The Erasmus+ Scholarship remains one of the most popular and accessible funding options for international students seeking to study in Europe. For the 2025–2026 academic year, the program continues to offer opportunities for students from Eastern Europe, Turkey, North Africa, and beyond to experience education mobility across partner countries.
If you’re considering applying for the Erasmus scholarship 2025, this comprehensive guide will help you understand the eligibility criteria, key deadlines, stipend amounts, and other practical details. Whether you’re a student looking to study abroad or a university administrator supporting applicants, this article covers everything you need to know.
What is the Erasmus+ Scholarship?
Erasmus+ is a European Union program designed to support education, training, youth, and sport in Europe. It provides scholarships and grants to students, trainees, staff, and volunteers to study or gain experience abroad.
The scholarship is part of the broader Erasmus+ KA1 (Key Action 1) mobility projects, which focus on individual mobility for learning purposes. This includes student exchanges for studies or traineeships, as well as staff mobility for teaching or training.
Erasmus+ is particularly attractive because it promotes cultural exchange, academic collaboration, and professional development while providing financial support to help cover living costs during mobility.
Who is Eligible for Erasmus+ Scholarship 2025?
Eligible Countries
The Erasmus+ program distinguishes between:
- Programme Countries: These are EU member states plus a few others fully participating in Erasmus+ (e.g., Norway, Iceland, Turkey).
- Partner Countries: These include countries outside the Erasmus+ program, such as many in Eastern Europe, North Africa, and other regions.
Students from both Programme and Partner Countries may be eligible for Erasmus+ scholarships, but conditions and funding levels can vary.
Student Eligibility
To qualify for the Erasmus scholarship 2025–2026, applicants generally must:
- Be enrolled in a higher education institution that participates in Erasmus+.
- Be pursuing a degree (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral level) or a recognized traineeship.
- Plan to study or train in a different country than their home institution.
- Meet any specific requirements set by their sending institution or the Erasmus+ National Agency.
Students from Eastern Europe, Turkey, and North Africa should check with their home university’s Erasmus+ coordinator to confirm eligibility, as some Partner Country mobilities may have additional criteria.
Mobility Types Covered
- Study Mobility: For students who wish to spend a semester or academic year at a partner university.
- Traineeship Mobility: For students who want to undertake internships or work placements abroad.
- Staff Mobility: For university staff teaching or training abroad (though this is outside the typical student scholarship scope).
Important Deadlines for Erasmus+ Scholarship 2025–2026
Timelines for Erasmus+ applications vary by country and institution, but here are general guidelines:
- Application Period: Most universities open Erasmus+ scholarship applications between October and February for the following academic year.
- Nomination Deadlines: Sending institutions usually submit student nominations to host universities by early spring.
- Selection and Award Notification: Award decisions are often made between March and May.
- Mobility Start: Mobility periods typically begin in September or October and may last from 3 to 12 months.
Because Erasmus+ is managed nationally, it’s critical to consult your university’s Erasmus+ office or National Agency website for exact dates. Missing deadlines can mean waiting another year to apply.
Erasmus+ Scholarship Stipend Amounts 2025–2026
The financial support provided by Erasmus+ aims to help cover travel and living expenses during mobility. The amounts vary depending on the host country, the duration of stay, and whether the country is a Programme or Partner Country.
Monthly Mobility Grants
- Programme Countries: Students going to Programme Countries usually receive a monthly grant that ranges approximately between €300 and €500. Countries with higher living costs (like Germany, France, or the Netherlands) often have higher stipend rates.
- Partner Countries: For students from Partner Countries (including many in Eastern Europe, Turkey, and North Africa), Erasmus+ offers grants that may be higher to support international mobility, often ranging from €400 to €700 monthly depending on the destination.
Travel Grants
In addition to monthly stipends, Erasmus+ may provide travel grants based on the distance between the sending and receiving institutions. These are calculated according to fixed distance bands and can range from €180 to over €1000.
Additional Support
Some universities or National Agencies offer top-up scholarships or additional financial assistance, but these vary widely. Always verify with your sending institution.
How to Apply for the Erasmus+ Scholarship 2025?
Step 1: Check Your University’s Participation
Not all universities participate in Erasmus+ KA1 mobility projects. Confirm your institution is involved and has agreements with partner universities in your target country. Use the University check tool to verify your university’s Erasmus+ status.
Step 2: Meet Eligibility and Language Requirements
Ensure you meet academic and language requirements set by both your home and host institutions. Many programs require proof of language proficiency in the language of instruction or the local language.
Step 3: Prepare Your Application
Typical application documents include:
- Completed Erasmus+ application form
- Learning agreement or traineeship agreement
- Academic transcripts
- Motivation letter
- Language certificates (if required)
Step 4: Submit Application Through Your Home Institution
Applications are usually submitted via your home university’s Erasmus+ office. They will coordinate nominations and communicate with the host university.
Partner Country Eligibility and Special Considerations
Students from Partner Countries (including many in Eastern Europe, Turkey, and North Africa) should be aware that Erasmus+ funding and rules can differ from those for Programme Countries:
- Some Partner Countries have limited quotas or specific agreements.
- Funding may be higher but subject to national limits.
- Visa and work rights can differ significantly; check the Visa and work rights section for details on your destination country.
- Transfers between universities mid-mobility are generally not allowed under Erasmus+ rules but confirm with your institution.
Erasmus+ and University Credibility
When selecting your host university, consider:
- Whether the institution is recognized and accredited.
- The quality of the program you want to attend.
- Support services for international students.
UniversitySwitch offers tools to Compare universities and check their credibility to help you make an informed decision.
FAQs
Q: Can I apply for Erasmus+ scholarship if I am not an EU citizen? A: Yes. Students from Partner Countries such as Turkey, Eastern Europe, and North Africa can apply, but eligibility and funding depend on specific agreements.
Q: How long can I study abroad with Erasmus+? A: Mobility periods typically range from 3 to 12 months per cycle (bachelor, master, doctoral).
Q: Can I work while on Erasmus+ scholarship? A: Erasmus+ grants do not guarantee work rights. You must check your host country’s visa regulations and work permits on our Visa and work rights page.
Q: What happens if I want to transfer to another university during Erasmus+ mobility? A: Transfers are generally not permitted within the Erasmus+ mobility period. For more on transfers and switching universities, see Switch and transfer.
Q: Are Erasmus+ scholarships taxable? A: Tax rules vary by country. Usually, Erasmus+ grants are not taxable, but verify local regulations.
Get help with your study decision
Choosing the right country, university, and scholarship can be overwhelming. For personalized support with your Erasmus+ scholarship application, country selection, university credibility, visa queries, cost planning, or transferring between institutions, contact UniversitySwitch for expert guidance. Reach out to us today at Contact UniversitySwitch.