Studying abroad with Erasmus+
Studying abroad with Erasmus+
Students can use Erasmus+ to study at a European university in another participating country after completing their first year of study in order to expand their social and cultural skills and improve their career prospects, allowing them to familiarise themselves with the academic system of a foreign university as well as its teaching and learning methods. Stays are funded in all programme countries.
Advantages of studying abroad - financing
- Academic recognition of academic achievements abroad
- Exemption from tuition fees at the host university
- Funding for additional costs incurred abroad (Erasmus+ scholarship)
- Support with preparation (cultural, linguistic, organisational)
- The International Office (IO) and the Erasmus and Partnership Officers at the University of Oldenburg will advise you and help you decide on and plan for "your" university abroad.
- The host university's International Office will support you by organising introductory events on study programmes, helping you find accommodation, etc.
- Special grants for students with children
- Special grants for students with a disability
Basic funding conditions
- Students can receive multiple funding in each study cycle (Bachelor's, Master's, doctorate).
- Twelve months can be funded per study cycle. Virtual mobility phases in the home country are not included.
- In single-course degree programmes (state examination, diploma, etc.), up to 24 months can be funded.
- Internships can be funded from two months (previously three months) during your studies and after graduation.
- Teaching assistantships are funded as internships.
With Erasmus+, students can spend time in the programme countries in other European countries during each phase of their studies:
- Up to twelve months each for Bachelor's, Master's and doctoral studies or 24 months for single-course degree programmes (state examination, etc.).
- Study visits abroad in Europe of at least 3 to a maximum of 12 months (even multiple times).
- Internships in other European countries lasting 2-12 months each (even multiple times).
- Internships within one year of completing a study phase (graduate internships), if the application was submitted within the final year of the study phase.
Requirements for studying abroad with Erasmus
- You must be enrolled at a German university
- You must have completed the first year of study
- The stay must be at a partner university with which the home university has concluded an Erasmus cooperation agreement (inter-institutional agreement
- The home and the host university must have a valid Erasmus University Charter (ECHE)
Selection criteria
The selection is made by the Erasmus+ subject coordinators. Here you can find more information on how to apply.
The selection and award procedure for Erasmus+ must be fair, transparent, coherent and properly documented. The relevant documents must be made available to all persons involved in the selection process. The eligibility criteria must be made known to all potential participants. Criteria can include academic performance, language skills or motivation. However, some coordinators also allocate places according to the suitable applications received. These criteria also apply to students who have Erasmus status but do not receive an Erasmus+ grant (zero grant). The coordinators should make the respective selection procedures known to the students to ensure that no one is disadvantaged.
Language tests and online language courses
Are you ready for your Erasmus+ internship and would like to improve your language skills or are you interested in learning another European language? You can learn languages easily and free of charge with the EU Academy using Online Language Support (OLS). In addition to the most commonly spoken languages, OLS also offers Romanian, Croatian and Norwegian, for example.
Current information on the use of OLS and an overview of all 29 available languages and language levels can be found here: Newsletter version (please scroll down)
To get started, all you need is an EU login, select a language community, take a placement test and you're ready to go! Here you will find a guide (in German).
Special grants
Social participation and diversity are key themes of the Erasmus+ 2021-2027 programme generation.
Access to the programme is made easier for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or with special needs. You can find more information on the funding opportunities here.
Reporting obligation
All funding recipients who have participated in an Erasmus+ mobility measure are obliged to prepare a report, the "participant report", at the end of the measure and to submit it together with the relevant evidence (e.g. duration of stay). Students must also submit a report on their experience. For more information see the Erasmus+ checklist (pdf).
Minimum number of ECTS
To be eligible for Erasmus funding, students must have at least 15 ECTS on the semester transcripts issued by their host institution. If the partner university or the degree programme requires more points, this value changes accordingly.
Students who have a valid and verifiable reason for not achieving the minimum number of points (e.g. certified illness) do not have to repay the grant.
Recognition of academic achievements from abroad
In order to facilitate the recognition of examinations taken abroad, a so-called foreign window has been integrated into the Bachelor's examination regulations. This means new flexibility for non-teaching Bachelor's degree programmes: Up to 45 CP from the study abroad programme can be credited for the area of specialisation. However, you should consult your academic advisor in advance.
All Erasmus+ students must enter into a written Learning Agreement before starting their studies abroad. This agreement contains a clearly defined study programme. The Learning Agreement is signed by the host university, the home university and the student and is designed to facilitate academic recognition.
Here you can find an
overview of the subject representatives and the Erasmus+ subject coordinators
After studying abroad, students must then submit an application for recognition of academic achievements from abroad.
Diploma supplement
Students automatically receive a diploma supplement upon completion of their studies.
The procedure for issuing certificates, transcripts of records and diploma supplements is regulated in the examination regulations applicable to you.
Non-study-related voluntary achievements, such as the Erasmus internship, can also be included in the Diploma Supplement. In this case, please contact us at the International Office.
We will be happy to advise you on the partner university of your choice and the formalities involved. For useful tips, check out the experience reports from Oldenburg students who have been abroad via Erasmus+. All of the required forms are also available on our website. You should discuss any technical questions regarding your studies abroad such as your timetable at the host university or the recognition of academic achievements, with the respective Erasmus+ subject coordinator.