During your studies at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences, you have the opportunity - and in some degree programmes even the obligation – to study abroad for one or two semesters. Our university maintains numerous partnerships with renowned universities in Europe. A stay at one of our partner universities offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in a new academic environment and to form international contacts.
Advantages of an Erasmus+ study or internship abroad
Erasmus+ allows you to study abroad without paying additional tuition fees at the host university. You usually receive financial support from the Erasmus+ programme to facilitate your studies and internships abroad, and certain target groups can benefit from additional funding. Your achievements abroad will be recognised within the framework of the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) as well as through the Diploma Supplement and the Europass at SUAS. Both SUAS and your host university offer comprehensive support in the planning and realisation of your stay. Thanks to the EU internship contract, your internship activities are guaranteed.
Events and information on Erasmus+
SUAS regularly organises information events on Erasmus+. In that opportunity, you will receive all the important information and can clarify any questions you may have. The information events take place at least once per semester (in presence and online). For more information, please contact the Student Mobility Office at io-mobility@hs-schmalkalden.de.
Once you have been nominated by your faculty, you will receive an email from your Erasmus+ mobility coordinator including an application for Erasmus+ funding. Important: If you receive further funding, please be sure to inform us.
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Application deadlines: Find out about the application deadlines for your Erasmus+ study abroad programme from your mobility coordinator at least 4 months before the start of your mobility.
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Application documents: Submit the required application documents by the deadline. This usually includes a letter of motivation, a CV, as well as current performance and language certificates.
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Application criteria: To apply for the Erasmus+ programme, you must meet certain criteria, such as academic performance, progress in your studies, language skills and the relevance and suitability of your stay abroad.
Requirements for Erasmus+ funding
Student status: You are enrolled at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and have already successfully completed one academic year.
Nomination by your faculty, including the confirmation that your study abroad programme has been recognised, and confirmation by the host university
Completely submitted documents.
- Learning Agreement (Link DAAD) - The Learning Agreement contains a course overview and the obligation to recognise achievements and is prerequisite for the Grant Agreement. It must be countersigned by Erasmus coordinator, international coordinator and partner university.
- Grant Agreement - With the Grant Agreement, which must be countersigned in the original by the Erasmus coordinator and the student before the start of the mobility, you will also receive a link to take the mandatory Online Linguistic Support (OLS) test as well as the Erasmus Student Charter with information about your planned stay.
To study at our partner universities, you must have the appropriate language skills. For example, some universities require proof of English language proficiency at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, certified by a TOEFL or IELTS examination.
Mobility grants
Study visits to another European country lasting 3-12 months can be funded. The Erasmus mobility grants* are paid out according to three country groups* and depend on the respective cost of living in the host country as well as the travel and programme dates.
*Erasmus+ KA131, *Erasmus+ KA171
Special funding (top-ups)
Students who receive financial Erasmus+ support can apply for special funding, so-called top-ups. With the new generation of Erasmus+ programmes, the European Union aims to make a significant contribution to equalise opportunities. By removing potential barriers and providing additional funding for additional target groups, the aim is to enable participation in the programme for people who have rarely or never been able to take part in international mobility. Participants can apply for special funding:
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with a degree of disability (GdB) of 20 or more or
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proven disability, due to which there is an additional financial need
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with a chronic illness that requires additional funding
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with child/children
and
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Employed students
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First-time university graduates
The top-up amount comprises EUR 250/month* (EUR 100/5-14 days, EUR 150/15-30 days)
*Amount depends on the programme and travel date
Once you got to your host university, you will receive a form confirming your arrival, which you should forward immediately to our Erasmus+ coordinator. You will then be paid the first scholarship instalment, amounting to 70% of the total funding.
You must submit the following documents to your Erasmus+ coordinator no later than five weeks after the end of your mobility:
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Transcript of records
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Confirmation from the host university of the exact duration of the stay
(Letter of Stay* - Confirmation of Arrival and Departure from the host university) -
Fully signed Learning Agreement in the original & any changes during the mobility - signed by you, Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences and the partner university
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Printout of your grade overview at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences
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Experience report on the stay abroad and Erasmus EU Survey*
(*at the end of the mobility, the student will receive a link via which they can submit the EU’s "Erasmus Survey". The submission of this EU survey is a prerequisite for the payment of the scholarship)
The second instalment of the Erasmus+ grant may only be paid once these documents have been submitted in full.