Erasmus+ Program — Complete Guide for International Students 2026

A train pulls into Barcelona Sants at six in the morning. Palm trees flicker past the window, someone on the platform sips cafe con leche from a paper cup. You grab your suitcase, check Google Maps — Diagonal Besòs student residence, 40 minutes by metro. Your legs are shaking, but not from exhaustion: in three days you start a semester at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, in a city you previously knew only from Instagram. Your Erasmus+ grant covers most expenses, you pay tuition at your home university, and ahead of you lie five months that — as everyone who’s been through it says — will change your life. This isn’t marketing. It’s an experience that over 10,000 Polish students alone take part in every year, with hundreds of thousands more from across Europe.

Erasmus+ is the world’s largest academic exchange program and simultaneously the most accessible path to studying abroad for European students. It doesn’t require a separate application to a foreign university, doesn’t require taking the SAT or writing motivation letters running dozens of pages. It does, however, require good planning, knowledge of deadlines, and a conscious choice of partner university. That’s exactly what this guide is about.

I’ll walk you through everything: what exactly Erasmus+ is in 2026, who can apply, how much money you’ll receive (specifics, not generalities), what the application process looks like, which are the most popular destinations, how ECTS credits work, and whether an Erasmus semester actually counts toward your degree. If you’re considering full degree studies abroad instead of a semester exchange, check out our comprehensive guide to studying abroad and guide to scholarships in Europe. If Erasmus is your first step — read on.

What is Erasmus+ and how does it work in 2026?

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship program in education, training, youth, and sport. The current edition (2021–2027) has a budget of EUR 26.2 billion — nearly double the previous one. For students, the most important part is Key Action 1: Learning Mobility, which covers two main types of mobility:

• Studies (SMS) — a semester or academic year at a partner university (3–12 months)
• Traineeships (SMP) — an internship at a company, organization, or institution abroad (2–12 months)

The key principle is simple: you go to a partner university of your home institution, rather than applying independently to a foreign university. Your home university has signed bilateral agreements with specific departments at specific universities across Europe (and beyond — the program also covers partner countries). You choose from these options, apply internally at your faculty, and once selected, receive a grant from the European Commission (disbursed through your country’s National Agency).

What does the Erasmus+ grant cover?

The Erasmus+ grant is a monthly allowance to offset the difference in living costs between your home country and the destination country. It doesn’t cover 100% of living expenses abroad — it’s more of a subsidy. Tuition at the host university is zero (you pay normal tuition at your home university). In addition to the monthly grant, you may receive:

• Travel support — a lump sum for travel (distance-dependent, EUR 180–1,500 one way)
• “Green travel” top-up — an additional EUR 50 + up to 4 extra days if you travel sustainably (train, bus)
• Inclusion support — EUR 250/month for students with fewer opportunities (disability, financial hardship)
• Language course funding — through the OLS (Online Linguistic Support) platform

Who can apply for Erasmus+?

Eligibility requirements are simpler than most students assume:

1. Student status — you must be enrolled at a higher education institution holding an Erasmus Charter (ECHE). In practice: almost every public university in the EU and many private ones.
2. Completed first year — most universities require at least one completed year of bachelor’s studies. Master’s and doctoral students can usually go from the first semester.
3. Grade point average — typically a minimum of 3.0–3.5 (on a 5.0 scale) or equivalent, but this depends on the faculty and competition. The higher your GPA, the better your chances of getting your top-choice destination.
4. Language proficiency — at a level sufficient for academic study (B1–B2). Verification may involve an internal test, a certificate (TOEFL, IELTS), or coursework grades.
5. Citizenship or residence in a programme country — as a citizen or resident of an EU/EEA country, you qualify automatically.
6. Mobility cap — a maximum of 12 months per study cycle (bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate). You can go multiple times as long as you haven’t exhausted the limit.

Important: you don’t need a language certificate before applying. Many universities accept coursework grades or conduct their own test. However, if you’re targeting English-taught programs, a TOEFL or IELTS certificate will significantly strengthen your application.

The application process — step by step

The Erasmus+ application process is not centralized — each university has its own deadlines and procedures. The timeline below is a typical scheme for a winter semester departure (September–February). For the summer semester (February–July), shift everything by about 6 months.

Learning Agreement — the most important document

The Learning Agreement (LA) is a three-way agreement between you, your home university, and the host university. It specifies which courses you’ll take abroad and how they’ll be recognized when you return. This document guarantees your ECTS credit recognition. A few rules:

• Sign it before departure — without an LA, you won’t receive your grant
• You can modify it — within the first 5 weeks after arrival (Changes to Learning Agreement)
• Choose comparable courses — they’re easier to have recognized at your home university
• Aim for 30 ECTS per semester — that’s the standard; some universities require a minimum of 20

Popular Erasmus destinations

Students from across Europe flock to western and southern European destinations. Here are the most popular choices.

Best universities for Erasmus — College Council recommendations

If you want to get the most out of your Erasmus experience, it’s worth targeting universities that truly make a difference on your CV. Here are our recommendations by region (click to read full guides):

Scandinavia and Nordic countries:

• Copenhagen Business School (CBS) — business, management, finance. Tuition-free, excellent Erasmus+ student support
• Universities in Sweden and Finland — check our guide to studying in Scandinavia

France:

• Sciences Po Paris — political science, international relations
• Sorbonne / PSL — humanities, social sciences

Italy:

• Bocconi — economics, finance, management
• Politecnico di Milano — engineering, architecture, design

Netherlands:

• University of Amsterdam (UvA) — social sciences, media, law
• Maastricht University — PBL (Problem-Based Learning), European law
• More in our guide to studying in the Netherlands

Germany and Switzerland:

• TU Munich (TUM) — engineering, computer science, natural sciences
• ETH Zurich / EPFL Lausanne — top-tier STEM (note: limited Erasmus+ spots)
• More in our guide to studying in Germany

Belgium:

• KU Leuven — law, engineering, medicine
• More in our guide to studying in Belgium

Spain and Portugal:

• Universities in Spain and Portugal — most popular destinations, excellent climate and cost of living

Language requirements on Erasmus

The language barrier is a myth that discourages many students. Here’s the reality:

English-taught programs — available in most European countries, especially in the Netherlands, Scandinavia, Germany, and Italy (at technical universities). A B2 level of English is sufficient. If you want to certify your level, read our comparison of TOEFL vs IELTS.

Programs in the local language — typically require B1–B2 in that language. Universities often offer free preparatory courses (Intensive Language Course) before the semester, funded from the Erasmus+ budget.

OLS (Online Linguistic Support) platform — every Erasmus+ participant has a mandatory language test before and after the exchange, plus access to a free online language course. This is a European Commission tool, not an additional cost.

Pro tip: Even if your courses are in English, learning the basics of the local language (A1–A2) greatly improves the quality of your experience. Ordering coffee in Spanish in Barcelona or buying bread in Dutch in Amsterdam — these small things make a big difference.

ECTS credits and semester recognition

The ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System) is the foundation on which Erasmus+ operates. Here are the key rules:

• 30 ECTS = standard semester — that’s how many you should complete abroad
• Minimum 20 ECTS — most universities require a minimum below which the semester isn’t recognized
• Automatic recognition — thanks to the Learning Agreement, your home university is obligated to recognize ECTS credits earned abroad (guaranteed by the Erasmus Charter)
• Transcript of Records — after the semester, the host university issues a document with your grades, which serves as the basis for credit transfer
• Grade conversion — according to conversion tables (e.g., ECTS grading scale). Note: grading systems differ drastically between countries (30/30 in Italy ≠ 1.0 in Germany ≠ 20/20 in France)

Does Erasmus extend your studies? Not necessarily, but it depends on your planning. If your courses abroad align well with your home program, the semester counts normally. If you choose completely different courses, you may have “gaps” to fill. The key is carefully preparing your Learning Agreement in collaboration with your coordinator.

Accommodation on Erasmus

Accommodation is — right after the grant — the biggest concern for Erasmus students. The situation varies greatly by country and city:

University dormitories — many universities guarantee or prioritize Erasmus+ students. Prices: from EUR 150/month (Portugal, Czech Republic) to EUR 800+/month (Copenhagen, Amsterdam). Apply immediately after receiving your nomination — spots disappear fast.

Private rentals — HousingAnywhere, Spotahome, Uniplaces are platforms dedicated to students. Watch out for scams (never transfer money before seeing the apartment or without a contract). Facebook groups (e.g., “Erasmus Barcelona Housing”) can be helpful but require vigilance.

Flatmates — the best quality/price option. ESN (Erasmus Student Network) often helps connect students looking for roommates.

Accommodation budget vs grant:

• Portugal/Czech Republic/Hungary: EUR 200–400 → grant covers rent + some left for living
• Spain/Italy/France: EUR 400–700 → grant covers most of housing cost
• Netherlands/Scandinavia: EUR 600–900 → grant won’t be enough, you need savings or a job

Erasmus semester vs full degree abroad

This is the question every student considering an exchange asks: is it better to go for a semester through Erasmus, or apply directly for a full degree abroad? Both options make sense, but in entirely different situations.

Our advice: If you’re in your first or second year and aren’t sure about full educational emigration, Erasmus is the ideal trial run. If you come back convinced you want more, you have time to apply for a master’s program abroad with real experience and contacts. Check our guides for specific universities and countries (links above) to understand the requirements and costs of full degree programs.

Erasmus+ traineeships (SMP) — the underrated option

Beyond the study semester, Erasmus+ funds professional traineeships abroad (Student Mobility for Placement). This is an option surprisingly few students know about, yet it can be just as valuable — or even more so — than an academic exchange.

Key differences vs studies:

• Higher grant — EUR 150/month more than for studies
• Flexibility — from 2 to 12 months, no need to follow the semester schedule
• Broader scope — you can intern at a company, NGO, laboratory, even a startup
• Available after graduation — so-called “graduate traineeship,” up to 12 months after graduation (application before thesis defense)
• Less competition — at most universities, there are far more traineeship spots than applicants

Where to find traineeships? ErasmusIntern.org, LinkedIn, platforms like Graduateland, direct contact with companies. Your university’s Erasmus+ coordinator may have a list of vetted employers.

Erasmus budget — how much a semester really costs

The Erasmus+ grant is important but not the only item in your budget. Here’s a realistic calculation for the most popular destinations:

How to bridge the gap?

• Savings — EUR 1,000–3,000 as a buffer before departure is a realistic goal with a summer job
• University scholarship — many home universities offer an additional grant
• Part-time work — legal in EU countries, but balancing it with studies and “Erasmus life” can be tough
• National grants and foundations — check scholarships available through your national agency or educational foundations
• More about financing in our European scholarships guide

Erasmus and studying in France — a special case

France is the fourth most popular Erasmus destination and one of the most linguistically demanding. Programs at the best universities (e.g., Sciences Po or Sorbonne) are often taught in French at the bachelor’s level, switching to English only at master’s level. Erasmus at Sciences Po is a prestigious CV entry, but requires a solid B2 in French or choosing English-taught courses (which are a minority). Living costs in Paris (EUR 800–1,200/month for a room alone) mean the EUR 600 grant covers less than half of expenses. Lyon, Strasbourg, and Bordeaux are cheaper alternatives with strong universities.

10 practical tips from Erasmus veterans

1. Apply early — don’t wait until the last day. Popular destinations (Spain, Italy) fill up first.
2. Don’t choose a university just for the city — check the course offerings, compatibility with your program, language of instruction.
3. Prepare your Learning Agreement carefully — choose courses that will realistically be recognized at your home university. Consult your coordinator BEFORE departure.
4. Join ESN — Erasmus Student Network organizes events, trips, and helps with integration. The ESN card gives discounts on Ryanair, Flixbus, and many attractions.
5. Open a multi-currency account — Revolut, Wise, or N26 will save you hundreds of euros on currency conversion.
6. Get your EHIC — the European Health Insurance Card gives you access to public healthcare. It’s worth adding private insurance (~EUR 20–40/month).
7. Learn the local language — even the basics. It opens doors that would remain closed with English alone.
8. Travel smart — cheap Ryanair/Wizz flights, Flixbus, InterRail. A semester abroad is the best opportunity to explore Europe that you’ll probably never have once you enter the job market.
9. Document your expenses — after returning, you must submit a report to the Erasmus+ Office. Keep proof of stay (e.g., rental contract, student card).
10. Don’t stay in your national bubble — you’ll meet many compatriots on Erasmus, but the most valuable friendships are the international ones.

Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) — new since 2024

Since the 2021–2027 edition, Erasmus+ has introduced the BIP (Blended Intensive Programmes) format — short programs combining physical mobility (5–30 days) with an online component. This is an option for students who can’t or don’t want to go for a full semester but want to gain international experience. BIPs award ECTS credits (minimum 3) and are funded by Erasmus+ (daily grant + travel). Ask your faculty coordinator — the BIP offering grows year by year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary — why Erasmus+ is the best investment during your studies

Erasmus+ is more than a semester abroad. It’s 13 million alumni, a network spanning 33 countries, an experience that employers recognize immediately, and — being honest — some of the best months of your life. European Commission research shows that Erasmus alumni have a 23% lower unemployment risk than peers without international experience, and 33% of Erasmus participants enter international relationships (yes, that’s an official EU statistic — and from those relationships, over a million “Erasmus babies” have been born).

For any European student, Erasmus+ offers an exceptionally favorable risk-to-reward ratio. You don’t leave your home university, you don’t risk rejection from a foreign program, you receive a grant, and you return with a degree, contacts, and experience that can’t be gained any other way. And if that semester convinces you that you want more — you have a solid foundation to apply for a full master’s degree in Europe or even in the USA.

Next steps

1. Check the list of bilateral agreements on your university’s International Office website — that’s your “map” of available partner universities
2. Talk to the Erasmus+ coordinator at your faculty — ask about deadlines, requirements, popular destinations
3. Prepare your language skills — if you’re targeting English-taught programs, take the TOEFL or IELTS. A comparison of both tests is in our TOEFL vs IELTS guide
4. Browse our country guides — Netherlands, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Scandinavia, Belgium, Portugal
5. Start saving — EUR 1,000–3,000 is a realistic financial cushion that you can accumulate through a summer job
6. Join ESN on your campus — you’ll meet Erasmus alumni and get first-hand information about life at different universities