GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SOCRATES ERASMUS PROGRAMME

ERASMUS is the higher education Action of SOCRATES II programme. It seeks to enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of higher education by encouraging transnational cooperation between universities, boosting European mobility and improving the transparency and full academic recognition of studies and qualifications throughout the Union.

It is named after the philosopher, theologian and humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam (1465-1536). An untiring adversary of dogmatic thought in all fields of human endeavor, Erasmus lived and worked in several parts of Europe, in quest of the knowledge, experience and insights which only such contacts with other countries could bring. By leaving his fortune to the University of Basel, he became a precursor of mobility grants.

Erasmus Programme gives students the opportunity to study for a period of 3-12 months at a university or higher education establishment in another participating country. As a matter of principle, the time spent in the host country must be fully recognized by the home institution. The European credit transfer system (ECTS) is the major instrument to facilitate academic recognition of periods of study in partner establishments. It should be clear that there must be prior agreement between the universities concerned before a person can benefit from the Erasmus scheme.

To support their mobility - a period of study in the host country - students may be entitled to an Erasmus grant in addition to the grants which they normally receive from other sources such as their region, state, or university. This European grant is intended to help to cover the cost of traveling and the difference in cost of living.