Erasmus+ Programme Explained

What Erasmus+ is

Erasmus+ is the European Union's programme to support education, training, youth and sport across Europe and with partner countries. It funds a wide range of activities, the best known of which is the chance for students to spend a study or traineeship period abroad as part of their existing degree.

For most students, Erasmus+ is not a separate degree you enrol in; it is a framework that lets you do part of your studies at a partner institution in another country and have that period recognised back home.

What it covers for students

Through Erasmus+, eligible students can take a study exchange at a partner university abroad, or do a traineeship (work placement) with an organisation in another country, usually for a set number of months. Periods abroad are arranged so the credits you earn count towards your home degree.

Participants can receive a grant to help with the additional costs of going abroad, with extra support available for students who have fewer opportunities. The exact grant levels, durations and conditions are set by your home institution's national rules and by the programme, so confirm them with your university's international office.

• Study exchange at a partner university in another country
• Traineeships / work placements abroad
• Recognition of the period abroad towards your home degree

Erasmus+ vs Erasmus Mundus

It is easy to confuse the two names. Erasmus+ is the broad umbrella programme covering many education and mobility activities. Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters are one specific strand within Erasmus+ that fund full joint master's degrees and carry scholarships for international students.

If you are an enrolled student wanting a semester or placement abroad, that is the wider Erasmus+ mobility side. If you want a full multi-country master's degree with a possible scholarship, look at Erasmus Mundus. The two serve different purposes.

How to take part

Erasmus+ student mobility is normally arranged through your own university, not by applying to the EU directly. Your institution decides which partner universities it has agreements with, who is eligible, and how to apply, so the international or Erasmus office on your campus is the place to start.

Who can participate depends on your country and institution's status in the programme. Because rules, partner lists and grant conditions differ by country and change over time, always confirm the current details on the official Erasmus+ pages and with your university.

Key things to remember

Erasmus+ is about structured, recognised mobility within an existing course, supported by a grant — it is not a guarantee of a place abroad, and selection is handled by your institution. There is also support designed to widen access for students who face barriers.

This page is general information, not personalised advice. Verify eligibility, deadlines and grant details with your university's international office and the official Erasmus+ website before making plans.