Erasmus studies
Similar to procedures in other countries, the opportunity to pursue a period of study abroad through Erasmus+ varies in duration, ranging from 2 to 12 months. Eligibility for Erasmus+ study abroad necessitates enrollment in a higher education institution and active participation in a program leading to a recognized degree or tertiary-level qualification. For first-cycle students, meeting the requirement of being at least in the second year of studies is crucial.
As part of the Erasmus+ program, you might be entitled to an Erasmus+ grant designed to assist with travel and subsistence expenses. The precise grant amount is subject to fluctuations based on the disparities in living costs between your home country and the destination, the volume of applicants vying for the grant, the geographical distance between countries, and the availability of additional financial aids.
If your study plans involve transitioning between different Programme countries, it is advisable to consult with Greece’s National Agency, which includes the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY) and the Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation (I.NE.DI.VI.M), along with your sending higher education institution to ascertain the applicable rates and guidelines.
Furthermore, supplementary support is extended to students embarking on a traineeship, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, or those originating from outermost Programme countries or regions. These provisions aim to ensure equitable access to educational opportunities, fostering a more inclusive and diverse learning environment within the Erasmus+ program.
How can someone apply?
To begin with, every university maintains partnerships and agreements with various educational institutions and departments in Europe, ensuring a diverse array of options available for the students. This offers students a broad spectrum of choices, allowing them to select suitable programs that align with their academic and personal preferences.
Moreover, all universities and higher educational institutions are equipped with dedicated Erasmus offices, specifically designed to streamline the process of discovering and applying for Erasmus programs. These offices serve as valuable resources, providing comprehensive guidance and support to students throughout the application and preparation phases. As for Greek universities, some notable examples of these facilitating offices include:
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens: http://en.interel.uoa.gr/study-programs-offered-by-the-nkua.html
University of Macedonia: https://www.uom.gr/en/erasmus-office
University of Peloponnese: http://erasmus.uop.gr/ (Greek)
University of Western Macedonia: https://www.uowm.gr/dioikisi/domes/grafeio-erasmus/ (Greek)
University of the Aegean: https://erasmus.aegean.gr/en/erasmus
University of Patras: https://erasmus.upatras.gr/en/contact
Accommodation and logistics
You do receive a monthly allowance to cover your expenses in the country you chose to. Those costs have been calculated according to the profile of each country. Specifically:
| Groups of countries | Countries | Monthly Amount (€/month) |
| Group 1 |
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden
Third Countries not linked to the program from Region 14 (Faroe Islands, Switzerland, United Kingdom) |
520 |
| Group 2 | Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain
Third Countries Not Associated with the Program from Region 13 (Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City) |
470 |
| Group 3 | Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Turkey | 420 |
The students receive 80% of the total scholarship in the bank account they have declared, before their departure.
The remaining 20% of the amount is paid upon return and after the necessary supporting documents of the student have been submitted and checked.
In the event that the intended duration of the trip has not been reduced and if the student has successfully completed the pre-agreed study program, the remaining 20% of the total amount of the scholarship will be paid.
In the event that it turns out that the duration of your studies at the Host Institution was shorter than the planned one, based on which the first installment of the funding was calculated, there will be an offset with the remaining 20% of the total amount and either a zero balance will result, or your account will be credited with an amount less than originally calculated, or you will be asked to repay part of the first installment you have received (or the entire first installment if the regulations have been violated). The same will happen if the pre-agreed study program was not successfully completed.
More info
The primary goal of the Erasmus+ program is to foster the educational, professional, and personal growth of students and graduates engaged in the program. It is also committed to advancing equal opportunities, inclusivity, diversity, and fairness throughout its various initiatives.
Moreover, the program aligns with the European Union’s objectives concerning digital transformation, sustainable development, and the promotion of active citizenship, thereby contributing to the realization of these broader goals.
In line with these principles and objectives, the Erasmus Student Charter serves as a comprehensive guideline, emphasizing the rights and responsibilities of participants and facilitating the smooth execution of their mobility experiences. The Charter plays a pivotal role in ensuring that individuals are well-informed about their privileges and commitments, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness and success of their participation in the Erasmus+ program.
Erasmus+ mobilities
An overview
Greece participates in the Erasmus+ program, enabling various organizations within the country to engage in Key Action 1 initiatives focused on facilitating student and staff mobility. This participation grants Greek organizations the dual privilege of applying either as hosting institutions, providing a platform for international participants, or as sending entities, allowing Greek participants to partake in mobility programs abroad. Only in 2021 almost 22.000 people participated in mobilities in Greece.
Depending on the profile of participants involved, the following types of mobility projects are supported under Key Action 1 of the Erasmus+ Programme:
In the field of Education and Training:
- Mobility projects for higher education students and staff;
- Mobility projects for VET learners and staff;
- Mobility projects for school pupils and staff;
- Mobility projects for adult education learners and staff.
In the field of Youth:
- Mobility projects for young people – Youth exchanges
- Mobility projects for youth workers
- Youth participation activities
- DiscoverEU Inclusion Action
In Greece, the National Agency for such project is Youth and Lifelong Learning Foundation. It is an entity governed by private law operating in the wider public sector, which is independent in financial and operational terms. It is a non-profit, public benefit institution, which is supervised by the Ministry of Education, Research and Religious Affairs but also directly related to it as a provider and as contractor of the projects and programmes the Ministry assigns to the Foundation.
Contact information:
| Service contact hours | 09:00-17:00 |
| Contact number | 2131314465 |
| E-mail address | [email protected] |
| Website | www.erasmusplusyouth.gr |
| Social Media | Facebook: Erasmus + Youth Greece
Instagram: erasmusplus_youth_gr YouTube: Erasmusplus Youth Twitter: https://twitter.com/EplusYouthGR |
How can someone apply?
In Greece, numerous youth organizations are actively involved in facilitating mobility programs. To discover suitable youth exchanges, it is crucial to stay updated on the organizations’ latest developments and open opportunities. Typically, the application process involves completing a comprehensive form, detailing personal information, and responding to inquiries concerning past experiences and motivations for participating in the mobility program.
Upon selection, participants might be required to pay a participation fee, as the sending organization often does not receive funding for administrative procedures. Subsequently, the organization will initiate the coordination of group members, fostering communication for ticket reservations and facilitating mutual introductions. Usually, it is the participant’s responsibility to book the tickets!
The reimbursement policy depends on the distance between the sending and hosting countries, with a predetermined amount allocated to cover travel expenses. To ensure a successful reimbursement process, it is essential to keep all relevant invoices and booking details. Reimbursements are typically disbursed during the program or within one to two months after the participant’s return, subject to the internal procedures of the organizations involved.
Considering the latest guidelines from the Erasmus+ Guide (2023), the total allocation for ticket expenses can be determined for each participant, aiding in the effective planning and budgeting of the mobility program is the following:
In order to calculate the distance band, all the organizations use this tool which is provided by the European Commission especially for the Erasmus+ programs.
During the mobility
While participating in the mobility program, it is important to actively participate and all scheduled activities and workshops. Non-compliance with rules and procedures could potentially lead to consequences. However, it is essential to note that the youth workers within the organizations possess extensive expertise in handling various issues that might arise during the program. Therefore, if any discomfort or concerns emerge, it is crucial to communicate openly with the designated youth workers. They are equipped to provide necessary support and guidance, ensuring that participants have a positive and enriching experience throughout the mobility program.
As you gradually immerse yourself in the diverse community of participants from different countries, the vibrant exchange of cultures and ideas is likely to create an engaging and fast-paced experience. Before you know it, the time to depart and return home will arrive swiftly. The presence of experienced youth workers not only fosters a supportive environment but also encourages participants to actively contribute to the collective learning and cultural exchange, further enriching the overall mobility experience.
Where can you find such opportunities?
As it was mentioned before, you should follow the updates of each organization regarding new open calls and opportunities. However, there are some Facebook Groups that are known for sharing such opportunities.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/729175760508308
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1584904988430053
https://www.facebook.com/groups/207585043160314
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1835278830017342
Do I have any obligations after my return?
Certainly! As previously highlighted, it is essential to retain and submit all relevant invoices and booking confirmations to the respective sending or hosting organization. Additionally, they might request photographic evidence and encourage you to share your personal experience during the mobility program. Given that these projects entail a comprehensive process that extends beyond mere mobility, it is not uncommon for the organization to ask your participation in various activities, such as completing questionnaires or surveys aimed at gathering valuable feedback and insights. This holistic approach serves to capture a comprehensive understanding of the participant’s journey, ensuring that the entire experience, from preparation to post-mobility activities, is effectively documented and assessed for continuous program improvement.