Erasmus+ Special Funding: Financial Subsidies for Special Needs

Contact

Name

Amelie Meiners

Head of Division

Phone

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+49 241 80 90685

Email

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Within the framework of the Erasmus program, you can complete Erasmus internships and/or Erasmus study periods abroad in Europe. Equal opportunities is a key concern in the Erasmus program. Therefore, certain student groups can apply for special needs grants (in addition to regular Erasmus+ funding); these are referred to as special funding. The special funding is 250 euros per regular funding month and is available for both Erasmus internships and Erasmus study visits. The grant can only be applied once at a time and cannot be combined.

The following student groups are eligible for special funding:

Further Funding Options

  • Starting in the 2022/23 academic year, participants with an assessed degree of disability of 20 or more, students with a chronic illness, or students with one or more children can submit long applications for their actual costs to be reimbursed for additional costs incurred abroad of up to 15,000 euros per semester.
  • Long applications for preparatory trips can also be made.

For more information, please see the FAQ at the bottom of the page and the DAAD website on special funding. If you have any further questions about Erasmus+ special funding, please contact Amelie Meiners.

 

Erasmus+ Special Funding FAQ

How much is the Erasmus+ special funding?

The grant is 250 euros per scholarship month and is paid in addition to the regular Erasmus funding.

The grant for participants with special needs is applicable only once at a time for grantees, even if several of the criteria for receiving the grant are met.

How can I apply for Erasmus+ special funding?

The subsidy provided by the Erasmus+ Special Support program is requested by submitting a self-declaration. Students will obtain the relevant form before the start of the mobility, most likely together with the Grant Agreement form. Please refer to the emails from the Erasmus Outgoing Student Support for more information.

The request form must be completed, signed and submitted to Erasmus Outgoing Student Support by the deadline. Submissions after the deadline will not be considered.

Stating the need for special funding in the Erasmus application documents is not sufficient to receive special funding.

What evidence is required for the Erasmus+ special funding? (as of: April 2022)

  • Students with disabilities: Students must submit a signed declaration of honor which confirms that they meet the eligibility criteria. The form will be sent out together with the Grant Agreement. In addition, proof of a degree of disability of 20 or more in the form of a severely disabled pass or medical certificate must be submitted upon request.
  • Students with a chronic illness: Students must submit a signed declaration of honor which confirms that they meet the eligibility criteria. The form will be sent out together with the Grant Agreement. In addition, upon request, they must submit a certificate from a general practitioner. The certificate must confirm that the student suffers from a chronic illnessand that additional costs abroad are to be expected as a result.
  • Students who are studying abroad with one or more children: Students must submit a signed declaration of honor which confirms that they meet the eligibility criteria. The form will be sent out together with the Grant Agreement. In addition, upon request, they must submit a birth certificate(s) and travel documents of the child(ren).
  • First-time academics (students from a non-academic background): Students must submit a signed declaration of honor, certifying that they meet the eligibility criteria. A form for this statement can be found with the scholarship contract. In addition, a formless statement from their parents on their educational background may be requested.
  • Employed students: Students must submit a signed declaration of honor, certifying that they meet the eligibility criteria. The form will be provided together with the Grant Agreement. In addition, proof of salary and the employment contract may be requested.

What is a long application for actual costs?

Starting in the 2022/23 academic year, participants with an assessed degree of disability of 20 or more, students with a chronic illness, or students with one or more children can submit long applications for their actual costs to be reimbursed for additional costs incurred abroad of up to 15,000 euros per semester.

The long application replaces the regular grant of 250 euros per month which is granted via special funding. The application should therefore only be submitted if the additional costs exceed the regular grant. The complete application must be submitted at least two months before the start of the period abroad.

The Erasmus University Coordinator will be happy to advise you on the application process. The application form from 2021/22 in the download area at the end of the page will give you a first impression of the application process.

Long applications for preparatory trips can also be made in consultation with the Erasmus+ University Coordinator.

How certain is it that I will receive the special funding?

If you apply for the funding on time and meet the requirements, you are entitled to receive it.

When are working students eligible for special funding?

Their net income must be more than 450 euros and less than 850 euros and must have been so for six consecutive months. It is also possible to add the net income of several activities, as long as the total income is within the specified income range.They must prove that this 6-month period of employment started at the earliest six months before they submit their application, ending at the latest before they travel abroad. They cannot be self-employed or do freelance work. Students in work-study programs with a fixed salary (for example dual study programs) are also not eligible for special funding.

Do I have to quit my job to apply for special funding for working students?

You cannot keep working for your job in Germany during your stay abroad (this also includes remote work, online work, paid leave, etc.), but you do not necessarily need to give notice. Termination is not a requirement; the employment contract may also be paused.

When are students from a non-academic background eligible for special funding?

Neither parent nor caregiver can have a degree from a university or university of applied sciences. This also includes courses of study completed by a parent abroad that are not recognized as such in Germany (for example, physiotherapy). A degree from a vocational academy leading to a qualification comparable to a university degree is to be regarded as an academic degree. In this context, a master craftsman's diploma is not to be equated with an academic degree.

 

 

Who is considered a caregiver for students from a non-academic home?

Your caregiver is the person or the two persons you grew up with. This does not necessarily have to be your biological parents. If one or both parents are already deceased, a short written explanation of their academic background will be required for verification purposes.