Everything You Need to Know About Erasmus+

Last updated on 26 Apr 2018


When exploring options to pursue higher education in Europe, you might come across one word more often than the others: Erasmus+. If you’re like most of us, you have never heard of it or have no idea what it is. What’s this buzzword? Why are so many universities attached to this label? What is it, anyway? Perhaps after sifting through a few articles, you’re still confused. Fear not--this article here is your ultimate guide to Erasmus+.

So what is Erasmus, anyway?

Erasmus is short for the European Region Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students. It’s originally an exchange scheme designed for students in the European region to easily study in other universities for a term or two. Erasmus also represents all the European universities that participates in this scheme.

And Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s funding scheme program that supports all activities relating to education, training, youth, and sports. This program is beneficial to not just students, but also other individuals and organizations that are related to any of the four fields.

Are we part of it?

Although Erasmus is mainly targeted for the students in the European region, Indonesian students can also participate, as we are a partner country. Indonesian students are eligible to apply to these Erasmus universities, be it for full-time education or a brief study abroad experience. Scholarship schemes are also available for pursuing these Erasmus+ programs.

As an added note, 160 Indonesian students have benefited from scholarships under the Erasmus+ scheme.

What are the kinds of scholarships do they offer, then?

There are mainly two types of scholarships schemes offered and are both targeted towards postgraduate students. The two schemes are:

1. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree (EMJMD)

This scholarship scheme is mainly for students in search of Master programs. There are a variety of universities taking part from all different parts of Europe, and they are all listed under the Erasmus Mundus Master Courses list. Most programs last up to two years and cover a wide range of disciplines from agricultural studies to humanities.

2. Erasmus Mundus Joint Doctorates (EMJD)

This scholarship scheme is more targeted towards doctoral candidates, allowing you to pursue part of most of your PhD in the affiliated universities. The scholarship scheme lasts up to three years, and all recipients must complete their doctorate degrees within four years.

If I’m already enrolled in an Indonesian university, can I take part?

If you’re already enrolled in one of these universities, you’re eligible to join the Erasmus+ program: Diponegoro University, Gadjah Mada University, University of Airlangga, University of Indonesia, University of North Sumatra, Padjadjaran University, and University of Sumatera Utara. Students enrolled in other universities are able to sign up, too, but must check the requirements and possibilities with your respective academic advisors as your university might not be an Erasmus+ partner.

That wraps up a quick guide on Erasmus+. For more information, has a dedicated page here.