Erasmus, administered by the British Council in the UK, is part of the European Union's Lifelong Learning Programme and is the largest organised mobility programme in the world, known and respected throughout Europe. Over two million higher education students in Europe have taken part in the programme since its introduction in 1987 and agree it was the best decision they ever made.
Erasmus enables you to study or work in one of 30 other countries in Europe, as part of you degree course. You don’t have to be doing a language course; students from all subject areas can take part, with many universities even running courses in English. All eligible students receive a grant from the EU to help towards the additional costs of travelling abroad.
What countries can I go to?
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Denmark
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Ireland
Italy
Luxembourg
Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
Sweden
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Estoina
Hungary
Lithuania
Lativa
Malta
Poland
Romania
Slovenia
Slovak Republic
Iceland
Liechtenstein
Norway
Turkey
Who can take part??
Students in the UK can participate in the Erasmus Programme and it is open to undergraduate and postgraduate students in all subjects and at all levels – Bachelors, Masters, Doctoral.
Students can choose to undertake a study period or a work placement. Most students go abroad with Erasmus in their second or third year, although students doing a work placement can go in their first year. Subject to agreement with your home and host institutions, you could combine a study period with a work placement.
As an Erasmus student you do not pay tuition fees to the host university and in most cases if you go for an academic year (at least 24 weeks excluding holidays) your UK tuition fees are waived. However, if you study abroad for less than a year, your home institution normally requires you to pay a proportion of the fee, where applicable.
Erasmus grants in the UK are paid through the UK home institution and are paid in addition to the standard grants or loans to which you are currently entitled. This is a supplementary, non-repayable grant intended to help towards any additional expenses you may incur while abroad.
The Erasmus grant is not means-tested but students must comply with the eligibility criteria. Work placement students may also receive a salary.
During your higher education 'careers' you may now receive an Erasmus grant for:
one Erasmus study period
one Erasmus work placement
one Erasmus Mundus mobility
The total duration of all grants may not exceed 24 months.
Why take part?
Top 10 reasons to take part in Erasmus
Stand out in the job market - a great addition to your CV
Return more motivated, independent and confident
Get a grant and have your tuition fees waived (if you go for the full academic year)
It counts towards your degree - it's not a gap year
Learn a range of life skills not taught in the lecture theatre
Access a wider range of subject areas than in the UK
Improve your language skills
Gain an international network of friends and meet your lifelong partner (1 in 10 students do)
Discover a different culture and gain an international perpective
It's really great fun!
Do I receive support?
The Erasmus programme is part of the European Union’s Lifelong Learning Programme, administered in the UK by the British Council.
Participating institutions in all countries have an Erasmus Co-ordinator/ International office who acts as the primary point of contact for all Erasmus students. These co-ordinators provide support and guidance before, during and after your Erasmus period.
