International Scholarship Program: Essential Guidance for Pursuing Higher Education Abroad
The Erasmus+ program, a flagship initiative of the European Union, is a significant investment in education, training, youth, and sports across Europe from 2021 to 2027. With an estimated budget of €26.2 billion, the program aims to enhance social inclusion, promote green and digital transitions, and encourage youth participation in democratic life [1].
### What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ supports a broad range of sectors including higher education, vocational education and training, school education, adult education, youth, and sport [1]. It fosters cooperation and innovation between education institutions, businesses, and socio-economic environments to boost Europe’s innovation capacity [1]. Opportunities include mobility for learners and staff, cooperation partnerships, alliances for innovation, and vocational excellence centers to improve education quality and outcomes [1][5].
### Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies depending on the specific action but generally targets students, staff, trainees, young people, and organizations from participating countries [5]. Students may receive Erasmus+ grants for mobility periods up to 12 months within the same study cycle [2]. Erasmus+ is open to organizations applying for project funding to implement innovative education and training practices [1].
### How It Works
Individuals such as students or staff apply through their home institution or organization, which partners with institutions or organizations abroad. Grants are awarded for mobility periods involving study, training, teaching, or youth exchanges [1][5]. Organizations can apply for cooperation partnerships or innovation projects to develop new approaches in education and training [1]. There are deadlines for calls, such as the one on March 6, 2025, for cooperation partnerships and other projects [1].
### Funding
The program covers partial funding for additional travel and living costs related to mobility abroad. It is a grant, not a full scholarship [2]. Monthly grant amounts for students vary by destination country cost groups as defined by the National Agency Erasmus+:
| Country Cost Group | Monthly Grant Amount (2025-2026) | |--------------------------------------------|---------------------------------| | Group 1 (Higher living costs: e.g., Germany, France, Sweden) | €390 | | Group 2 (Medium living costs: e.g., Greece, Spain, Portugal) | €330 | | Group 3 (Lower living costs: e.g., Bulgaria, Poland, Romania) | €330 |
Grants are calculated based on full months abroad (30 days) with proportional amounts for additional days [2]. Students can receive funding for up to 12 months per study cycle, but some institutions may limit the maximum funded period (e.g., a maximum of 2 months + 17 days at Utrecht University) [2].
### Additional Resources
STUWO offers assistance and resources for students planning an Erasmus+ program. Quicklinks for accommodation options are available on their website. Grants.at is another source for finding financial support for an Erasmus+ stay. Erasmus also offers opportunities for internships in participating countries. The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) provides advice and assistance for students during their stay abroad.
Erasmus+ is the largest scholarship program in the world, offering students the opportunity to complete parts of their studies abroad at a university in participating countries. For further information about Erasmus+, you can contact STUWO via phone, email, or their website.
Erasmus+ not only supports studies abroad for students but also encourages travel and cultural exchange as part of their lifestyle. Additionally, Erasmus+ fosters the development of learners through education-and-self-development programs, providing opportunities for growth and learning during the travel experiences it supports.
