For Students

1. What is the Erasmus+ programme?
   Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme supporting education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. It offers opportunities to study, train, or gain work experience abroad at partner institutions. The HEA (that’s us) is the Irish National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education opportunities. We provide guidance and allocate Erasmus+ funding to higher education institutions (HEIs) across Ireland. The HEIs then distribute the funding provided to eligible individual participants. If you’re looking for opportunities in Adult Education, School Education, Vocational Training, or Youth Programmes, visit our colleagues at Léargas.
2. I am a student enrolled in an Irish HEI. Am I eligible to participate?
   Students enrolled in Irish HEIs that hold an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) can participate. Eligibility may depend on your course of study. You must be registered for a full degree programme and have completed at least one year of higher education studies. Contact your HEI’s International Office for specific requirements.
3. What countries can I visit through Erasmus+?
   Erasmus+ includes all EU member states, plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Türkiye. Partner countries outside this group may also be included for specific projects. Countries you can visit are dependent on your HEI – the existing partnerships they have and the relevance to your course.
4. What financial support is available?
   Participants are entitled to a monthly mobility grant that helps to cover travel and living expenses abroad. The grant varies based on the destination country and duration of stay. Candidates from disadvantaged backgrounds, with special needs or disabilities are encouraged to apply and may receive additional support in order to cover costs directly related to their participation.
5. Will I have to pay tuition fees while studying abroad?
   For the period you are on mobility, you will continue to pay your tuition fees at your home institution in Ireland. You will not need to pay any tuition fees to your host institution abroad. As an Erasmus+ student, you are exempt from fees for tuition, registration, examinations, and charges for access to laboratories or libraries at the host institution.
6. How long can I study, train, or work abroad with Erasmus+?
   Typically, mobilities last between 2- to-12 months per academic cycle (bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree). Depending on your course, there may be an option to take part in shorter blended intensive programmes (BIPs), which combine online study with a short trip (5-30 days) for in-person learning.
7. Can I combine study and traineeship activities during my mobility?
   Yes, it’s possible to combine study and traineeship activities, provided the total duration falls within the 2- to-12-month period, and both activities are planned with your host institution.
8. Can I participate in Erasmus+ more than once?
   It is possible to participate multiple times as long as the total time abroad does not exceed 12 months per academic cycle. We recommend that you speak to the International Officer at your HEI to discuss opportunities.
9. How do I apply for the Erasmus+ programme?
   Start by contacting the International Office at your institution. They will guide you through your options, placement processes, documentation, and deadlines.
10. Should I contact the HEA directly about my mobility application?
    You must apply via the International Office at your HEI.
11. Do I need to speak the local language of my host country?
    Language requirements depend on the host institution. Some offer courses in English but others are delivered in the native tongue. Thanks to the Online Language Support (OLS) platform, you can benefit from free online courses to prepare for your mobility and acquire the necessary language skills.
12. What are the benefits of Erasmus+?
    During your mobility, you will increase your technical, inter-personal and inter-cultural skills and competences. In our experience, employers are particularly interested in people who have demonstrated proven skills associated with the Erasmus+ programme. You will also increase your confidence, ability to achieve goals, and social and cultural openness. Read some first-hand Erasmus+ stories here from others who have already taken their first exciting step into an international experience.
13. Will my studies abroad be recognised?
    All participating institutions use the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), ensuring that credits earned abroad are recognised by your home institution through a Learning Agreement.
14. What happens if I face challenges while abroad?
    Your host and home institutions are there to support you. Contact your International Officer who can help with resolving academic, logistical, or personal issues.

For Staff

1. What is the Erasmus+ programme?
   Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme supporting education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. It offers opportunities to study, train, or gain work experience abroad at partner institutions. The HEA (that’s us) is the Irish National Agency for Erasmus+ Higher Education opportunities. We provide guidance and allocate Erasmus+ funding to higher education institutions (HEIs) across Ireland. The HEIs then distribute the funding provided to eligible individual participants. If you’re looking for opportunities in Adult Education, School Education, Vocational Training, or Youth Programmes, visit our colleagues at Léargas.
2. I am a staff member working at an Irish HEI. Can I participate?
   Yes, academic and administrative staff can participate in mobility opportunities such as teaching at a partner institution or attending training abroad.
3. What are some examples of training activities?
   Training activities include workshops, job shadowing, observation periods, professional development courses, or specific competence-building events at a host institution or organisation.
4. How long will I be abroad for?
   Staff mobility periods typically last from 2 days to 2 months, excluding travel days. The exact duration is determined by the agreement with the host institution. Depending on your mobility, there may be an option to take part in shorter blended intensive programmes (BIPs), which combine online study with a short trip (5-30 days) for in-person learning.
5. Is there funding available?
   Yes, participants are entitled to financial support for travel and subsistence costs. The amount allocated depends on the destination and duration of the mobility.
6. How do I apply for Erasmus+ staff mobility?
   Contact your HEI’s International Office for details on available opportunities, application processes, and deadlines.
7. Should I contact the HEA directly about my application?
   You must apply via the International Office at your HEI.
8. What are the benefits of Erasmus+ staff mobility?
   Staff mobility fosters professional development, intercultural exchange, sharing of best practices, learning of new working methods, and strengthens institutional partnerships.

For International Officers

International Officers manage the implementation of the Erasmus+ programme at HEIs. This includes coordinating mobility agreements, supporting students and staff, promoting the programme, and reporting on activities.

I am an International Officer working at a HEI in Ireland. Can you share a list of useful resources for managing Erasmus+ projects?

• Erasmus+ Programme Guide
• Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility – Handbook for participating organisations
• IT Tools Wiki
• Beneficiary Module
• Distance Calculator
• Online Language Support
• European Student Card Initiative
• European Education Area Portal
• Commission’s Guidelines on How to Communicate Your Project
• Erasmus+ Project Results Platform
• Monthly Update from the HEA