ERASMUS programme

What is ERASMUS+?

Erasmus+ is the European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. The ERASMUS+ scheme supports students undertaking study or work abroad placements. If you are thinking of doing a work or study abroad placement in a European country, you may be eligible for an Erasmus+ grant to supplement your student loan. The University of Leeds Careers Centre manages the Erasmus+ work placement ('traineeship') ERASMUS+ grant.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Please visit the Erasmus+ grant for more detailed information about the grant, the documents you have to submit, payments and other information.

Update on Erasmus+ funding for mobility in 2021/22

The Erasmus+ programme was due to run until the end of the 2020/21 academic year however an extension request from the University has been approved which means Erasmus+ funding regulations will apply to students studying and working abroad in the 2021/22 academic year. For information on the eligibility critiera, grant amounts, and the payment process, please visit Erasmus+ Grants webpage.

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The following information is based on the funding available to Erasmus+ work placement students during the 2021/22 academic year.

In the academic year 2020/21, the scheme offered a grant of either 470 or 520 Euros per month for work placements, depending on which European country you work in. For more information on funding see our downloads section and the FAQs. We are expecting the grant rates in 2021/22 to be similar.

Due to high student demand, absolute funding levels for Erasmus+ are not guaranteed. All students will receive 70% of their maximum possible grant when they start work and the remainder is determined once total student demand, and the extent of the annual Erasmus+ funding from the European Union, is known.

It is crucial that students arrange their work placements in good time and apply for Erasmus+ funding as early as possible, so that the appropriate paperwork is put in place before the Erasmus+ work placement activity commences. As a very rough guideline, because students make many different arrangements, this usually means that students arrange their work placements from approx. January to June before starting their work placement in September.

Placements can last from 2 to 12 months and many students use the ERASMUS+ programme as part of their Year in Industry placement. Summer placements that are not a recognised part of your degree are not eligible.

Students who have graduated are not currently eligible for the Erasmus+ work placement grant at the University of Leeds. You may however be eligible for the funding under the Turing Scheme.

Students who are undertaking a postgraduate programme may be eligible, if the work placement activity is a recognised part of their course, for instance via a work placement module.

If you would rather study than work abroad, then you should check out the study abroad website.

Where can you do a placement?

In 2021/22, the ERASMUS+ scheme includes all of the European Union member countries and a few additional affiliated countries. For a full list of destinations, see the British Council website (Programme Countries only). Switzerland is not included in Erasmus+.

What kind of work can you do?

The ERASMUS+ scheme covers almost every type of work in Europe, as long as it is recognised as part of your degree. For more information on this, talk to the linked tutor for your course. There are a few exceptions and you should check out our eligibility guide in the downloads section for more details.

Why should you take part in the ERASMUS+ scheme?

There are many reasons why you should consider taking part in the ERASMUS+ scheme and many of them will be personal to you. Here are a few reasons that might also boost your employability:

You will learn a new language or improve your existing language skills.
You will get recognised, and often accredited, work experience.
You will gain and improve a range of skills that are desirable to employers.
You will develop a global and cultural outlook which many employers are looking for.
You will build up a network of valuable contacts.

Additional Erasmus+ funding

Each higher education institution involved in Erasmus+ signs the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education; this shows a commitment to ensuring equal access and opportunities to participants from all backgrounds.

If you are a student with a physical, mental or health-related condition that would make your participation in Erasmus+ impossible without extra financial support, you can apply for an additional 'Erasmus+ special needs support grant' to help finance these extra costs. This grant is intended to help you take full advantage of an Erasmus+ mobility experience. You should indicate your needs and foreseen extra costs on the Erasmus+ traineeship grant application form. Examples of areas eligible for support include (but are not limited to): adapted accommodation, travel assistance, medical attendance, supportive equipment, adaption of learning materials, an accompanying person, etc.

A further, small supplementary Erasmus+ grant is available to students from a low income background undertaking a work placement in Europe.

What should you do next?

First, talk to your School work placement tutor about the possibility of undertaking a work placement in Europe.
Next, arrange a placement lasting between 2 and 12 months. We have a list of previous placements that students at Leeds have done in our downloads section and your placement tutor may have some contacts. You should also regularly visit MyCareer to view and apply for the latest overseas placement opportunities.
Check that your placement is eligible by looking at the eligibility download or come and talk to us.
Once your placement is arranged and approved, we will automatically send you the application form and Erasmus+ agreements that you need fill out and sign.
Deadline: The University wants to include all eligible students who apply for the grant. You must apply for your Erasmus+ work placement grant as early as possible in the preceding academic year (from March), at least 4 weeks before your placement is due to begin. This is so that there is ample time to prepare your Erasmus+ agreement, which must be signed before you start work. It is best to plan and apply as early as possible.
The ErasmusPlus website can offer you advice about making all the necessary arrangements for your work placement in Europe.

How can the Careers Centre help you?

We can help you with lots of things, especially understanding eligibility and filling in the forms. You may need help finding a placement, making applications or writing a CV. For this support you should use our fantastic drop-in service which is available at the Careers Centre or book an appointment.

If you have any questions about Erasmus + grant - please e-mail us at: erasmuswork@leeds.ac.uk