What Is the Erasmus Programme?

Erasmus is one of the most well-known student exchange programmes in the world, and also one of the most misunderstood. Here's a clear breakdown of what it is, who can join, and what's changed since Brexit.

What is the Erasmus programme?

Erasmus (now officially called Erasmus+) is a European Union programme that funds student exchanges, work placements, and staff mobility between European universities and partner institutions worldwide. It was launched in 1987 and has since supported over 10 million students.

Under Erasmus+, a student enrolled at a participating European university can study at another participating university in a different country for 3 to 12 months. Their home university typically continues to recognise the credits earned abroad, and students receive a grant to help cover living costs.

Erasmus+ also covers traineeships (work placements abroad), youth exchanges, vocational training, and adult education programmes.

Who can participate in Erasmus?

Erasmus+ is primarily for students enrolled at universities in EU member states and a number of partner countries. Full programme countries include all EU members plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Turkey, North Macedonia, Serbia, and a few others.

Can US citizens do Erasmus?

Not directly. Erasmus+ is an EU programme, and the US is not a programme country. American students cannot apply for Erasmus+ through their US home university.

However, there are two ways a US citizen might participate:

1. Enrol in a European university first. If you're studying at an EU university (say, doing a full degree there), you become eligible for Erasmus+ exchanges through that institution.
2. International Credit Mobility (ICM). Some partner institutions outside Europe have bilateral Erasmus agreements with EU universities. If your US university has such an agreement, a limited number of exchange spots may be available, but this is institution-specific and not widely available.

In short: US citizens can't use Erasmus+ from a US university. For US-based international exchange programmes, look at the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, IIE-administered programmes, or direct exchange agreements your university may hold with European institutions.

How difficult is it to get into Erasmus?

For eligible students at participating EU universities, Erasmus+ is not as competitive as many assume. Selection is done by the home university (not the EU centrally), and the competitiveness depends on:

• How many students your university sends per year
• The popularity of your chosen destination country
• Your academic performance (most require a minimum GPA or grade equivalent)
• Language requirements for the host country

Popular destinations like Spain, Italy, France, and Germany tend to be more competitive. Smaller programme countries and less popular universities are easier to access. Most students who apply seriously and meet the minimum requirements get a placement. The bigger challenge is logistics, not selection.

What happened to Erasmus in the UK after Brexit?

The UK left Erasmus+ when it left the EU. British students studying in the UK lost access to the programme in 2021. The UK government replaced it with the Turing Scheme, which funds international placements for UK students but doesn't offer reciprocal incoming exchanges the way Erasmus did. UK universities have also developed bilateral agreements with individual European institutions to fill the gap.

Conclusion

Erasmus+ is an EU-funded exchange programme for students at participating European universities. US citizens can't access it through a US university. For EU students, it's competitive in popular destinations but accessible for most applicants who meet the basic requirements.

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