UK Erasmus students normally receive an Erasmus grant provided by the European Commission which contributes towards the extra costs arising from studying abroad. Erasmus grants in the UK are paid through your home institution and are paid in addition to the standard grants or loans to which you are entitled. Please remember that this is a supplementary, non-repayable grant intended to offset any additional expenses you may incur while you are abroad. You should not depend on it to cover your essential living costs. Bear this in mind when you are budgeting! During your Erasmus study, you continue to receive any student grant or loan to which you are entitled.

How much money will I receive?

For 2009/10 the current grant is EUR 225 per month.

Am I eligible to receive an Erasmus grant?

The Erasmus grant is not means-tested. To be eligible for an Erasmus grant you must:

• be a citizen of one of the participating countries, a refugee, stateless person or have permanent resident status in the UK
• be registered at a UK Higher Education institution which holds an Erasmus University Charter (EUC).
• spend an approved study or work period of between 3 to 12 months at an institution which holds an EUC in another EU, EEA or candidate country (for students on short term higher vocational education courses, the minimum period on a work placement is two weeks)

Tuition Fees

You do not pay any tuition fees to the university you are visiting.

If you spend a full academic year on an Erasmus placement, you do not pay any UK tuition fees for that year. However, if you study abroad for less than a year, you will have to pay the UK tuition fees.

Living Expenses

The cost of living varies considerably across Europe.

During your period of study in the partner institution you will need to pay for accommodation, and general living costs. In many countries, living costs are lower than in the UK, while in some they may be more expensive than at home. Many countries have a variety of student reductions, in order to make life cheaper.

Student Grants and Finance

For a good source of information for students on general finance issues, loans and grants, please go to the directgov website Another useful website for general financial advise for students is the moneysaving expert website.

Student Finance has set up a website to help clarify the bursary application procedure for prospective students in England, with links to each institution's bursary and scholarship web pages. For students in Wales and Scotland, follow the links from their website for further information.