What is the Erasmus Scheme?

Erasmus is a European Union initiative and the programme specifically promotes the mobility of students, teachers and staff in Higher Education. Erasmus is a sub-section of the Lifelong Learning Programme for the period 2007-2013. Further details of the Erasmus programme are available on the British Council website.

Where can I study or work on the Erasmus Scheme?

In principle you can study or work in: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland or Turkey. Please see the list of Leeds College of Art, partner institutions above.

Who can study or have a work placement on an Erasmus Scheme?

You must be a citizen of one of the participating countries and in full time higher education at an institution which holds an Erasmus University Charter (EUC)

Is there any financial assistance available?

Yes. There are grants available, which are intended to offset the additional costs of living and studying abroad. Students who are eligible for an Erasmus grant should continue to be entitled to receive a national grant or loan where appropriate.

As a guide we can confirm that the Erasmus grant for 2012/13 ranges from 270 Euros to 370 Euros per month, depending on which European country you study in. In addition to this some students may be eligible for a Widening Participation grant, depending on family income. Students who study in Priority countries ( Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Turkey), may also be eligible for additional funding. There is a maximum monthly average for each country.

How is the grant calculated?

The grant is calculated on the Erasmus contract dates and based on the start date and end date of your study or work period abroad.

How long is an Erasmus exchange for?

This depends on the particular agreement reached by you with your course and host institution. However, the normal period of study preferably would be for one semester at the beginning of Level 5 (academic year 2) or possibly one academic year. The minimum length of study for an Erasmus student exchange is three months and the maximum is 12 months. Be aware that term dates vary between institutions, check carefully when your Erasmus exchange is expected to start and allow additional time for induction and general familiarisation with your new surroundings.

What if I can’t speak a foreign language - must I be fluent in another language?

You do not necessarily need to speak another language, as there are many opportunities to study in a foreign country and be taught in English. Students can sometimes attend Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) and support classes at the host institution if required. http://ec.europa.eu/education/erasmus/eilc1011_en.htm. All students should have some knowledge and competence with the language of their host country to be able to make the most of their exchange experience.

Do all countries participating in the Erasmus programme run an Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC)?

No. Not Spain, France and Germany. The specialised courses are in the less widely used and less taught languages of the countries participating in the programme, which specifically assist students to prepare for their Erasmus period abroad.

How much does it cost to attend an Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC)?

There is no fee for participation in an EILC. However, fees may be charged for excursions or other services for which Erasmus students are normally asked to pay. The duration can be between 2 to 6 weeks.

Does the EILC take place prior to the academic course?

Yes in most cases, although occasionally some run at the same time as the academic course.

If I attend an EILC which extends my period abroad by 2 to 6 weeks do I receive the Erasmus grant for this period too?

Yes.

If I study abroad how does this affect my student loan?

The Erasmus grant does not affect your eligibility for a national or state loan.

Do I have to pay tuition fees to the host institution abroad if I go on an exchange?

No, not for periods of less than one year.

If I do not pay fees abroad does that mean I still pay tuition fees to Leeds College of Art?

Students who study abroad for one semester only on an exchange would continue to pay their normal tuition fee to Leeds College of Art. However, UK/EU/EEA undergraduate students who study abroad for one academic year will receive a tuition fee waiver and therefore do not pay any fees at all!

I have heard that there are different types of Erasmus mobility is this correct?

Yes. During the course of a student’s higher education period a student may receive one Erasmus grant for study, one for work placement and one for participation in an Erasmus Mundus course. The total duration of all grants may not exceed 24 months. Please note that Leeds College of Art does not have any Erasmus Mundus programmes at the current time.

I would like to study at host institutions in different Erasmus countries is this allowed?

Yes. I would like to study in one Erasmus country and then work in a different Erasmus country, is this allowed?

Yes. This will be recorded as two placements.

I have heard about GIDE, what is it?

GIDE (Group for International Design Education) is an international consortium of higher-education design schools working together to enrich the experience of students mainly in the areas of 3D, architectural and interior design. Leeds College of Art is one of seven GIDE partners, besides Germany, Italy, Belgium, Scotland, Slovenia and Switzerland. Each year, the institutions participate in an international project with a common theme. Staff and students work in mixed groups towards a public exhibition of selected work, held in one of the countries. To find out more, visit

www.gide-net.eu GIDE group for International Design Education - read story here

Erasmus exchange agreements are in place between most GIDE partners

Can students with disabilities participate on the Erasmus programme?

Yes and additional grants are available for students with disabilities wishing to participate in the Erasmus programme. These allowances are offered in cases where disability leads to mobility costs which exceed the maximum grant allocations.

Do I still need to enrol at Leeds College of Art if I study abroad?

Yes. This is to confirm that you are a current student at the College regardless of where you are on a study exchange or work placement.

I would like to do a work placement in Europe over the summer is this allowed?

Yes, as long as the placement is relevant to the degree you are registered for and that your department approve your training programme.

What about arrangements for accommodation?

In some cases advice and support will be provided by the host university but the level of accommodation support varies between institutions. Ultimately it the exchange student’s responsibility to secure suitable accommodation.