International Financial Aid for Overseas Education: Funding opportunities for global studies
The Erasmus+ grant is a valuable resource for students at Austrian universities who wish to study abroad. This monthly allowance, also known as the Erasmus+ scholarship, is designed to help cover living expenses during a student's time abroad.
The European Commission categorizes countries into groups primarily based on their average living costs. Group 1 countries, such as Austria, Belgium, and Germany, generally have the highest living costs and highest grant amounts, with a typical monthly grant of around €580. Group 2 and Group 3 countries, like Cyprus, Czechia, and Hungary, have medium and lower living costs, with correspondingly lower grant amounts.
For the academic year 2025/2026, the monthly grant for Group 1 countries is €580, and for Groups 2 and 3 countries, it's approximately €530. However, it's essential to note that these amounts can differ based on the funding structure of the sending institution and whether the mobility is for study or internship.
The grant is split into two rates: 80% paid at the beginning of the stay, and the remaining 20% paid after return. The stay must be between two and twelve months, and not exceed twelve months. Students can split the twelve months across multiple semesters if they prefer.
The Erasmus+ grant can be used for various expenses, such as last-minute accommodation, accommodation in Vienna or Graz, vacation rentals, and more. However, for internships abroad, the traineeship must be relevant to the student's studies.
Students can apply for one-time payments, or Top Ups, via the platform "Mobility Online". There are provisions for additional supplements for students with fewer opportunities or special needs. For example, the Green Travel Top Up is a reward for environmentally-friendly travel by bus or train. Another Top Up, Fewer Opportunities, is for students with disabilities, children to care for, chronic illnesses, or recipients of student allowances.
The OeAD, Austrian Exchange Agency, is responsible for distributing the grant. The status "Erasmus+ student" is assigned upon signing the grant agreement via the Erasmus platform "Mobility Online". Students need to provide the recognition sheet of their university for the second rate.
In conclusion, the Erasmus+ grant is an essential resource for students wishing to study abroad. The grant is calculated exactly to the date, so early return may reduce the second rate. The OeAD, Austrian Exchange Agency, and the Erasmus office at the student's university can provide necessary documents and answer questions.
References: 1. [Source 1] 2. [Source 2] 3. [Source 3]
- To effectively manage personal-finance during the Erasmus+ experience, it's important for students to understand that the grant can be used for various expenses, including last-minute accommodation, accommodation in Vienna or Graz, vacation rentals, and more.
- For those interested in improving their education-and-self-development, the Erasmus+ grant serves as a valuable resource, offering opportunities for students to apply for one-time payments, or Top Ups, for specific needs such as the Green Travel Top Up, Fewer Opportunities Top Up, and more.
