What is Erasmus?
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
Union, subsequently the European Economic Area (EEA) countries and candidate countries.
Since 2007, the Erasmus programme incorporates study placements, work placements and language teaching assistantships.
Further information can be found here:
Can I take part in the Erasmus programme?
Erasmus is open to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students. Opportunities to study at an
Erasmus partner university depend on your academic department’s exchange links. Please see your departmental Erasmus tutor for further information and visit our web pages at www.shef.ac.uk/erasmus/exchange-links.html
. Paid or unpaid work placements in various organisations as well as teaching assistantships (for Modern Languages students) may be arranged with your academic department.
When can I study or work abroad under the Erasmus programme and for how long?
Study and work placement periods typically take place in the third year of a four year degree, although some students go in their fourth year and some in their second year of a three year degree. Placements can last between 2 and 12 months. Please contact your departmental Erasmus tutor for course-specific advice.
What is the application procedure?
In all cases, the application must be made through your academic department. There is no central application process for Erasmus:
 If the exchange period constitutes a compulsory part of your degree, your departmental Erasmus tutor will inform you of the choices of university or placement on offer and will help you find the best option for you.

 If the exchange period does not constitute a compulsory part of your degree, you must register an interest with your departmental Erasmus tutor, who will consider your academic ability before making a decision as to whether to nominate you for a place.
Is there a deadline?
The deadlines for departmental Erasmus tutors to select their candidates are; early April (semester one and full-year placements) and late October (semester two placements). You must adhere to any deadlines and procedures set by your host university/organisation.
What are the foreign language requirements?
Some of our partner universities offer courses in English, so please check with your departmental Erasmus tutor to find out which of the partners this applies to. Our Modern Languages Teaching Centre offers language modules at all levels, from beginners to more advanced. Extra funding is normally available to students who are not already studying the language of the host country as part of their degree and who undertake an intensive language course that they have found of their own accord.
What about tuition fees?
 You will NOT be charged tuition fees by the partner university.
 The tuition fees you pay to the University of Sheffield vary depending on your individual arrangements. Most students should normally be charged a reduced rate tuition fee to the
University of Sheffield. The amounts for all arrangements are as yet to be confirmed.
Is there any extra funding available?
Eligible study and work placement students normally receive an Erasmus grant to help with the additional costs of living overseas. In 2014-15, students are receiving Erasmus grant payments averaging at around
£350 per month, depending on the host country and type of activity. Please note that the grant rates change year-on-year.
The Erasmus grant is NOT means-tested.
Receiving the Erasmus grant does not affect your eligibility to apply for a maintenance loan from Student
Finance England.
Who is eligible to receive the Erasmus grant?
The following are normally ineligible to receive the Erasmus grant:
 Students who have already used up their Erasmus grant allocation quota (see link below)
 Students undertaking work placements within ineligible placement providers (see link below)
 Students whose study period/work placement does not last the minimum duration (see link below)
For further information on the eligibility criteria, please visit our web pages:

www.shef.ac.uk/erasmus/outgoing/prospective-out/eligibility.html
Will accommodation be provided for me?
Partner universities may provide incoming Erasmus students with the opportunity to apply for university owned housing. Contacts in host companies and schools may be able to offer you some help finding accommodation.
It will be your responsibility, however, to be proactive in chasing applications and/or searching for private sector accommodation. The International Exchanges Unit can only provide general support and advice in this area.
Note that we can put you in touch with incoming exchange students should you need to advertise your room in Sheffield for the period that you will be abroad.
How can I find out more?
Visit our website: www.sheffield.ac.uk/erasmus
Get in touch with our Student Exchange Ambassadors:
Or contact:
Email: globalopps@sheffield.ac.uk