To get into Erasmus, you need to go through the recruitment process at your university and prove your readiness to study abroad. Meeting language and academic requirements, and submitting properly prepared documents, are crucial.
Key Takeaways
- Every applicant who wishes to go to a partner university within the Erasmus program must undergo a selection process organized by the sending institution.
- Both full-time and part-time students, as well as master’s students, can apply to participate.
- Proficiency in a foreign language is crucial, confirmed, for example, by an OLS language test result.
- Erasmus offers financial support but also requires fulfilling formalities such as EHIC, personal accident insurance (NNW), and other forms of health insurance.
- The program includes not only EU countries – third countries associated with the program, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, and Serbia, can also participate in exchanges, which expands opportunities for higher education cooperation.
What is Erasmus and what does participation in the program involve?
Erasmus is a European Union program that allows students to study or undertake internships at a partner university abroad with financial support. Students continue their education at a foreign university, earn ECTS credits, and develop their language and academic competencies.
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How to get into Erasmus? — Steps you need to take
Below is a concrete and universal action plan for students, regardless of which university they attend in Poland.
Check if you meet the formal requirements
Before you start the recruitment process, make sure you are eligible to apply for the Erasmus program. The most common university requirements:
- completed first year of bachelor’s studies,
- no outstanding credits,
- appropriate grade point average (most often 3.0–3.5 or higher),
- proven language proficiency (most often English or the language of the host country).
Important: Some departments require a language certificate, others direct students to an exam or ask for a lecturer’s opinion.
Check the list of partner universities
Each Polish university has signed an Erasmus program agreement with specific schools abroad. You must choose:
- country,
- partner university,
- field of study consistent with your profile.
Example: A sociology student from UAM cannot apply for medicine in Portugal — the subject matter of studies must be consistent.
Additionally, check:
| Selection criterion | What it means | What to check? |
| Language of instruction | What language you will study in abroad | English? German? Local language? |
| Study level | Bachelor’s or Master’s studies | Do they accept your degree level |
| Available spots | Limits determine competition | Number of spots vs. number of candidates |
| EU Grant | Amount depends on the country | Funding €470–700+ per month |
| Study program | Consistency with your field of study in Poland | Number of ECTS and available courses |
The more thoroughly you gather information about the partner university, the stronger your position will be in the recruitment process.
Apply for recruitment at your university
The process takes place through the university system — most often USOS or another electronic form.
During registration:
- you choose a maximum of 3 partner universities,
- you set them according to priorities,
- you attach the required documents (below).
Recruitment usually takes place twice a year — for studies in the winter and summer semesters.
Prepare the required documents
Most commonly required are:
| Document | Purpose | Who checks? |
| Application form | student data and university selection | university committee |
| Motivation letter | Your motivation and academic fit | Erasmus coordinator |
| Language proficiency confirmation | level of proficiency in the language of instruction | lecturer or examiner |
| Transcript of records | confirms academic performance | dean’s office |
| CV (optional) | additional presentation of experience | committee |
Additionally, you will need:
- registration on the Odyseusz MSZ portal — a requirement for every student traveling abroad,
- possibly documents required by the foreign university.
Interview or additional criteria (if required)
Not every university conducts interviews, but when they do, they assess:
- motivation to study abroad,
- knowledge of the Erasmus program and the field of study,
- awareness of cultural differences,
- familiarity with the partner university’s offer.
Example: At the University of Wrocław, some departments conduct interviews in English to confirm language preparedness.
Results and formalities after qualification
After a positive decision by the committee, the student can expect:
Signing the Learning Agreement (LA)
This is the most important Erasmus document – it contains a list of courses you must complete.
- courses must add up to the required number of ECTS credits,
- courses must be agreed upon with the departmental coordinator,
- the document is signed by the home university and the host university.
Signing the financial agreement
Only then is the Erasmus grant awarded.
How much is the Erasmus grant?
The Erasmus program offers funding, which depends on the country:
| Country group | Example countries | Average grant amount |
| High cost of living | Norway, Denmark, Netherlands | €600–700 per month |
| Medium cost of living | France, Spain, Germany | €500–600 per month |
| Lower cost of living | Portugal, Greece, Turkey | €470–550 per month |
First, 90% of the amount is paid, and the remaining 10% after the trip is settled.
Mandatory formalities during your stay
The student must:
- maintain student status at the home university,
- earn the agreed number of ECTS credits,
- report changes in the plan to the coordinator,
- submit the program agreement after any course changes.
Upon return:
- settlement at the dean’s office,
- final financial formalities,
- adding the outcomes of the trip to USOS.
Expert advice from Nearby
“The biggest mistake students make is postponing formalities until the last minute. Foreign universities operate in different time zones and often respond to emails more slowly. Start preparations early and stay in constant contact with your coordinator, and you will increase your chances for a smooth trip and faster document signing.”
What about accommodation and living arrangements?
The university usually DOES NOT provide accommodation. The student:
- finds accommodation themselves (dormitory or private rental),
- arranges their own flight or transport,
- learns budget management.
This is an important part of the life lessons that Erasmus provides.
Why should you go?
- you gain academic and cultural experience,
- you learn to function in an international environment,
- you develop your language skills,
- you meet friends from all over the EU and beyond,
- you gain a huge advantage on your CV when applying for jobs after graduation.
Many graduates say that Erasmus was the best decision they made during their studies.
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Summary — How to get into Erasmus? (checklist)
- check university requirements
- choose partner universities
- prepare documents and the form
- confirm language proficiency
- go through university recruitment
- sign agreements and the Learning Agreement
- register your trip and receive the grant
If you are a student considering an Erasmus trip, start preparing as early as possible — it’s an investment in your development, future career, and a global network of contacts.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for Erasmus?
Any student actively enrolled in studies at the sending institution, including bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies.
When does recruitment for the program take place?
Recruitment usually takes place once or twice per academic year, and the exact dates are announced by the Erasmus coordinator.
Is travel only possible within EU countries?
No — the program also includes third countries associated with the program, such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, and Serbia.
Do I need to know the language of instruction?
Yes — proven foreign language proficiency is required, which is assessed, among others, by the OLS platform.
Does Erasmus provide financial support?
Yes, every student receives financial support, and the amount depends on the country they are going to.
Do I need insurance?
Yes — the student must have valid health insurance, e.g., EHIC, and often personal accident insurance (NNW).
