Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is the EU programme supporting education, training, youth and sport. University and school students, teachers and young people can gain experience studying or taking a placement abroad.

What does it mean?

It offers a chance to visit another European country, study at a university, undertake a placement, join a youth exchange and gain experience, language skills and contacts. EU funding provides participants with grants towards accommodation, travel and other expenses.

Financial support

Support may include all or part of travel costs, accommodation, a monthly grant and sometimes language courses.

The funding agreement emphasises that the grant is a partial contribution supporting study and adaptation rather than formally covering every expense. Participants nevertheless report that it often covers basic needs and some everyday spending.

Amounts depend on living costs. The source’s first group — Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Ireland — receives around EUR 550 monthly; the second — Austria, Germany, France, Spain and Greece — from approximately EUR 520; and the third — Poland, Czechia, Hungary, Croatia and Lithuania — from approximately EUR 470.

Who can participate, and why?

Students on bachelor’s, master’s, engineering and doctoral programmes who have completed their first year, meaning participation can begin in the second year. Benefits include international experience, language development, employment prospects, broader perspectives and new contacts.

Choosing a country and institution

Students cannot simply choose any country. Erasmus+ is based on partnership agreements between universities, generally in related subjects. Available destinations depend on their home institution’s active agreements.

Coordinators suggest suitable partner universities. Students generally choose a priority institution and one or two backups if places are unavailable. The outcome depends on preferences, agreements and programme compatibility so that learning can be recognised after returning.

Preparation and experience

Preparation includes a motivation letter, documents, a bank account, insurance and selecting courses abroad. Matching subjects to the home programme is essential and can complicate preparation.

Once arrangements are complete, students travel, receive their grant, study, meet people from different cultures and adapt to a new learning environment. The experience develops social and communication skills as well as academic knowledge.