Erasmus+ grant: Financial support for studying abroad

Written by Kerstin Lakits, Jun 30, 2022

Studying abroad can complement your studies and enrich your life with numerous new experiences. You have decided to plan a semester or internship abroad with the Erasmus+ mobility programme. Now you’re wondering: “How can I get an Erasmus+ grant?” Then you’ve come to the right place because we have put together the most important information concerning the Erasmus+ grant. You’ll learn about the amount of the scholarship, claim, conditions and much more!

What is the Erasmus+ grant?

If you are studying at an Austrian university and decide to study for one or two semesters abroad or complete an internship abroad with the Erasmus+ mobility programme by the European Union, you receive financial support. The OeAD, Austrian Exchange Agency, is responsible for distributing the grant.

  • The Erasmus+ grant, also called Erasmus+ scholarship, is a monthly allowance that helps you finance your studies abroad.
  • You can only claim the grant for stays ranging from two to twelve months per study cycle (bachelor, master, PhD).
  • Furthermore, you do not have to pay tuition fees for the receiving university.

The Erasmus+ grant is split up into two rates:

  • You receive 80% of the scholarship at the beginning of your stay.
  • The other 20% are paid after you have returned.

Keep in mind that the grant is calculated exactly to the date. So, if you come back earlier, the second rate will be reduced.

Top-Ups: Additional one-time payments

In addition to the monthly allowance, you can apply for one-time payments, so-called Top Ups, via the platform „Mobility Online“ before your departure.

  • If you travel by bus or train, you can apply for the Green Travel Top Up, a reward for environmentally-friendly travelling.
  • Students with disabilities, children to care for, chronic illnesses as well as recipients of student allowances can take advantage of the Top Up Fewer Opportunities.

Different rules and requirements may apply to the Top Ups. The Erasmus office at your university can give you detailed information. You have to place a separate application for Top Ups one month before the beginning of your studies abroad via “Mobility Online”.

How much do I get? – Country classification

The amount of your grant mostly depends on the country you travel to. Here is an overview of all the countries:

The allowance is €380 per month if you choose one of the following countries for your Erasmus+ stay:

  • Bulgaria
  • Estonia
  • Croatia
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • North Macedonia
  • Poland
  • Rumania
  • Serbia
  • Slovakia
  • Slovenia
  • Czech Republic
  • Turkey
  • Hungary

You receive €430 per month if you travel to one of these countries:

  • Belgium
  • Germany
  • France
  • Greece
  • Italy
  • Malta
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Spain
  • Cyprus
  • Non-EU partner states (category 5): Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican

The grant is €480 per month for Erasmus+ stays in the following countries:

  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Ireland
  • Iceland
  • Liechtenstein
  • Luxembourg
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Non-EU partner states (category 14): Faroe Islands, Switzerland, United Kingdom

The grant amounts to €700 per month for studies abroad in all other Non-EU countries (categories 1-4 & 6-13).

The scholarships may vary for internships abroad. Therefore, you should ask the Erasmus office at your university or the OeAD for the exact amount.

Conditions & claim

All students at Austrian universities can claim the Erasmus+ grant under the following conditions:

  • You need the status „Erasmus+ student“ to claim the mobility scholarship. You receive this status when signing the scholarship agreement via the Erasmus platform „Mobility Online“.
  • Your stay must be between two and twelve months. Do not exceed the twelve months. This means you can study abroad for twelve months during your bachelor and then again during your masters or PhD.
  • You need to earn 3 ECTS per month at the receiving university. However, only the ECTS that are recognised by the Austrian university count.

Attention: If you do not comply with these conditions or cancel your stay, you have to return the grant!

An additional condition for internships abroad is that the traineeship must be relevant to your studies.

FAQs

How do I apply for an Erasmus+ grant?

After you’ve been nominated for an exchange in your desired country and you have applied to the receiving institution, you sign the grant agreement with your home university. This assigns you the status “Erasmus+ student”, which is a condition for receiving the grant. At the earliest 20 days before your departure, you’ll find the corresponding document on Mobility Online. You must sign it and upload it to receive the grant.

How do I receive the money?

The payment consists of two rates: 80% at the beginning and 20% afterwards. The OeAD sends the money to your bank account. The grant is calculated exactly to the date. You need to provide the recognition sheet of your university for the second rate.

What do I have to pay attention to?

Before your departure you have to sign and upload the grant agreement because this gives you the Erasmus+ status. During your stay abroad you need to comply with the conditions (3 ECTS per month) to receive the funding. You can get the necessary documents from the Erasmus office at your university or the OeAD.

How long can I claim the grant?

You can claim the Erasmus+ scholarship for two to twelve months per study cycle (bachelor, master, PhD). However, you do not have to do all twelve months at one. For example, you could also do two separate semesters with six months each, if you want to.

This overview provides ample information about the Erasmus+ grant. Nothing can stop you now! If you have any questions, the Erasmus office at your university can help you. Here is more information on internships abroad, semesters abroad and studying abroad! If you also need a student bank account for the grant, here is an overview of Austrian finance service providers! We wish you a ton of fun on your adventure!

Questions?

We are happy to help!