International Funding Opportunity: Financing for Overseas Educational Pursuits via Erasmus+ Program
In the pursuit of a semester or internship abroad, students in Europe have the opportunity to apply for an Erasmus+ grant. This article provides a comprehensive guide on the application process, eligibility, conditions, and financial aid associated with this programme.
Application Process
For students aiming to study abroad, the first step is to be nominated by their university for an Erasmus+ exchange. The application process is then initiated via the Erasmus Database or the equivalent platform used by the university. It is essential to specify the correct start and end dates based on the academic calendar, and to submit the application within the official application window.
For those seeking an internship or traineeship, it is crucial to ensure that the opportunity is eligible and approved according to Erasmus+ criteria. Applications should be submitted by the deadline, including a Learning Agreement for Traineeship specifying the activities, language proficiency, and insurance coverage documents.
Eligibility and Conditions
To be eligible for an Erasmus+ grant, students must be enrolled at a sending institution participating in the programme. Mobility must be to an eligible country and institution or company. Students must also fulfill conditions such as language skills, insurance requirements, academic acceptance, and comply with deadlines and country- and institution-specific rules. Failing to meet these requirements may result in having to repay the grant.
Financial Aid
The Erasmus+ grant is a contribution to travel and living costs and is not a full scholarship. The amount varies by country and duration. After completing mobility, claim procedures vary but usually require submitting confirmation such as attendance certificates or internship reports. Top-ups may be available for students with special needs or disabilities via specific support programmes.
Notes on Erasmus Mundus Scholarships
Erasmus Mundus scholarships are separate from the basic Erasmus+ grant. These scholarships offer fully-funded opportunities for selected joint master’s programmes, with applications made directly to the consortium running the programme and specific deadlines.
In Summary
To apply for an Erasmus+ grant, students must first check if their home institution is part of the programme, get nominated, submit their application via the Erasmus+ platform following their institution’s guidelines, and carefully document their study or internship period. Conditions include enrollment, acceptance at the host, language, insurance, and commitment to the program. Financial aid includes standard grants plus possible top-ups for special situations.
For students at Austrian universities, the Erasmus+ grant is a monthly allowance for students studying abroad with the Erasmus+ mobility program by the European Union. The grant is calculated exactly to the date and is split into two rates: 80% at the beginning of the stay and the other 20% after returning. The amount mostly depends on the country you travel to, with allowances ranging from €380 to €700 per month.
During your stay abroad, students must earn 3 ECTS per month at the receiving university, but only the ECTS that are recognized by the Austrian university count. The Green Travel Top Up is a reward for environmentally-friendly travelling. Before departure, students have to sign and upload the grant agreement, which gives them the Erasmus+ status. Students do not have to pay tuition fees for the receiving university.
For internships abroad, the traineeship must be relevant to the student's studies. The payment consists of two rates: 80% at the beginning and 20% afterwards, and the OeAD sends the money to the student's bank account. Students can apply for one-time payments, called Top Ups, via the platform "Mobility Online" before their departure. The OeAD, Austrian Exchange Agency, is responsible for distributing the grant.
- To secure financial aid for personal-finance during an internship abroad, it's necessary to ensure that the traineeship is relevant to one's studies and apply for top-ups via the "Mobility Online" platform before departure, as offered by the OeAD (Austrian Exchange Agency).
- In the quest for education-and-self-development and personal-finance, learning about the intricacies of the Erasmus+ programme, such as eligibility conditions, application processes, and financial aid provisions, is crucial for students aiming to study or intern abroad.
