International Funding Opportunity for Overseas Education: Monetary Aid for Cross-border studies
Are you considering studying or completing an internship abroad as part of your university education? The Erasmus+ grant could be the financial support you need to make your dreams a reality. This article provides an overview of the Erasmus+ grant, its eligibility criteria, application process, and key requirements.
Who is Eligible for the Erasmus+ Grant?
The Erasmus+ grant is available for students enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program at participating universities. To be eligible, you must have successfully completed the first year of your higher education studies and be registered in a degree or PhD program that grants a diploma from your home university.
In addition, students with disabilities, students with children to care for, students with chronic illnesses, and recipients of student allowances may also be eligible for Top Up Fewer Opportunities.
How to Apply for the Erasmus+ Grant
The Erasmus+ grant application period typically opens around early summer for the upcoming academic year. You can monitor the opening at your university's international office or online system.
Once the application period opens, you will need to fill out the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement form, supplying personal, study, and exchange information. After completing the form, you will need to sign and submit it as instructed by your university, usually via email or an online portal.
Key Requirements for the Erasmus+ Grant
Your planned study or traineeship abroad must last at least 2 months, be full-time, and take place in a country other than your home country or current residence participating in Erasmus+.
During your mobility, you must earn at least 3 ECTS per month at the receiving university, but only the ECTS that are recognized by the Austrian university count. For traineeships, the placement must be relevant to your studies, and for PhD traineeships, ECTS credits are not required.
Payment and Repayment Conditions
The Erasmus+ grant is split up into two rates: 80% at the beginning and 20% afterwards. However, to receive the second rate, you need to provide the recognition sheet of your university.
It's important to note that if you do not comply with the conditions or cancel your stay, you have to return the grant.
Additional Notes
Non-European students in countries like Spain may also need a valid residence permit for the entire Erasmus period. For traineeships, even if voluntary, you must work full-time and earn ECTS credits registered on your diploma supplement.
Language proficiency may be verified via testing before the grant is awarded. Always check exact and updated rules at your specific university’s international office or Erasmus coordinator, as there could be additional local requirements or timelines.
The Green Travel Top Up
The Erasmus+ grant is a monthly allowance that helps finance studies abroad. In addition, the Green Travel Top Up is a reward for environmentally-friendly traveling.
For more information about the Erasmus+ grant, internships abroad, semesters abroad, and studying abroad, you can contact the Erasmus office at your university or the OeAD, Austrian Exchange Agency.
[1] University of Utrecht's Erasmus+ Information [2] Lund University's Erasmus+ Information [3] Erasmus+ Programme Guide [4] OeAD, Austrian Exchange Agency's Erasmus+ Information [5] Erasmus+ Student Network
- Pursuing a degree in personal-finance or education-and-self-development could allow you to leverage the Erasmus+ grant for studying abroad, providing financial support during your international education journey.
- Learning about the eligibility criteria, application process, and key requirements of the Erasmus+ grant, as well as the Green Travel Top Up, can help you make informed decisions about internships, semesters, or full degree programs abroad.
