Erasmus Programme

What is the Erasmus Programme?

The Erasmus Programme is the European Union’s (EU) flagship educational initiative that offers students and lecturers in higher education institutions the opportunity to study or work abroad throughout Europe and beyond. With the aim of increasing student mobility, it was launched in June 1987 and falls within the remit of the European Commission under the Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013.

Studying or working, as part of the Erasmus Programme, is an amazing opportunity to live abroad, meet new people and experience the richness of foreign cultures in another language or English. It will even improve employment prospects, helping students stand out from the crowd in this increasingly competitive employment market.

Students can spend from a minimum of 3 months up to 12 months studying or working abroad as part of their degree. The length is determined according to the degree/qualification they are studying.

The countries involved in the exchange programme include the 27 members of the EU, Switzerland, the 3 members of the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein & Norway) and EU candidate countries (Turkey).

Financial support is provided in the form of a non-repayable grant to help with the costs of the exchange. Students also remain eligible for maintenance grants and loans from the Students Loan Company and can apply for extra support in the form of grants for the cost of flights and travel. No tuition fees are payable at the host institution and many UK universities do not charge tuition fees for the period students study abroad.

Fully funded Erasmus Intensive Language Courses are also available to help improve student’s language skills prior to their exchange.

If you are interested in taking up this fantastic opportunity, joining the 2 million students that already have, and want to find out more contact your university’s International Office or Study Abroad Office or visit the British Councils website.

You can read about the experiences of other students here soon.

Further information can be found on the following websites:

European Commission
Erasmus Student Charter
British Council
Erasmus Student Network – a network of Erasmus societies around Europe