Erasmus is the European Commission's leading educational exchange programme for higher education. It was introduced with the aim of increasing student mobility within Europe and now operates across 31 countries and involves over 4,000 higher education institutions. Since it was started in 1987 over two million students have participated.
To find out more about the different activities visit the Erasmus website.
Students, teaching and non-teaching staff at Higher Education Institutions in the UK can participate in the Erasmus Programme, provided their institution holds an Erasmus University Charter.
Students from all subject-areas can participate, as can part time and postgraduate students. Students must be enrolled at a Higher Education Institution in the UK to follow higher education studies. Students enrolled in short term higher vocational education courses, which includes foundation degree courses can also participate.
Students and staff (academic and administrative) can work, study, teach and train
Students - go abroad for three months, or stay the whole year. Either study in another European University with whom your institution has a partnership or carry out a work placement - or combine the two. Both work placements and study periods are given credits and recognition by your home institution.
Staff - Academic staff can teach for a minimum of five days up to six weeks. Staff training is an option for non-teaching staff and encompasses things such as short secondments, job-shadowing and study visits.
Students and Staff - If you are still at school you should check out which institutions and courses offer an Erasmus option. Most UK universities and many other UK Institutions of Higher Education/Further Education have some involvement with the Erasmus student mobility programme. If you are already at a Higher Education Institution, contact your local Erasmus co-ordinator who will be able to answer all your questions and help you apply.
UK Institutions - For a UK higher education institution to participate in Erasmus it must first have an Erasmus University Charter (EUC). Institutions must apply to the EUC via the Education, Audiovisual and Culture Executive Agency: EUC applications have to be approved by the Commission. The call for applications are made on an annual basis, the deadline is usually in June.
Adwoa A. Acquah
Erasmus Student from Kingston University
Like most of the other participants of ERASMUS, I have found the programme to be life-changing experience both academically, personally and socially. I have returned home confident, highly motivated, open-minded and more adventurous than ever. I have gained skills and experiences that can enhance my C.V. In addition, I feel like I have built friendships for life and gained a fresh perspective on the world and other cultures as well as the opportunity to travel to other European countries during my year abroad. I will strongly urge students and staff to choose to take part in ERASMUS. I promise you, taking part will be utterly rewarding and one of the most unforgettable times of your life. ERASMUS is definitely an opportunity not to miss!
Erasmus Stories behind the Statistics
