Eligibility

Please note that the information below was correct at the time of writing. We always endeavour to update our information as soon as we are made aware of any changes to the rules.

What is it?

Erasmus is the European Commission's educational programme for Higher Education students, teachers and institutions. It was introduced in 1987 with the aim of increasing student mobility within the European Community, subsequently the European Economic Area countries and the candidate country of Turkey.

In 2007, Erasmus became part of the new Lifelong Learning Programme, incorporating study exchanges, work placements and language assistantships.

Further information, including a list of the participating countries, can be found here:

Lifelong Learning Programme Web Pages

Can I take part in the Erasmus programme?

Any Undergraduate or Postgraduate student can study or work abroad as an Erasmus student, provided that their department has Erasmus links.

An up-to-date list of our Erasmus exchange links can be found here:

List of Erasmus Exchange Links

Your departmental Erasmus Tutor can provide further information on the individual partner universities.

List of Departmental Erasmus Tutors (PDF, 41.0 KB)

Information about paid or unpaid work placements in various organisations as well as language assistantships (for Modern Languages students) can also be obtained from your departmental Erasmus Tutor.

Are there any other requirements?

Yes. In order for any study period or work placement to be classed as an Erasmus one, it must:

• be full-time
  
  
• count as a recognised part of your Sheffield University degree
  
  
• take place in an EU/EEA/EFTA or candidate country
  
  
• last a minimum of three months and a maximum of 12 months
  
  

Am I eligible to receive an Erasmus grant?

If the period abroad fulfils the above criteria, you should be. Only the following students are not eligible to receive an Erasmus grant:

• Students who have previously received an Erasmus grant
  
  
• Students doing work placements linked to the European Parliament
  
  

Non-eligible Work Placement Providers

A list of non-eligible work placement providers can be found here:

Non-eligible Work Placement Providers

Please note that a work placement within an embassy representing your home country is also not eligible for Erasmus funding.

What about paid work placements?

Students carrying out paid and unpaid work placements are eligible for Erasmus funding as long as they adhere to the eligibility requirements as above.

What about British Council Language Assistantships?

British Council Language Assistantships can be classed as Erasmus work placements as long as they take place in an EU/EEA or candidate country. If they are arranged through any other scheme such as Comenius, they cannot be eligible for Erasmus funding.

Still unsure?

If you have any further questions about Erasmus eligiblity, please feel free to contact us by email:

email : erasmus@sheffield.ac.uk