With thousands of programs globally and hundreds of European destinations, Erasmus Plus is possibly the most ambitious student mobility project ever. South African students can choose Italy, among 34 EU destinations, for the learning opportunity of a lifetime.
Erasmus Plus In Numbers
34 European countries
23 South African universities
€3.1 billion Erasmus provided grants worldwide
Over 4 million people involved in 30 years
Italy For All
The Erasmus Plus project is simple. Through a capillary system of partnerships between universities worldwide, it fosters a vertiginous exchange of knowledge and human capital to and from European institutions.
The Erasmus+ project has four legs: International Credit Mobility, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees, Capacity Building for Higher Education and Jean Monnet Actions. If the latter two are specifically designed to uplift and connect institutions and facilitate policy-making, the International Credit Mobility and Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Degrees are all it takes to turn a student into an international professional.
At Home Abroad
Most South African public institutions participate in Erasmus+ programs. Their students and staff can apply for an International Credit Mobility exchange at the university’s international office. The choice is wide, since the term can range between 3 and 12 months. Italy alone has hundreds of Erasmus+ locations.
The credits earned abroad are recognized internationally, thus making the exchange absolutely inclusive within a study course. Board and lodging is all part of the program, which also includes social events to promote inclusivity and fellowship. Bursaries and sponsorships are available, which means anyone can afford to participate!
360° Degrees
No age restrictions, no boundaries, no stress! All you need to apply for one of the 100 Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees (EMJMD) is to have completed a primary degree. Although every EMJMD has its own selection criteria, deadlines to apply are generally in January and the courses begin in August-September.
The EMJMD is a full master’s degree for a total duration of 4 to 5 years in universities of the five continents. The student can tailor the course to their own needs. It can include courses worldwide, but has to involve at least 2 European countries and 3 European institutions. Every year, 15 to 20 students per programme are granted full scholarship, including travel, tuition, and an allowance.
For more, visit the Erasmus + Facebook page or the European Commission’s website. You can also check out our guide to volunteering in Italy!