The Erasmus student exchange program offers an opportunity for academic and cultural development through studying abroad with financial support. The program is aimed at students, doctoral candidates, and university staff participating in the EU mobility system.
Key Takeaways
- Going abroad to study as part of the Erasmus student exchange program is a form of mobility that allows you to complete part of your study program at a foreign university while maintaining continuity of your education.
- The period of study abroad under Erasmus is a maximum of 12 months per study cycle, and total participation in the program (studies + traineeships) cannot exceed 24 months.
- The scholarship amount depends on the destination country and the length of stay, and funds are usually paid in several installments, with the possibility of obtaining an additional social scholarship.
- The sending and host universities must approve the study program outlined in the Learning Agreement, including the list of subjects and ECTS credits, to allow for semester recognition without curriculum discrepancies.
- Every Erasmus participant must have a European Health Insurance Card and accident insurance to ensure care throughout the student’s stay abroad.
What is the Erasmus student exchange?
Erasmus student exchange is an educational mobility program where a student can complete part of their studies or traineeships at a foreign partner university with which their home university has signed an agreement under the Erasmus+ program.
In practice, this means that a student goes for one or two semesters (maximum 12 months) to another European country, and the ECTS credits and completed courses obtained there are later recognized by their home university.
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Who can participate in Erasmus exchange?
Participants in the Erasmus+ program can be:
- first and second-cycle students,
- doctoral candidate,
- graduate (up to 12 months after completing studies),
- academic staff and university administrative staff.
A prerequisite is the status of a person affiliated with a university that can participate in the mobility program and has signed agreements with foreign universities.
Conditions for participating in the Erasmus program
To apply for participation in the Erasmus program, you must:
- have active student status (not be on a dean’s leave of absence),
- have completed at least the first year of studies (for first-cycle studies),
- demonstrate adequate knowledge of a foreign language,
- pass the recruitment process at your home university,
- have a good academic record and an accepted grade point average (individually determined by universities).
What does the recruitment process for student exchange look like?
Recruitment takes place once or twice during the academic year. The candidate must:
- Express interest in participating to the Erasmus program coordinator at their university.
- Check the list of partner universities and available places.
- Fill out the application form – online or in paper (depending on the university).
- Submit the required documents, including:
- motivation letter,
- CV,
- transcript of records,
- certificate or test confirming foreign language proficiency.
- Await evaluation of the application by the university committee.
The university makes a decision, taking into account academic performance, motivation, suitability of the field of study, and proficiency in the host university’s language of instruction.
What documents need to be signed?
After qualifying for the program, the student is obliged to sign a key document:
Learning Agreement (study program agreement)
This is the study plan at the host university, containing:
- list of subjects (with codes),
- number of ECTS credits (min. 30 ECTS per semester),
- approval by three parties: the home university, the foreign university, and the student.
Thanks to the Learning Agreement for Studies, the student is assured that credits obtained abroad will be recognized upon return.
Duration of mobility – how long does an Erasmus exchange last?
- Minimum duration: 2 months (traineeships), 3 months (studies).
- Maximum duration: 12 months within one study cycle (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate).
You can go multiple times – e.g., once during bachelor’s studies, once during master’s studies.
This includes both study and traineeship mobilities.
Which countries can you go to?
Not only EU countries participate in the program. Erasmus+ also includes:
| Participating Country | Example |
| EU | France, Germany, Spain |
| European associated countries | Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland |
| Partner countries outside the EU | Serbia, Turkey, North Macedonia |
The availability of countries depends on agreements concluded by your university with foreign universities.
Erasmus – key information
| Element | Description |
| Duration | from 3 to 12 months (studies), from 2 months (traineeships) |
| Participants | student, doctoral candidate, graduate, teacher, administrative staff |
| Language of instruction | confirmed foreign language proficiency level |
| Learning Agreement | document with study plan and list of subjects |
| Destination country | EU country, associated or partner country (e.g., Serbia, Liechtenstein) |
| Host university | must have an agreement signed with the home university |
| ECTS | min. 30 ECTS credits per semester |
| Scholarship | paid in two installments: 90% before departure, 10% after return |
How much is the Erasmus scholarship?
Scholarship amounts vary depending on the country and cost of living:
| Country group | Example Countries | Monthly scholarship (studies) |
| Group 1 (high costs) | Norway, Denmark, Ireland | approx. €600–700 |
| Group 2 (medium costs) | France, Germany, Spain | approx. €500–600 |
| Group 3 (lower costs) | Poland, Serbia, Turkey | approx. €450–500 |
Additional funding may be available for individuals with certified disabilities or difficult financial situations.
How to prepare for your departure?
Here is a list of key formalities:
- Make sure you have a valid ID and EHIC (European Health Insurance Card).
- Arrange for health insurance and accident insurance (often required by the foreign university).
- Arrange accommodation – host universities do not always offer dormitories.
- Check funding options and the method of receiving the scholarship (euro currency account).
- Prepare culturally and linguistically – consider a preparatory course or participation in foreign language tests (e.g., OLS).
- Familiarize yourself with the operating principles of the foreign university – grading system, attendance, credit requirements.
Expert advice from Nearby
“Many students think Erasmus is just a trip – but it’s primarily an academic commitment. Before you leave, carefully compare the study program abroad with that of your home university and determine how credits will be recognized upon your return. This will help you avoid misunderstandings and problems with course recognition.”
Key benefits of participating in Erasmus
- Linguistic, cultural, and academic development
- New experiences and independence
- Increased value in the job market
- Access to high-quality education abroad
- Opportunity to gain international contacts
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Erasmus student exchange – is it worth it?
Yes. The Erasmus student exchange is one of the best opportunities for development for any student. It offers the chance to study in another country, gain knowledge, contacts, language skills, and life experience.
Remember that the Erasmus+ program is not limited to EU countries – you can also go to countries such as Liechtenstein, Serbia, or North Macedonia, provided your university has an agreement with them.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Erasmus program from a student’s perspective?
It is a student exchange program that allows students to complete part of their studies or traineeships abroad under the Erasmus program, with full semester recognition upon return.
2. How long does an Erasmus program mobility last?
The length of stay can range from 3 to 12 months, and including traineeships, up to 24 months within one study cycle.
3. What about funding?
The scholarship amount depends on the destination country and the length of stay, and financial support is paid in several installments, with the option of social supplements.
4. Do I need insurance for my trip?
Yes, health insurance (e.g., EHIC) and accident insurance are required.
5. What is a Learning Agreement and why is it important?
It is a document that establishes the study program at the host university – its acceptance by both universities protects against curriculum discrepancies.
6. Do I receive any confirmation after completing the exchange?
Yes, every student receives a document confirming the completion of mobility and an entry in the diploma supplement, which includes the period of study abroad.
