International Center Erasmus+

Erasmus+ supports in particular:

• Inclusion and equal opportunities
• Sustainability (Green Erasmus+)
• Digital transformation
• Strengthening European cooperation and values

Within the framework of Erasmus+, the following mobility measures in particular are implemented at Aalen University of Applied Sciences:

• Student mobility (Studies and internships)
• Teaching mobility (lectureships at partner universities)
• Further Education and Training of university staff

Further information on the Erasmus+ program can be found on the website of the
DAAD (National Agency):
https://eu.daad.de

Erasmus+ activities are part of the internationalization strategy of Aalen University of Applied Sciences.

Students must be enrolled at Aalen University of Applied Sciences and have completed at least the first year of their studies. Participation is generally open to all students - regardless of nationality. Another prerequisite is the successful application for a Studies or internship place within the framework of the existing Erasmus partnerships.

In addition, the formal requirements of the program must be met, e.g. the timely submission of all documents and participation in mandatory program components such as the online language test (OLS). Funding is generally dependent on the available Erasmus+ budget.

The application usually takes place in two stages: First, students apply for an exchange place at a partner university or for an internship. Once a place has been successfully allocated, they are nominated for Erasmus+ funding and then go through the application process via the Mobility Online portal.

All required documents must be submitted there, e.g. learning agreement, dates of stay and other declarations. It is important that all documents are submitted in full and on time before the start of the stay abroad so that the funding can be approved and paid out on time.

As a rule, the basis for funding is the successful selection for an exchange place within the framework of the university partnerships. The selection is made according to subject-related and organizational criteria by the responsible offices at the University of Applied Sciences.

If the available budget is not sufficient to support all nominated students, an additional selection is made according to defined criteria. The aim is a transparent and fair procedure that enables as many students as possible to participate.

The amount of the Erasmus+ grant is based on the cost of living in the respective destination country and is divided into country groups. The monthly funding rates are regularly adjusted and can vary depending on the project year.

The Erasmus+ grant is a subsidy and does not usually cover all the costs of the stay abroad. In addition, depending on the available budget, the maximum funding period may be limited, meaning that financial support is not always provided for the entire duration of the stay.

• Country group 1: (EUR 600 / month) Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, as well as partner countries from regions 13(Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, Vatican City State) and 14 (Faroe Islands, Switzerland, United Kingdom).
• Country group 2: (540 EUR / month) Estonia, Greece, Latvia, Malta, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Czech Republic, Cyprus
• Country group 3: (EUR 540 / month) Bulgaria, Croatia, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, Hungary

Top-up amounts for long-term mobility:

• Fewer Opportunities: 250 EUR / month

• SMP: 150 EUR / month

• Alltop-ups can only be awarded once per mobility, but can be combined with each other.

Erasmus+ places particular emphasis on equal opportunities and supports participants with fewer opportunities through additional financial support. This includes, for example, students from a non-academic background, working students or participants with children.

Students with disabilities or chronic illnesses can also apply for additional funding to cover individual additional costs. Furthermore, sustainable travel ("green mobility") is specifically promoted.

The academic recognition of achievements abroad is a central component of Erasmus+. Before the start of the stay, a so-called Learning Agreement is concluded, in which the academic achievements to be completed are bindingly defined.

After successful completion, the agreed achievements are recognized. The Learning Agreement thus creates planning security and transparency for students and universities of Applied Sciences.

Within the framework of Erasmus+, teaching staff can undertake teaching visits at European partner universities. The aim is to promote professional exchange, further develop teaching and strengthen international cooperation.

The stays make it possible to get to know new teaching methods, initiate joint projects and expand international networks. At the same time, they contribute to the internationalization of the University of Applied Sciences.

In addition to teaching stays, Erasmus+ also supports further education and training measures for university staff. These include, for example, work shadowing, training or structured further education programs at partner institutions abroad.

These stays support the personal and professional development of employees and promote the exchange of best practices in administration, teaching and organization.

Participation in the Erasmus+ program is generally open to all employees of the University of Applied Sciences. The prerequisite is that the planned stay is related to work and must be coordinated with the responsible departments within the University of Applied Sciences.

Funding is provided within the scope of available funds and requires a formal application and compliance with the program-specific requirements.

Registration in Mobility-Online is necessary. All required documents must be submitted there, e.g. mobility agreement, dates of stay and other declarations. It is important that all documents are submitted in full and on time before the start of the stay abroad so that the funding can be approved and paid out on time.

Further information can be found in the Canvas course International for employees.