For the first time, the Erasmus programme has made more than 250 million euros available for cross-border mobility at German universities. The majority of the funding will be used to finance study abroad programmes for students and university staff in the EU and worldwide. This was announced today by the National Agency for Erasmus+ University Cooperation within the German Academic Exchange Service (NA DAAD).

German universities will receive around 205 million euros over the next two years in the "mobility of individuals" funding line - an increase of 21 million euros compared to the previous year. The budget is to be used by the universities for study visits by students and university staff. The focus is on funding stays in the 33 Erasmus+ programme countries. Universities may also use up to 20 per cent of the funds for worldwide mobility outside these countries. 

60,000 mobilities planned

The funds made available are expected to support around 60,000 people for a semester abroad, an international internship or a teaching or further education programme. Study visits abroad remain particularly popular. At the same time, internships abroad (around 10,500 planned mobilities) and further training for university staff (around 4,000 stays) are becoming increasingly important - also in view of the shortage of skilled workers and the internationalisation of university administrations. 

31 million euros for mobility to Germany

Erasmus+ will provide around 31 million euros in the "Mobility with partner countries" funding line over the next two years. These funds are intended to enable around 7,000 stays by international students and university employees at German universities.

Promotion of partnerships and programme support

In addition, around ten million euros will flow into so-called "Cooperation Partnerships", with which universities can drive forward cross-educational internationalisation projects together with international partner organisations. A total of five million euros is available for the organisation of stays abroad and for activities relating to the Erasmus+ programme objectives.

All types of universities benefit

All types of higher education institutions in Germany benefit from funding under the Erasmus programme. The programme focuses on internationalisation and structural development for inclusion, diversity and sustainability. 
The funds are administered and disbursed at national level by the National Agency for Erasmus+ University Cooperation within the DAAD. Further funding for European and international cooperation between German universities - such as for the European University Alliances - is provided directly by the European Union.