Useful information for outgoing students on the Erasmus Scheme
Who is eligible?
To be eligible, students must be:
- formally registered at Queen Mary, whatever their field of study, in order to follow higher education studies leading to a recognised degree or other recognised tertiary level qualification, up to and including the level of doctorate OR
- enrolled in short-term higher vocational education (in the UK this includes Foundation Degree courses) at Queen Mary AND
- a national of a participating country or recognised by their country of residence as a refugee, stateless person or permanent resident.
Where can I go?
Around 90 per cent (90%) of European universities take part in Erasmus but not all of them exchange students among each other, as the exchange is based on bilateral agreements between the departments of each university. Europe is such a diverse and exciting region – culturally, historically, politically and geographically – that you're bound to find somewhere interesting.
Check the list of Queen Mary's partner institutions. You can also find out more through your departmental coordinator.
Specific country information can be found on the British Council's Country Guides
Why go?
- Stand out in the job market – a great addition to your CV
- Return more motivated, independent and confident
- Get a grant and have your tuition fees waived (if you go for the full academic year)
Plus – travel within Europe is not as expensive as flying somewhere overseas - It counts towards your degree – it’s not a gap year
- Learn a range of life skills not taught in the lecture theatre
- Access a wide range of subject areas and take the opportunity to experience different learning practices and teaching methods
- Improve your language skills
- Meet new people and gain an international network of friends
- Discover a different culture and gain an international perspective
- It’s really good fun!
Language requirements
As not all of Queen Mary’s partner universities offer English programmes, you should learn the language of your host country. Depending on where you want to go, your host institution may offer intensive language courses, which start before the semester. You might also be able to take a language course here in London at Queen Mary’s Language Centre before you go abroad. You might already be learning the language due to your degree programme. There are also specialised Erasmus Intensive Language Courses (EILC) for the less widely used and less taught languages organised in the countries where these languages are used as teaching languages at Higher Education institutions. Find out more either from your departmental coordinator or on the partner institution's website. In case you take part in a language course in your host country you might receive the Erasmus grant for that period as well.
How to apply
The application procedure for the Erasmus Programme takes places on the departmental side and is dealt with in different ways. Therefore, please contact your departmental coordinator for more details..
Finances
Cost of living
The cost of living varies considerably across Europe. During your stay abroad you will need to pay for accommodation, and general living costs. In many countries, living costs are lower than in the UK, while in some they may be more expensive than at home. You can receive a supplementary, non-repayable grant intended to help towards any additional expenses that may incur while abroad.
The Erasmus Grant
Higher Education students can receive an Erasmus grant to do a study period or work placement. Eligible students must:
- be a citizen of and permanently reside in one of the participating countries , a refugee, a stateless person or have permanent resident status in the UK
- be registered at a UK Higher Education institution which holds an Erasmus University Charter (EUC)
- spend an approved study or work period of between a minimum of three months (or one academic term) to a maximum of 12 months at an institution which holds an EUC in another EU, EEA or candidate country and is one of Queen Mary’s Erasmus partner universities
The Erasmus grant is paid in addition to the standard grants or loans to which a student is entitled.
For further information and to apply for the grant students must contact the Erasmus Institutional coordinator Mrs Lesley Green.
Queen Mary tuition fees
Students studying or working abroad under the Erasmus scheme for a full academic year do not pay any tuition fees to Queen Mary.
Host University tuition fees
No university fees (for tuition, registration, examinations, access to laboratory and library facilities, etc) are to be paid at the host institution. However, small fees may be charged for costs such as insurance, student unions and the use of miscellaneous material such as the photocopying of academic material, use of laboratory products on the same basis as these are charged to local students.
Accommodation
Some partner universities do provide housing for their Erasmus students. Students might be able to get information from their departmental coordinator or by contacting the partner institution directly.
In case you do not want to accept campus housing from the partner university make sure to arrange this prior arrival.
Insurance and Health
Queen Mary does not provide students with insurance. This is the student's own responsibility.
You should ensure you have medical and travel insurance for the duration of your study/work period, including travel to and from the UK.
Going to any EU country, you should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The quickest and easiest way is to apply online. Applicants will need their National Insurance number to hand. The EHIC is free of charge and entitles you to reduced-cost, sometimes free, medical treatment that becomes necessary while in a European Economic Area (EEA) country.
For more information on healthcare abroad visit the NHS website
