Erasmus+ is the European Commission’s programme for higher education students that allows you to study or work abroad as part of your degree course in one of 32 other countries in Europe. Over 2 million students across Europe have taken part since 1987.
There are opportunities for many students to complete a study or work placement abroad as part of their degree at Sheffield Hallam University. We have study exchange agreements with over 100 institutions and well-established links with placement companies across the world, so there has never been a better time to participate in a study or work placement abroad. Where you can go depends on the subject and course you are studying.
A study or work placement abroad can provide:
- a fun and challenging experience
- an international network of friends
- the confidence to live abroad
- travel opportunities across Europe
- new or improved language skills
- academic credits
- new perspectives on your subject
- transferable employment skills
If your study or work placement is in Europe, you may be eligible for financial support through the Erasmus+ programme. The grant contributes towards the extra costs arising from studying or working abroad and is paid in addition to the standard grants or loans to which students are entitled. Please note the Erasmus grant is not guaranteed.
The grant available to students studying or working abroad in Europe varies each year and according to the country you are visiting – please see the Erasmus+ advice for participants for information on the grant rates for the current year. Students identified as widening participation students also currently receive supplementary funding for studying abroad.
There are opportunities for Sheffield Hallam students to study or work abroad outside of Europe (e.g. Australia, Canada and the USA) but currently the Erasmus+ grant is not available for students studying or working outside Europe.
Funding for students with special circumstances
If you have any special circumstances that you feel should be taken into consideration when your Erasmus grant is calculated you should tell your tutor straight away. Discretionary payments may be made to students who, for example, have a disability which results in extra costs; have a health condition which results in extra costs or need to make special child care provision during their study/work abroad. Discretionary payments cannot be made on account of a student’s financial situation alone nor because of non-payment or part-payment of the parental contribution.
Which countries can I go to?
Where you can go depends on the course you are studying at Sheffield Hallam. Please check with your Faculty for the most up-to-date information on the opportunities that are available for your course.
Can I go to more than one country?
If you are undertaking two work placements in Europe in one academic year you may be eligible to apply for the grant twice providing the placements are continuous. These placements could be in two different countries – please check with your Faculty placement team to see if your course allows for more than one placement and which countries are available. If you undertake a study exchange through Erasmus+ and then go onto a work placement the following year in Europe, you can apply for the grant for both of these years up to a maximum of 12 months.
How do I apply?
You can study or work abroad and qualify for an Erasmus grant if you are:
- fully registered on an undergraduate or postgraduate course at the University
- in the second, third or final year of your course
- on a course which is part of an approved Erasmus exchange programme (your course tutor should be able to advise you of this)
- undertaking a period abroad that lasts for at least 2 months (for work) and 3 months (for study) and not more than 12 months in total.
You should ask your tutor as early as possible whether your course provides the opportunity for a study or work period abroad. If it does, you will need to discuss with your tutor whether you will be able to go abroad, and, if so, for how long, where and when.
When and how will I receive my grant?
You will receive your grant in two instalments. You will receive the first payment (80%) of your grant before your study/work placement starts. The remaining 20% of your grant will be paid to you towards the end of your study/work period when all your paperwork is complete (students are required to submit certain documentation as part of the conditions of receiving the grant).
Further information for students studying abroad
Further information about students working abroad
Useful contacts and links
For general information, please contact the Erasmus co-ordinator in the Directorate of International Development at Sheffield Hallam University, telephone 0114 225 3880, email erasmus-exchange@shu.ac.uk.
For enquiries specifically relating to work placements, please contact the Erasmus Administrator in Careers & Employment, telephone 0114 225 4033, email erasmus-exchange@shu.ac.uk.
Here are some useful Erasmus-related websites:
