In today’s interconnected world, education is no longer confined within the boundaries of one’s own country. With the advent of globalization, students are seeking international exposure to broaden their horizons and gain a competitive edge in the job market. Erasmus Scholarships, named after the Dutch philosopher Erasmus of Rotterdam, have emerged as a transformative opportunity for students to experience education in foreign lands. In this article, we will delve into the significance, benefits, application process, and frequently asked questions about Erasmus Scholarships.
What are Erasmus Scholarships?
Erasmus Scholarships, officially known as Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMDs), are prestigious international scholarships funded by the European Union. They are designed to provide outstanding students with the opportunity to pursue higher education in multiple countries, fostering cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and personal development.
Types of Erasmus Scholarships
1. Study Mobility
Study Mobility Erasmus Scholarships allow students to spend a semester or an academic year at a partner university in another country. This experience not only enhances their academic knowledge but also exposes them to different teaching methodologies and cultural perspectives.
2. Traineeships
Erasmus+ offers traineeship opportunities for students to gain practical experience related to their field of study. This could include internships, research projects, or work placements in various industries, contributing to their professional growth.
3. Joint Master’s Degrees
Joint Master’s Degrees (JMDs) are interdisciplinary programs offered by consortia of universities across different countries. These programs provide students with a unique chance to earn a master’s degree from multiple institutions, gaining a diverse skill set and international network.
How to get an Erasmus scholarship?
Here are some tips for getting an Erasmus scholarship:
- Check if your university participates in the Erasmus program. Erasmus is an EU student exchange program that provides scholarships for students to study abroad in Europe. If your university takes part, they should have information on applying for Erasmus scholarships.
- Make sure you meet the eligibility criteria. You generally need to be an enrolled student at a participating university, have completed at least one year of study, and meet any grade or language requirements set by your home university.
- Apply during the scholarship application period. Deadlines are usually between January and March for scholarships for the following academic year. Check with your university’s Erasmus coordinator for exact dates.
- Put together a strong application. This usually includes your academic transcripts, a motivation letter, CV, and language certificates. Emphasize academic excellence, extracurricular activities, and how studying abroad will benefit your education and career goals.
- Look for additional funding if needed. An Erasmus scholarship may not cover all costs. Supplement with savings, loans, crowdfunding, or scholarships from other sources.
- Prepare for the interview. Some universities require an interview as part of the application process. Be ready to articulate why you’re a good candidate.
- Explore scholarships at your host university. Some provide additional scholarships for Erasmus students that you can apply for once accepted.
- Meet all deadlines and requirements to increase your chances of getting selected! Start the application process early.
What GPA do you need for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship?
There is no single GPA requirement for the Erasmus Mundus scholarship, as it can vary by university program. However, here are some general guidelines on the typical GPA expectations:
- Undergraduate level – Most programs look for candidates with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale. Some competitive programs may require a GPA upwards of 3.5.
- Master’s level – A minimum GPA of 3.5 is common at the graduate level. For elite programs, having a GPA of 3.7 or above is recommended.
- Doctoral level – GPA expectations tend to be high for Ph.D. scholarships. You’ll generally need a GPA of 3.7 or above from your master’s studies. Some programs may require at least a 3.9 GPA.
- Overall, Erasmus Mundus’s scholarships are very competitive. Having an outstanding academic record with a high GPA in your field of study is a major consideration for selection. Extracurricular activities, research experience, publications, and letters of recommendation also boost your chances if you have a lower GPA.
- It’s best to check with the specific Erasmus Mundus program you intend to apply to, to determine the GPA standards for scholarship eligibility. Meeting the minimum GPA criteria doesn’t guarantee you’ll receive the scholarship. Focus on standing out as an excellent applicant overall.
Is it hard to get accepted for Erasmus?
Getting accepted for an Erasmus exchange program is competitive, but not extremely difficult if you meet the core requirements and submit a strong application. Here are some tips:
- Check that your university and degree program participate in Erasmus. Some schools and majors offer more spots than others.
- Make sure your grades meet the minimum requirements set by your university, usually a 3.0 GPA or equivalent. Higher GPAs make you more competitive.
- Apply on time and follow all instructions carefully. Meet all deadlines and submit complete, error-free applications.
- Write a compelling motivation letter explaining why you want to study abroad and how it will benefit your education and career. Connect this to your goals and interests.
- Get letters of recommendation from professors or other academics who can vouch for your abilities and qualifications.
- Show you have the language skills needed for your host university by taking standardized tests or exams.
- Highlight relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, jobs, or internships on your application.
- Apply to multiple university exchange partners to increase your odds of acceptance.
- Be flexible about timing and location if you are set on doing Erasmus. Less popular destinations and semesters tend to be less competitive.
Do international students get Erasmus?
Yes, international students can participate in Erasmus study abroad programs, but with some limitations compared to European students:
- You must be enrolled full-time at a university in an EU/EFTA country that participates in Erasmus. So you can’t directly apply to Erasmus from outside Europe.
- The sending and receiving universities must both be part of the Erasmus program. Check eligibility before applying.
- Your home university sets the requirements for international students to take part. This often includes being enrolled for at least one year before doing Erasmus.
- Erasmus scholarships for tuition and living costs are only offered to students from EU/EFTA countries by their home governments. International students aren’t eligible.
- Non-Europeans must have a valid residence permit to study in the EU and an appropriate visa to enter the destination country for Erasmus.
- Language requirements may be higher for non-native speakers. Some universities give priority to European applicants.
- Acceptance rates can be lower for non-Europeans but this varies by school and demand. Apply to multiple host universities.
What is the difference between Erasmus and Erasmus+?
Erasmus and Erasmus+ refer to different iterations of the Erasmus student exchange program in Europe. Here are the key differences:
Erasmus:
- The original Erasmus program started in 1987 for university student exchanges within the European Union.
- It focused on facilitating study-abroad opportunities for higher education students in EU member states.
- Funding was provided by the European Commission to support student mobility.
Erasmus+:
- Erasmus+ launched in 2014 as the new program generation, replacing the original Erasmus.
- It expanded opportunities for university students along with vocational education, school pupils, adult learners, youth exchanges, and sports.
- The program is open to EU member states along with certain non-EU countries that meet eligibility criteria.
- Funding and scope were increased under Erasmus+ to support exchanges both within Europe and other global partner countries.
- Participating organizations must hold an Erasmus charter outlining their plans to implement activities.
- More emphasis was put on inclusion, digitalization, environmental sustainability, and increasing participation.
Which university has the most Erasmus students?
According to statistics from the Erasmus program, some of the universities that receive the most Erasmus exchange students across Europe include:
- Universidad Complutense de Madrid (Spain) – This university hosted over 2,000 Erasmus students in 2018, the highest number that year.
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (Germany) – Over 1,800 Erasmus students in 2018. A popular destination.
- University of Granada (Spain) – Hosted around 1,800 Erasmus students in 2018 as well.
- Erasmus University Rotterdam (Netherlands) – Received over 1,700 Erasmus exchange students in 2018.
- University of Warsaw (Poland) – More than 1,500 Erasmus students in 2018.
- KU Leuven (Belgium) – With around 1,500 Erasmus students, one of Belgium’s top destinations.
- Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (France) – Over 1,400 Erasmus students in 2018.
- Charles University (Czech Republic) – Hosted approximately 1,400 Erasmus students in 2018.
The numbers fluctuate year to year, but major universities in Spain, Germany, France, Italy, Poland, and the Netherlands routinely rank among the top destinations for Erasmus students looking to study abroad across Europe. The program’s popularity continues to grow overall.
Eligibility Criteria for Erasmus Scholarships
Here are some of the key eligibility requirements for Erasmus scholarships:
- Be a citizen of an eligible country – Erasmus scholarships are mainly for students from the EU, EEA, and candidate countries like Turkey and Macedonia. Some scholarships may also be open to other countries.
- Be enrolled at an eligible higher education institution – You need to be registered for either undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, or postgraduate studies at a recognized university or institute in an eligible country.
- Have sufficient academic performance – You generally need to have a strong academic record with good grades to be considered for Erasmus scholarships. Requirements can vary by university.
- Meet language proficiency requirements – For studying abroad, you usually need to meet a minimum language level like B2 in the main language of instruction. Some countries may require taking a standardized test.
- Not have received another Erasmus grant for the same purpose – You can only get one Erasmus grant for a specific degree program level, like bachelor’s or master’s.
- Submit a complete application – This includes an online application form, academic transcripts, language test scores, letters of recommendation, and a motivation statement.
- Meet any additional criteria by the university – Some schools may have extra requirements related to specific subject areas or places of origin.
- Acceptance by the host university is also required if already nominated by your home institution.
The application deadlines are typically 1-2 months before the start of the academic term. The duration of Erasmus scholarships is between 3-12 months
How to Apply for an Erasmus Scholarship
Here are some key steps to apply for Erasmus scholarships:
- Find available scholarships and application details: Check the Erasmus program website and your university’s international programs office for information on specific scholarships and application procedures. Deadlines are usually several months before the planned study period.
- Prepare your application materials: This includes completing the online application form, writing a motivation letter, providing academic transcripts and certificates, submitting language proficiency scores if required, and getting reference letters. Follow the specific requirements provided.
- Get acceptance from the host university: Apply directly to the university you want to study at abroad and get acceptance before applying for the Erasmus scholarship. This acceptance letter will be needed.
- Submit your scholarship application: Send the completed application package to the designated office at your home university by the set deadline. This includes the application form, supporting documents, acceptance letter, and any other required materials.
- Participate in the selection process: There may be an interview, language test, or other selection process before final decisions are made. The home university evaluates applications and nominates students.
- Await the final decision: If nominated, your application will be sent to the host university and funder (such as the EU) for the final decision. This may take several weeks or months.
- Accept the grant: Once selected, you will receive a scholarship offer that you must formally accept by the given date in order to reserve your place.
- Complete pre-departure preparations: Work on visa applications, housing, travel plans, language training, and other tasks before starting your study abroad.
- Enjoy your Erasmus exchange program: Stay in contact with your home university, respect the rules and culture of the host country, and have an enriching experience!
- Apply Now
The key is starting early, reading all instructions, meeting deadlines, and submitting a strong application.
Selection Process and Evaluation Criteria for Erasmus Scholarships
Here are some of the key selection criteria used to evaluate Erasmus scholarship applications:
- Academic merit – This includes your grades, transcripts, coursework relevance, recommendations, and potential for success at the host university. Having a consistently strong academic record is important.
- Quality of proposal – The motivation letter and study/research proposal are assessed to see the thoughtfulness of your goals and plans for the exchange period. Well-defined, achievable plans aligned with your background tend to be favored.
- Language proficiency – For non-native language destinations, your language scores and ability to study in that language is assessed. The required level may be anywhere from B1 to C1 depending on the country and program.
- Personal adaptability – Factors like your resilience, cultural sensitivity, communication skills, independence, and readiness for an international experience may be considered. Maturity is important.
- Equity and access – Providing opportunities to those from disadvantaged groups or less represented countries/universities may be prioritized.
- Future ambitions – How the exchange period can benefit your personal, academic, and professional goals both during and after may be evaluated.
- Quality of references – Strong endorsement from professors or other referees in their recommendation letters carries weight.
- Availability of resources – The budget, number of scholarships, and university quotas influence selection competitiveness between applicants.
The reviewing committee holistically assesses academic excellence, potential for success abroad, impact on future goals, and other factors to select recipients with the strongest applications. Standing out requires highlighting both scholarly achievements and personal maturity.
Benefits of the Erasmus Scholarship
Here are some of the main benefits of receiving an Erasmus scholarship for study abroad:
- Financial support – Erasmus scholarships provide funding towards living costs, travel expenses, tuition fees, insurance, etc. This makes studying abroad more affordable.
- International experience – You get the chance to live and study in a different country and experience a new culture, education system, language, etc.
- Improved employability – Having international experience and foreign language skills gained through Erasmus makes your CV stand out.
- Additional grants – Some scholarships provide extra money for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, those with special needs, or for packing and relocation costs.
- Larger academic network – You meet students from across Europe and beyond and form relationships with academics at other institutions.
- Credits and grades transfer – Credits earned abroad usually count towards your degree at the home university based on a learning agreement.
- No tuition fees – Students don’t have to pay tuition at the host university if going on an Erasmus exchange within the EU.
- Preparation for the global workplace – Intercultural awareness and adaptability help prepare you for today’s globalized work environment.
- Personal growth – Students gain independence, confidence, problem-solving skills, and a chance to travel through the Erasmus program.
- Language improvement – There are opportunities to enhance foreign language proficiency through immersion and classes.
Conclusion
Erasmus scholarships provide excellent opportunities for students in eligible countries to gain international academic and life experiences.
The key eligibility requirements include EU citizenship or an eligible country of origin, enrollment at a recognized university, strong academics, language ability, and acceptance by the host university. Students should apply well in advance by submitting a complete application package including supporting documents.
The application process involves finding available scholarships, preparing materials, getting university acceptance, submitting the application by the deadline, going through selection, and formally accepting the grant if awarded.
The benefits of receiving an Erasmus scholarship are numerous, from financial support to personal growth. Students can immerse themselves in a new culture and education system, build relationships across borders, enhance their CV and skills, and gain confidence and independence.
Erasmus scholarships enable affordable and memorable study abroad experiences that can be transformative for students’ academic and professional paths. By providing crucial funding and exchange opportunities, they exemplify the spirit of international partnership and cooperation through educational mobility.
