FAQ

What is the application deadline for studies abroad?

Student Mobility Studies (SMS): The application deadline is always in the winter semester in your respective department. Please note! Always in the period from December to January for the following academic year (incl. summer semester). The exact period is determined by your departmental coordinator. Please enquire in your respective department.

Where exactly do I have to apply?

Apply directly to your Erasmus+ subject coordinator, not to the International Office!

All selected students will then be forwarded to the International Office by your Erasmus+ subject coordinator.

All further information can be obtained from the International Office and under "Timeline" under Application Process.

How many places at the partner universities can I apply for?

You can apply for a total of three places at our partner universities. Please indicate your first, second and third choice.

Do I have to earn a certain number of ECTS credits at my partner university?

A credit requirement of 30 ECTS credits per semester is recommended. However, 15 ECTS credits per semester (listed on the transcript of records (and/or language course certificate) of the host university) are mandatory. Please note that you may have to repay the funding or parts thereof if you do not comply with the regulations

Which language certificate do I need?

Participation in the OLS test is not required for the time being due to technical problems on the part of the EU and is not mandatory for you.

Nevertheless, OLS language support offers many advantages. The language offers can be used for three years to improve your language skills during and after your stay abroad. Further information can be found here under "Forms to be submitted: Prior to your Stay Abroad".

Speakers of the national language or language of instruction as their first language are exempt from submitting a language certificate.

Do I automatically receive funding with the Erasmus+ place?

Yes, as a rule you will automatically receive a scholarship in addition to your place. If you are already receiving another scholarship, make sure that it can be combined with Erasmus+.

I have already received other funding. Can I still apply for an Erasmus+ place?

Yes, if you have already received other funding and no longer require Erasmus+ funding, please let us know when you apply. You can still apply for the place. It may even be possible to combine the Erasmus+ scholarship with yours. Please clarify the details with the International Office by e-mail or telephone.

How many months will I receive the grant?

A maximum funding period of 4 months (1 semester) or 8 months (2 semesters) is granted.

I didn't get a place but would still like to go abroad. Do I have a chance of being re-nominated?

If a place cannot be filled by a selected person, a subsequent nomination will be made for this place.

There will also be a final call for applications in the spring. Information about the period and the call for applications will be posted on our website or via the usual social media accounts of the International Office.

You also have the opportunity to study at an international university as a Free Mover or to complete an internship. The International Office can advise you accordingly.

How do I find out if I have been nominated?

You can find out whether you have been nominated from your subject coordinator.

I have been selected for a semester abroad in the department, what happens now?

After you have been nominated by your respective department at the International Office of the University of Greifswald, they will contact you and then nominate you at the respective host university. The host university and the International Office will then contact you regarding the enrollment process and the further course of events.

I really like my semester abroad. I would like to extend my stay abroad. How do I do that?

Please contact the host university first to find out about a possible extension of your stay abroad. Then contact the Erasmus coordinator at the International Office of our university, whereby the extension request must be received by e-mail at the IO at least 1 month beforethe end of your planned stay.

What documents do I have to submit after my stay abroad?

At the end of your stay, you must submit an experience report, a transcript of records and a Confirmation of Stay from the host institution (see Erasmus+ study forms).

Together with the application for recognition, you can have your achievements abroad recognized. In the case of successful recognition, please also inform the International Office of the University of Greifswald. Please use the document Learning Agreement  "After the Mobility".

Can I exmatriculate during a stay abroad?

No! You must be enrolled at the University of Greifswald to receive funding from the Erasmus+ program. If you de-register, we will have to reclaim the funding. Instead, please consider the possibility of taking a leave of absence during your stay abroad.

What does it mean to take a leave of absence?

You can be exempted from your studies for good cause after submitting a written application. You must have re-registered (paid the semester fee) before submitting the application.

The leave of absence is generally only granted for the current or the coming semester, but not for the past.

Leave of absence semesters are not counted as semesters of study; a leave of absence for the first semester of study and an examination semester is generally not possible. As a rule, coursework cannot be completed during the leave of absence (exception: study abroad). The student contribution and health insurance obligation remains in place. 

You can find more information here [de].

Can I apply for compensation for disadvantages?

Students whose current living and study situation is affected by challenging circumstances can apply for compensation for disadvantages, which will be taken into account in the application process. Challenging circumstances can be, for example, chronic illnesses, employment (at least €250 per month), refugee background, pregnancy and/or students with child(ren) or caring for relatives. Please see the document "Honorary declaration on compensation for disadvantages" under Forms for Periods of Study with Erasmus+.

Staying abroad with a child

Students who travel abroad with their child/children to study abroad are entitled to compensation for disadvantages (social top-up). The prerequisite is that the child/children are taken along during the entire stay. The allowance is granted per family, regardless of the number of children.

In addition, students who wish to travel abroad with their child(ren) can apply for a real costs grant. In the case of funding for real costs, the need is determined with the help of a comparative calculator. Approval is granted for a specific mobility and is based on the calculation of the additional requirements abroad and only takes into account costs that are not covered by other national bodies (integration offices, health insurance funds, regional associations, social welfare offices, student services). 

Further information on the application for real costs or the application for a preparatory trip.

Applicants with a disability of GdB 20 or more or a chronic illness

Students with a degree of disability (GdB) of 20 or more, a proven disability or a chronic illness that results in additional financial needs abroad receive 250 euros per month as a grant. A certificate of disability or a medical certificate confirming that additional financial needs arise abroad due to the existing chronic illness is considered proof. The basis for classifying an illness as "chronic" is the "List of chronic illnesses of the Robert Koch Institute".

In addition, students from these target groups can apply for a real costs grant. In the case of funding for real costs, the need is determined with the help of a comparative calculator. Approval is granted for a specific mobility and is based on the calculation of additional needs abroad and only takes into account costs that are not covered by other national bodies (integration offices, health insurance funds, regional associations, social welfare offices, student services). 

You can also undertake a preparatory trip. The trips are intended for potential recipients of funding with a disability and their accompanying persons, who need to find out about local conditions (accessible accommodation, conditions on campus, local transport, etc.) in order to assess whether a longer stay is possible. If this is an option for you, please contact the International Office in good time.

Further information on the application for real costs or the application for a preparatory trip.

Testimonial Laura Hahn

“During my stay, I left my comfort zone and made dreams come true. This is not just about studying in another country – you have the chance to discover the culture, the fascinating history, the language, the indescribable nature, and everyday life.”
(Laura, Erasmus+ semester in Italy)

Laura and other outgoers talk about their experiences abroad on our blog Greifswald goes International [de] and our podcast [de].