What is the Erasmus + Programme?
The Erasmus + Programme is a community-action program for lifelong learning, offering students the possibility to study/work in another European university/company, obtaining academic recognition (as a part of the home university's study plan), or without academic recognition (in cases of extracurricular placements or placements for recent graduates).
The Erasmus + Programme mobility can happen within the following frameworks:
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Erasmus Study Period – a period of studies in another European partner university;
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Erasmus Placement – a placement in a corporate environment.
It is noteworthy that you can benefit from both frameworks in the same academic year, as long as there is at least one day of separation between them. These are, then, complementary opportunities for international mobility.
We would like to point out that the SRI organise Dissemination Sessions during the application period. During these, you can ask all the questions you may have, concerning the mobility programmes.
What are the Erasmus + Programme advantages?
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It is, for sure, a once in a lifetime opportunity! The Erasmus student will benefit from a very gratifying experience, on an academic, professional and personal level:
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It promotes personal and intellectual growth;
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It promotes the knowledge of new cultures, new languages, new work methods and new technologies;
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It boosts future employability, not only in foreign countries, but also in the student's home country;
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It develops the student's adaptability, autonomy, initiative and entrepreneurship;
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It broadens horizons, thus contributing to the construction of a more diversified Europe, in culture, language and education.
Who can apply?
All students of The University of Minho shall be entitled to apply as long as they are registered and enrolled in a regular course from the first, second or third cycle of studies which lead to a recognised academic degree. Students of the first cycle must have completed their first year of university studies. It is important to note that some courses/fields of studies require additional eligibility/participation criteria such as specific periods for mobility. ?
To which countries/universities can I go?
This programme is based on Interinstitutional Agreements agreed between Schools/Departments/Fields of Studies and several European Universities which enable the exchange of students and lecturers. Please check the list of Partner Universities to find out which higher education institutions from your local area have already signed agreements with The University of Minho. It is important to note that you should choose a partner University in your field of studies and that some of the agreements may only provide mobility to certain cycles of studies.
How long does the exchange programme last for
The duration of a period of study abroad is generally a minimum of 3 months, and up to a maximum of 12 months However, in some fields of studies and some partner universities, there are shorter periods of exchange.
Do I have to pay tuition fees in the host university?
No, Erasmus students do not pay a tuition fee to the host institution. However, mobile students continue to pay their tuition fee to their home institution, in your case, The University of Minho. Some fees may be charged such as school insurance, students’ union membership fee, use of copiers and laboratory products, etc.
If I take part in this exchange programme, do I have to enrol in The University of Minho
Yes, you must be enrolled in The University of Minho. As a matter of fact, non-compliance with this procedure prevents the academic recognition of your mobility period.
Who chooses the courses I am going to take in the host university
All fields of studies have an Academic Coordinator who will guide you through your choice of study plan, together with the Academic Coordinator in the host university who will also support you during your stay. The three parts involved - you, the home institution and the host institution - should agree on the programme abroad before the start of the mobility period. Therefore, a Learning Agreement for Studies will be drawn up and signed by you and by the Academic Coordinators of both Universities. As an integral part of the Learning Agreement, an Academic Recognition Plan is also drawn up which is an internal document that clarifies the equivalence between the curricula in both home and host universities. To consult the list of Academic Coordinators of The University of Minho, by fields of studies, please refer to the related section of this website.
Where am I assessed?
You are assessed by the host University, meaning you must follow the evaluation methodologies imposed by that institution.
Does the period of studies abroad replace the equivalent period in The University of Minho?
Yes, you will have full academic recognition as long as you successfully complete your plan of studies at the host University. At the end of the mobility period, the host University will send us the “Transcript of Records” with your marks and respective credits ECTS (“European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System”), with which your Academic Coordinator at the University of Minho will start the academic recognition process. This file will be subsequently sent to International Relations Services, and hereafter will be forwarded to Academic Services in order for your marks to be posted. In the particular case of a partial recognition of a curriculum unit (UC), the mark will be sent to the director of UC in question (dissertation, thesis, project, ...).
How are the grades I receive at The University of Minho decided?
There are different methodologies/approaches that can be adopted under the academic recognition process, and conversion of the obtained marks to the UMinho assessment scale. This procedure is conducted by the Academic Coordinator of each field of studies. Please note that assessment scales are not absolute and the conversion of the host country for the Portuguese scale is relative. The ECTS grading scale should guide the procedure by considering the percentiles of the performance of all students who attended the curriculum units in question. Please refer here to more information about the ECTS scale of comparability.
What are ECTS?
ECTS stands for European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System. It is a tool designed to make it easier for students to move between different countries, and for making studies and courses more transparent and thus facilitating academic recognition. Considering 1 ECTS credit is equivalent to 28-25 hours of student workload, generally one semester is worth 30 ECTS, a quarter is worth 20 credits, and an academic year corresponds to 60 ECTS credits.
In an Erasmus programme, can I take a study plan under or over 30 ETCS during one semester or of 60 during one academic year
As a general rule, an Academic Recognition Plan corresponds to 30 ECTS credits (for a semester) and 60 (for an academic year), in an effort to balance the workload of students at the host institution and the equivalent credits in UMinho (the difference, when unavoidable, shall not be more than 5 ECTS credits per semester). In terms of workload the following limitations should be considered: Minimum of 25 and maximum of 35 ECTS credits per semester; Minimum of 55 and maximum of 65 ECTS credits for the academic year;
Can I complete incomplete courses during an Erasmus programme
Although some host universities offer the respective language courses (which are often encouraged) at the beginning of the academic year/semester, previous language preparation is essential to maximize the success of the Erasmus period. Thus, all students are encouraged to invest in their previous language preparation, and start it as soon as possible, according to UMinho’s range of language courses, within and outside the University.?
Should I study a foreign language before going abroad?
Although some host universities offer the respective language courses (which are often encouraged) at the beginning of the academic year/semester, previous language preparation is essential to maximize the success of the Erasmus period. Thus, all students are encouraged to invest in their previous language preparation, and start it as soon as possible, according to UMinho’s range of language courses, within and outside the University.
Do I have to produce any certificate for my language knowledge?
Several partner universities request language certificates with a minimum level of knowledge, as an integral part, and mandatory, of the application process. So, when choosing the Universities for which you would like to apply, you must visit their websites in order to verify if the presentation of Language Certificates is mandatory. If so, you should be prepared to present these documents at the application stage, since failure to comply with this requirement prevents the application.
Will I have any language support during the mobility programme?
Erasmus+ Programme has a new linguistic support tool for students in mobility, the Online Linguistic Support (OLS). This tool is available in six diferent languages: German, Spanish, French, English, Italian and Dutch. Depending on the number of licenses allocated to the University of Minho, you'll have access to this tool if your main working language in the host institution is one of the six languages and does not match your language. All students covered by OLS have to undertake a language skills assessment test before and after their period of mobility. Based on the results of the first test and the licenses allocated to the UMinho, some students will be given the opportunity to attend an online language course. All OLS features operate exclusively online and all of them are free. For further information about this linguistic support tool please refer to http://erasmusplusols.eu/.
What happens if I fail my courses at the host university
If you fail a curriculum unit you will not have equivalence to the corresponding one(s) at UMinho. In this case, there is always the possibility to take the exams at the University of Minho during appeal/ special exam period, if the teacher in charge allows it. However, this is not advisable because you did not attend the classes here and the content is never exactly the same. It is important to note that if you fail all courses during your Erasmus study period, in other words, if you have a total academic failure, you will have to pay back the Erasmus scholarship in full.
Where will I live and who takes care of accommodation
After you have applied to this programme, the whole application process is sent to the University where you are selected, along with a request for reservation of accommodation, if any. Whenever possible, students will stay at University Residences, but there is also, in some cases, the possibility of staying in student apartments or family houses. If the host university does not provide permanent housing (for example, when there are no University Residences), you should make a reservation for temporary accommodation and you will have to seek permanent accommodation on arrival, usually with the help of the host university, student associations and other associated entities (in these cases it is advisable to arrive early before the actual start of the academic calendar).
Who will take care of my trip?
You will be in charge of trip arrangements in advance, in order to arrive at the host university when classes start. Please bear in mind that some destination countries require issuing visas for travel. If so, we advise you to deal with the necessary procedures in good time, consulting the International Relations Services (SRI) whenever required.
Is there any compulsory procedure before going abroad?
Yes, before you go to your host university you should schedule, with the International Relations Services (SRI), the signing of your Erasmus Agreement, if available, and/or fill in the Power-of attorney form , appointing another person (family member, friend, colleague) who in your absence could sign this Agreement. We emphasize that your proxy must be a person who we can contact easily and must be available to move to UMinho when needed.
What should I do if I am ill abroad
Before you go abroad, you must apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). This application can be done online, in the Regional Social Security Centre (Centro Regional de Segurança Social) of your place of residence or in a multipurpose Administrative Services Centres ('Loja do cidadao’). This card gives you access to medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during your stay in any of the EU countries, and Switzerland. For all other countries you will be required to take out health insurance. Although the responsibility to safeguard medical coverage during the stay abroad lies with the student, before you go you must give SRI a copy of the CESD/health insurance for their records. At the same time, you will continue to be the beneficiary of the School Insurance of The University of Minho. For all the information about this insurance please refer to http://www.sas.uminho.pt/Default.aspx?tabid=23&pageid=104&lang=pt-PT
What about scholarships?
Being an Erasmus student does not necessarily imply receiving an Erasmus Mobility Scholarship. All students selected for these exchanges become automatically eligible for the Mobility Erasmus Scholarship in order to study. However, the scholarships allocated to the University of Minho may not be sufficient for all candidates. You should be aware that mobilities outside the framework of the Erasmus + program, as in the case of exchanges with Brazil or China, are not eligible for funding under this scholarship and information on these cooperation agreements can be consulted in a different section of the website.
What are the scholarship application criteria?
International Relations Services receive a list of all students selected, and ranked in order of priority from each Academic Coordinator at the University of Minho. The scholarships allocated to The University of Minho are distributed to the selected students, following the order of this list, and attending the country of destination and the number of months of the exchange. The methodology institutionally adopted aims to cover with funding the largest possible number of students. Accordingly, it follows that in the first distribution stage, only to scholarship allocation effects, it is considered that a semester has the duration of four months and one academic year has a duration of 8 months. In later stages, in the event of available funds, the opportunity of receiving a complement can occur.
Can I receive an Erasmus Study Scholarship if I am already the beneficiary of another scholarship
Yes, as long as the scholarship that you receive is not funded by the European Commission. For example, if you receive a Social Services scholarship from The University of Minho, you can continue to receive it, together with the Erasmus Mobility Scholarship.
How much are the Erasmus Study Mobility Scholarships?
The values of the scholarships vary depending on the host country, and the actual duration (number of days) of the exchange. It should be noted that Erasmus scholarships are not maintenance scholarships, but mobility scholarships, which aim solely to offset the difference between the living standards of the country of origin and the host country. Therefore, Erasmus scholarships do not intended to cover all normal student living expenses, but the additional costs resulting from the completion of a period of study in another country. The value of the scholarships is determined annually. As an indication, you may refer to the table with the values of Erasmus Mobility Scholarships from the academic year 2014/2015.
What if I am not eligible for an Erasmus Mobility Scholarship? Do I have to give up?
No, you can go without a scholarship. As a matter of fact, given the scarcity of Community funding for Erasmus mobility scholarships, you should look at this experience as an investment in your academic, personal and career path, although, from the outset there is the possibility that you will not receive a scholarship. In this context, the decision-making process of doing an Erasmus mobility period also has to involve parents, or those on whom you depend on financially, it is expected that this experience will be well prepared in advance and in accordance with your socio-economic reality.
As a social services scholarship beneficiary, am I entitled to additional financial support?
Yes, all students and beneficiaries of Social Action Services are automatically entitled to receive a Supplementary Erasmus Scholarship, which can vary between € 100.00 and € 150.00 per month, depending on the value of the annual base scholarship awarded to the student. The amount to be allocated is included in payment of the Social Action Scholarship during the period of mobility.
Is there any additional financial support for students with financial difficulties and for disabled students?
Additional funding could be provided if your health status, physical or mental, do not allow the mobility to be carried out without this support. If you find yourself in this situation, you should report it to International Relations Services (SRI) in order to be provided with further information about application procedures and mandatory documents to present. Upon confirmation of your application, the request for additional funding will be sent to the National Agency Erasmus + for analysis.
If I do not like it there, can I return? What are the consequences?
First, you must be aware that the adjustment could be more demanding in the early days. After all, it is a different country, and a different language. Also, the University and the education system are distintic and people will be strangers to you at the beginning, not always available to answer your questions. But soon you will make new friends and you will not regret this experience. Anyway, if for any reason or force majeure you have to come back, you will have to return part or all of your Erasmus Mobility Scholarship, and to resume your studies at The University of Minho. It should be noted that you will not have to return the full amount of the scholarship if you stay a minimum of three months and get an academic achievement (in this case you must only return the amount corresponding to the period you did not stay there). Furthermore, it must be stressed that if the drop out is not fully justified; you can not re-apply to any exchange programs with The University of Minho in the following academic years.
Where can I apply?
Before you apply you should learn about the Universities where you would like to study. To that end, you may refer to the respective websites contained in the list of Partner Universities, where guides and information packages specially prepared for foreign students are available. Additionally, you should contact your Academic Coordinator at UMinho in order to get information/guidance on the academic viability of having a period of mobility in the university(ies) of your choice while safeguarding eventual academic and language requirements. Applications are made online at: https://goo.gl/forms/BWSUfCsc4r
What are the selection criteria?
Once the term has ended, all pre-applications are reviewed by the respective Academic Coordinator, who is also responsible for the selection of candidates on the basis of clearly defined criteria, such as the average of all curriculum units taken so far, incomplete curriculum units, language certificates, motivation, etc. After this process, during the last two weeks of February, International Relations Services must receive the lists with all students selected in order of ranking.
When and how will I know the application results?
Once the application period has ended, and after the presentation of the ranking list by the Academic Coordinator, International Relations Services shall organize preparatory meetings with each field of studies/ course, which involve representatives of SRI, all candidates and the respective Academic Coordinator. These meetings are held during the month of March/April and are intended for the dissemination of results, the revaluation of selected destinations and answering questions. Normally, after these meetings one week is granted to all applicants to definitively confirm their intention in doing an Erasmus period.
Is this activity recognised in the Diploma Supplement?
Yes. All study periods undertaken abroad under the various international mobility initiatives offered to UMinho students are properly protected and formally recognized in the UMinho Diploma Supplement. For further information please refer to http://alunos.uminho.pt or contact directly SRI.
I have already taken part in an Erasmus Study Period Can I apply again? What are the application deadlines?
Yes, Erasmus+ Programme rules enable students to study or train abroad more than once as long as the minimum duration for each activity and a total maximum of 12 months per study cycle is respected. So, you can be an Erasmus as many times as you like as long as you do not exceed the absolute maximum period! This means that, for example, if you did a 12 month mobility under the Erasmus programme during your Bachelor’s degree and you would like to attend the second year of the master's degree abroad, you can do a period of study, a traineeship period, or a combination of both types of mobility, provided that the total duration of mobility does not exceed 12 months.
What are the application deadlines?
The pre-application stage is usually in the months of December and January. The specific application time limits shall be released by SRI through multiple communication supports in each academic year. For mobility in the academic year 2015/2016 applications can be made before the 30th of January 2015. You may apply after the set term, but priority will always be given to students who apply during that period. Applications made after the term will have to be submitted on paper, based on the pre-application form, and with the consistent signature of the Academic Coordinator. So do not forget!
I would like to participate in a mobility programme in the first year of my masters or PhD. Should I apply before I am accepted?
First you should note that if you wish to undertake a period of mobility in the first year, this will have to take place in the second semester. Application deadlines are the same for all students, so you will have to apply before being admitted to the respective course. In this case your application will be considered provisional and the mobility will be conditioned on admission to the master's or doctorate.
How can I find a placement?
You can choose from the following options: - To make contacts directly with companies of your interest; - To consult websites that have internship offers and send your application to those that may be of your interest: - EURES: http://ec.europa.eu/eures/home.jsp?lang=pt - Leo-Net: http://www.leo-net.org > Job Offer exchange - Praxis: http://www.praxisnetwork.eu/ - Europlacement: http://www.europlacement.com/ - Expertise in Labour Mobility (ELM): http://www.labourmobility.com - iAgora: http://www.iagora.com/ - Interntown: http://www.interntown.com - Placements UK: http://www.placement-uk.com/pages/index.php - ERASMUSINTERN: http://erasmusintern.org/ - Placement Slovakia: http://www.placementslovakia.com/ - To contact some lecturers/ course directors in order to obtain guidance on this and information on any international internship which they have; - Contact the SRI to refer to the information on internship offers.
How long can the placement last for?
Your placement period may last from two to twelve months. If you have had a mobility period before, you should be aware that the sum of the durations of those mobilities can never exceed 12 months per study cycle.
How will my placement be academically recognised abroad?
How are non-academically recognised placements certified?
To take part in this programme, do I have to be enrolled at the University of Minho?
Yes, you must be enrolled at The University of Minho. In the case of recent graduate placements, you must register in the Academic Services under Regulation for Professional Training for the purpose of school insurance coverage and a mandatory link with the University of Minho. Please note that the pre-application to these types of placements should be done while you are still formally a student at The University of Minho.
Where and when can I apply?
Before you formalize your application, you should express your interest to participate by filling out the pre-application form available at http://goo.gl/forms/KvZZsOHU9W (Português) or http://goo.gl/forms/9IbFniXwAF (English). The complete application must be presented in the International Relations Services, a minimum of two months in advance of the traineeship start date. We emphasize, however, that the scholarship award depends on the availability of funding at the time of its confirmation, so the sooner you formalize the application, the greater the likelihood of funding.
Which are the application documents?
Before submitting your complete application, you should indicate your interest by filling out the online form: http://goo.gl/forms/KvZZsOHU9W (Português) or http://goo.gl/forms/9IbFniXwAF (English) After filling out the form, you must submit the following documents at least two months before the start of the placement: - Copy of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - Curriculum Vitae (CV) detailed, in English or in the national language of the chosen country (Europass is the recommended format) - Letter of acceptance from the host institution, respecting the following requirements: * Printed on letterhead paper; * Indicate the duration of the placement; * Identify the name and advisor contacts; * Contain a brief description of the work plan to be developed; * Indicate the amount of compensation/support to be awarded (if applicable). - Learning Agreement for Traineeships duly filled out, validated and signed by the host institution. - In the case of placements for recent graduates, Proof of Degree Completion must also be handed over as soon as possible. You can download all relevant documents on http://www.sri.uminho.pt/OUT > Formulários
How is the work programme to be performed in the defined host organisation?
All fields of studies have an Academic Coordinator at the University of Minho who will assist in the definition of your work plan (in conjunction, if applicable, with your traineeship supervisor/thesis), along with the head of the target institution. Before you go, your work plan which establishes a Training Agreement (Learning Agreement for Traineeships), should be agreed on and signed by you, your Academic Coordinator and by your supervisor at the host organisation. As an integral part of the Learning Agreement, is also drawn up (if applicable) an Academic Recognition Plan, which is an internal document that clarifies the equivalence between the work plan in the host institution and The University of Minho. To consult the list of Academic Coordinators of The University of Minho, by fields of studies, please refer to the related website.
Should I study a foreign language before going abroad?
At the outset previous language preparation is essential to maximize the success of the Erasmus period. Thus, all students are encouraged to invest in their previous language preparation, and start it as soon as possible, according to UMinho’s range of language courses, within and outside the University.
Will I have any language support during the mobility programme?
Erasmus+ Programme has a new linguistic support tool for students/trainees in mobility, the Online Linguistic Support (OLS). This tool is available in six diferent languages: German, Spanish, French, English, Italian and Dutch. Depending on the number of licenses allocated to the University of Minho, you'll have access to this tool if your main working language in the host institution is one of six languages and does not match your first language. All students/trainees covered by OLS have to undertake a language skills assessment test before and after their period of mobility. Based on the results of the first test and the licenses allocated to UMinho, some students will be given the opportunity to attend an online language course. All OLS features operate exclusively online and all of them are free. For further information about this linguistic support tool please refer to http://erasmusplusols.eu/..
Where am I assessed?
Your mobility period is mandatorily assessed at the host institution. This assessement will be taken into account, in whole or in part by your Academic Coordinator and/or traineeship supervisor in function of the course units(s) provided in your Academic Recognition Plan, if applicable.
Where will I live and who takes care of accommodation?
The search/reservation for accommodation and other conditions of stay are your responsibility. As there is no link/institutional protocol with the host institutions, SRI does not have the conditions to ensure accommodation for students who participate in this programme.
Who will take care of my trip?
You will be in charge of trip arrangements in good time, in order to arrive at the host institution on the date set for the start of the internship.
Are there any compulsory procedures before going abroad?
Yes, before you go to your host institution you should schedule the signing of your Erasmus Agreement with the International Relations Services (SRI), if available, and/or fill in the Power-of attorney form , appointing another person (family member, friend, colleague) who in your absence could sign this Agreement. We emphasize that your proxy must be a person who we can contact easily and must be available to come to UMinho when needed.
What should I do if I am ill abroad?
What about scholarships?
Undertaking an Erasmus placement does not necessarily imply receiving an Erasmus Mobility Scholarship. All students selected for these placements become automatically eligible for the Erasmus Mobility Placements Scholarship (Erasmus internships). However, the scholarships awarded to the University of Minho may not be sufficient for all candidates.
How much are the “Erasmus Placements Mobility Scholarships”?
The values of the scholarships vary depending on the host country, and the actual duration (number of days) of the internship. It should be noted that Erasmus scholarships are not maintenance scholarships, but mobility scholarships, which aim solely to offset the difference between the living standards of the country of origin and the host country. Therefore, Erasmus scholarships do not intended to cover all normal student living expenses, but the additional costs resulting from the completion of an internship in another country. The value of the scholarships is determined annually but you may refer to the reference values for 2014/2015 in the following table
Can I receive an “Erasmus Placement Mobility Scholarship” if I am already the beneficiary of another scholarship?
What if I am not eligible for an “Erasmus Placemement Mobility Scholarship”? Do I have to give up?
No, you can go without a scholarship. As a matter of fact, given the scarcity of Community funding for Erasmus mobility scholarships, you should look at this experience as an investment in your academic, personal and career path, although from the outset there is the possibility that you will not receive a scholarship. We point out that there is the chance to benefit from financial/logistical support by the institution that welcomes you. However, the host institution has no obligation to do so.
As a social services scholarship beneficiary, am I entitled to additional financial support?
Yes, all student and beneficiaries of Social Action Services are automatically entitled to receive a Supplementary Erasmus Scholarship, which can vary between € 100.00 and € 150.00 per month, depending on the value of the annual base scholarship awarded to the student. The amount to be allocated is included in the payment of the Social Action Scholarship during the period of mobility.
Is there any additional financial support for students with financial difficulties and for disabled students?
If I do not like it there, can I return? What are the consequences?
I was already an Erasmus Exchange Student Can I apply again?
Is this activity recognised in the Diploma Supplement?
