Introduction
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s program for education, training, youth, and sport. It offers scholarship funding for Master's and PhD candidates to study or research abroad in Europe for 1-12 months.
Erasmus+ aims to increase job prospects, foster multicultural understanding, and equip students with new skills through international mobility. Scholarships cover monthly living costs, travel expenses, tuition fees, and insurance.
This comprehensive guide covers eligibility requirements, suitable programs, the online application process, necessary documents, selection criteria, next steps if awarded, and alternative funding options. Thorough preparation and an organized application increase your chances of getting this prestigious EU-funded scholarship.
Checking Eligibility for Erasmus+
The first step is verifying that you meet the eligibility criteria:
- Citizenship - You must be a citizen of an eligible country. Program Countries are EU members plus Macedonia, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Turkey. Partner Countries are found worldwide.
- Residency - You cannot apply for a scholarship to study in the country where you have lived for over 12 months.
- Academic Status - You must either be enrolled in a Master's degree program for Master's funding or a doctoral program for PhD funding.
- Work Experience - For recent graduates, you need to apply for Master's funding within 12 months of graduating.
- Language Proficiency - You must have a minimum B2 level in the language used by your desired university.
- Return to Sending Country - You have to reside in an eligible Partner Country after completing your Erasmus+ study.
- Not a Previous Recipient - You can only receive Erasmus+ funding once per study level.
Choosing a Program and University
Once your eligibility is confirmed, the next step is identifying suitable Master's or PhD programs and host universities within Europe. Here are tips for narrowing your options:
- Browse university rankings to find top schools in your subject area.
- Research specific departments and faculty doing relevant research and specialized courses in your field.
- Check if your target programs accept international students mid-degree or for single semester exchanges.
- Look for prestigious universities with name recognition that will boost your CV.
- Consider opportunities to take classes or conduct research in organizations like CERN.
- Evaluate access to special equipment, labs, databases, or networks to support your PhD research.
- Weigh factors like university size, location, housing, career resources, and support services.
- Create a shortlist of 5-10 programs that best fit your academic, professional, and personal goals.
Be open to locations and schools beyond your initial preferences for the best chances of getting funding. Thoroughly investigate each target program’s website for eligibility criteria, available scholarships, and the application process.
Obtaining Required Documents
After selecting your programs, you need to gather all required supporting documents for a complete Erasmus+ application:
- Proof of citizenship such as a passport or national ID card
- Transcripts, diplomas, and credentials from previous degrees
- CV listing work experiences and academic achievements
- Motivation letter stating your goals and justifying the choice of programs
- Evidence of university acceptance if available, or a list of preferred programs
- Reference letters from professors or employers
- Language proficiency test scores like TOEFL or IELTS
- Documentation of scholarships, loans, financial aid from current institution
- Relevant publications, awards, or distinctions if a PhD candidate
Every item should be scanned clearly and saved as a PDF. Start compiling documents months in advance to have ample time.
Completing the Online Application
Erasmus+ applications are submitted online during annual calls for proposals. The application form has both an administrative section with basic information, as well as sections to detail your motivations, goals, preparations, and expected outcomes from receiving the scholarship. Here are tips for successfully completing it:
- Note all instructions and deadlines. Applications are usually open for 2-3 months until the end of September.
- Carefully enter your educational, work experience, and contact details.
- List your target host universities or PhD supervisors and programs in order of preference.
- Describe thoroughly in each essay question your reasons for studying abroad, expected learning outcomes, plans for sharing knowledge gained, and relevance to your future career goals.
- Explain how the scholarship will impact your employability, intercultural communication, and personal development.
- Outline preparations like contacting professors or schools prior to arriving.
- For Ph.D. applicants, highlight planned research activities and contributions to your field.
- Mention language preparation through coursework or immersion programs.
- Upload all required supporting documents.
- Triple check entire application before submitting.
Selection Criteria and Process (200 words)
Erasmus+ scholarship recipients are selected based on:
- Academic merit, grades, publications, and other achievements
- Quality of proposal and clear objectives for a mobility period
- Relevance of study/research plan to applicant's career goals
- Motivation, enthusiasm, and preparation demonstrated
- Likelihood of completing the program successfully and returning home after
- Language proficiency and intercultural competencies
- Disadvantaged backgrounds and financial needs are also considered
Submitted applications are reviewed by national agencies in your home country. Selection committees evaluate eligibility and assess applicants against the criteria above.
Final scholarship decisions depend on rank among applicants and available funding. You will be notified of outcomes around March. Be patient during the evaluation period and trust in your qualifications.
Next Steps If Awarded
If awarded an Erasmus+ scholarship:
- Sign an agreement accepting the grant and acknowledging responsibilities
- Finalize enrollment with your chosen university if not already completed
- Apply for a student visa for the destination country if needed
- Make travel and lodging arrangements - Grants help cover expenses
- Attend pre-departure orientations by school and Erasmus administrators
- Upon arriving, check in with the university international office and coordinate as needed
- Carry out the mobility period successfully and share your experiences
- Submit participant report to the Erasmus+ program afterward
Alternative Funding Options
While competitive, Erasmus+ funding is not guaranteed. You should also apply for scholarships directly through your chosen universities in Europe. Many schools offer financial aid for talented international applicants.
Research grants or paid fellowships may be available through university departments. Scientific foundations, private donors, and organizations in your home country are also worth exploring for study-abroad support.
If you have limited financial assistance, working part-time while studying is an option, but this is restricted based on your visa. Loans from banks or other lenders can provide additional resources.
Crowdfunding educational experiences and sharing your proposal on social media is another potential avenue. With dedication and creativity, there are multiple ways to fund studies abroad in Europe. The key is looking beyond Erasmus+ to maximize all options.
Conclusion
The Erasmus+ scholarship allows exceptional students worldwide to access life-changing higher education opportunities in Europe. While highly competitive, with strategic program selection, a well-prepared application emphasizing your merits, future potential, and clear goals for the mobility period, you can build a strong case for being awarded the scholarship.
Using this guide, perform extensive research, understand the criteria, apply to multiple appropriate programs, complete required documents, and thoughtfully respond to all essay prompts. With diligence and patience, you can navigate the process successfully. The investment of time and effort is well worth it for the incredible rewards of being selected for Erasmus+ funding.