment

Most universities require additional travel/health insurance. Your home university or national agency may provide recommendations.

Visa for Non-EU Students

Non-EU citizens studying in the EU need a visa or residence permit. Start early—processing takes 4–12 weeks.

Required documents typically include:

• University acceptance letter

• Proof of sufficient funds

• Health insurance

• Accommodation proof

• Grant Agreement (proves funding)

Contact the embassy of your destination country. Your international office can provide support letters.

Real Monthly Costs (Examples)

These are estimates. Your grant won't fully cover expensive cities—budget accordingly.

10. After You Return

Credit Recognition

Within 5 weeks of completing your mobility, your host institution must send a Transcript of Records to your home university.

Your home university must then recognise all credits you successfully completed, as agreed in your Learning Agreement. This is a legal obligation under the programme.

If recognition is refused or delayed:

1. Contact your departmental coordinator

2. Escalate to the faculty Erasmus coordinator

3. Use your university's formal appeals process

4. Contact your National Agency if the institution fails its obligations

ESAA – Erasmus+ Student and Alumni Association

The ESAA connects current and former Erasmus students through events, networking, and advocacy. Membership is free.

Local chapters organise reunion events, career workshops, and social gatherings. It's also a useful network for job hunting across Europe.

CV and LinkedIn

On your CV:

Erasmus+ Exchange | [Host University], [City, Country]
[Dates]
- Completed [X] ECTS in [Field]
- Coursework in [relevant subjects]
- [Any projects, theses, or notable achievements]

On LinkedIn:

• Add the host university to your Education section

• Use keywords: "Erasmus+", "international experience", languages

• Connect with people you met abroad

Don't just list it—explain what you learned and how it shaped your skills.

11. Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to speak the local language?

Not necessarily. Many universities offer courses in English, especially at Master's level. Check the course catalogue before applying. For daily life, basics help, but you'll manage with English in most European cities.

Can I work part-time during my exchange?

Usually yes, following local labour laws. EU students can work in other EU countries without special permits. Non-EU students should check visa conditions.

What if I fail exams abroad?

Failed courses won't be recognised. Your Learning Agreement should have contingency plans. Discuss with your coordinator before returning.

Can I extend my stay?

Yes, if your home and host institutions agree and you haven't exceeded your 12-month limit. Funding extension depends on available budget—not guaranteed.

What happened to the UK after Brexit?

The UK left Erasmus+ in 2020 and created the Turing Scheme for British students. UK students can no longer participate in Erasmus+. EU students going to the UK need visas and face higher costs. The UK government is negotiating potential re-association, possibly from 2027, but nothing is confirmed.

Northern Ireland exception

Through an arrangement with the Irish government, Northern Irish students at certain institutions can still access Erasmus+ by registering with Irish universities.

Is Erasmus+ only for EU citizens?

No. Any student enrolled at a university with an ECHE can participate, regardless of nationality. Non-EU students face additional visa requirements.

How competitive is selection?

Varies wildly by university, faculty, and destination. Popular cities (Barcelona, Amsterdam, Berlin) are competitive. Less obvious destinations often have unfilled spots.

Can I do Erasmus+ twice?

Yes, up to 12 months per study cycle. You could do a semester abroad in your Bachelor's and another in your Master's.

12. Useful Links & Resources (2025)

Official EU Resources

• Erasmus+ Programme Portal — Official EU programme information

• Erasmus+ Programme Guide 2025 — Full technical rules and funding details

• Distance Calculator — Calculate travel grant distance bands

• Erasmus+ Student Charter — Your rights and obligations

• Find Your National Agency — Contact for complaints or questions

Practical Tools

• Online Learning Agreement (OLA) — Digital Learning Agreement system

• Erasmus+ App — Official mobile app with tips and resources

• Grant Simulator — Estimate your funding

Finding Opportunities

• Erasmus Intern Portal — Traineeship database by ESN

• European School Education Platform — For teaching assistant placements

Student Networks

• Erasmus Student Network (ESN) — Largest student organisation in Europe, local sections everywhere

• ESAA – Alumni Association — Post-Erasmus networking

Country-Specific

• Movetia — Swiss programme for Erasmus+ (Switzerland)

• Your own university's international office — Always your first point of contact

Erasmus+ Programme Countries (Full Participants)

EU Member States:

• Austria

• Belgium

• Bulgaria

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czechia

• Denmark

• Estonia

• Finland

• France

• Germany

• Greece

• Hungary

• Ireland

• Italy

• Latvia

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malta

• Netherlands

• Poland

• Portugal

• Romania

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• Spain

• Sweden

Non-EU Associated Countries:

• Iceland

• Liechtenstein

• North Macedonia

• Norway

• Serbia

• Türkiye