One of the big perks of getting on the Erasmus programme is that you get pocket money from the EU in the form of an Erasmus grant. It’s pretty generous pocket money too; no measly £10 a week from your parents.
In 205/16, the basic grant was €250 a month. And, on top of this, most students usually receive a second instalment.
In fact, on average over the past three years, UK students have received somewhere around €375 a month. Not bad, eh? True, it might not cover all of your living expenses, but it’ll certainly give you a financial leg up.
Who gets an Erasmus grant?
Here’s the beauty of it: pretty much everyone on the Erasmus programme is eligible for a grant. You must be enrolled at a UK higher education institution, which has an Erasmus University Charter, and you must be studying or doing a work placement at a EUC holding institute in another candidate country.
Extra perky grants
Better still, if you’re doing a short-term work placement, you can receive a one-off supplementary grant of €250, and up to €300 to cover travel costs. Unfortunately, you won’t get these boons if you’re just doing a couple of weeks’ work experience; it should last a minimum of two months and a maximum of three months. In addition, only students registered on a short-term vocational higher education course can get their greasy mitts on this supplementary grant.
If you’re venturing off the well-beaten track to a more unusual European destination for your Erasmus year, the EU provides a one-off supplementary grant of a sweet €400. Furthermore, an extra €500 is available for eligible students as part of a widening participation and social mobility directive.
How do I apply for an Erasmus grant?
It will vary depending on your university, but most people will have to apply via their department, careers service or the international office at their university. It’s up to you to get in contact with the appropriate person and ensure that you are put forward for an Erasmus grant.
No tuition fees
Gloriously, you won’t have to pay tuition fees to the university you’ll be attending; neither will you have to pay tuition fees in the UK. Add that to the fact that you’ll be getting an Erasmus grant from the EU (and a CV-enhancing experience in another country), and you’ll be laughing all the way to the bank.