Erasmus + in Belarus

I’d love to study abroad but I don’t have the money: can the EU help me?

Yes it can! Have you heard of Erasmus+? Through this programme, the EU offers student exchanges in European universities at bachelor, master and doctoral levels – the exchanges will be part of the programme you are following and can last between one term and one year. And your expenses will be covered! You can also apply for an Erasmus+ scholarship to study for a Master’s degree at top European universities.

More than 2,500 university students and staff from Belarus were able to study or teach in Europe as part of Erasmus+ exchanges between 2015 and 2020 (648 in 2020 alone), while 34 Belarusian students earned Master’s scholarships from 2014-2020 – 10 of them in 2020 – so it’s definitely worth a try!

It sounds like Erasmus+ is good opportunity for me, but how can I apply?

For exchanges, visit the international relations office at your university – they will tell you which opportunities are available in your subject and will help you to apply.

What about language? Do I need some sort of English certificate?

It depends on where you will be studying and in which language the course is taught. Some exchanges offer courses in English, while others will be taught in the local language. Remember that taking part in an Erasmus exchange means you need to follow lectures, write essays, and take exams in the language of instruction. If you do not have a relevant language qualification, you will be asked to take a language test to assess your level.

For a Master’s degree, you need to check out the catalogue of Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degrees, which lists the courses offering Erasmus scholarships in the upcoming academic year (there were 149 courses in 2021), then contact the university to apply for the course and scholarship.

The National Erasmus+ Office in Belarus is there to help you with any information. You can check out their website or visit their Facebook page for more information, email them at [email protected], or call them at + 375 17 275-27-66.

Will I receive a scholarship? How much?

For student exchanges, the EU covers the travel expenses and offers a scholarship of €800-900 a month, depending on your destination country.

For the Master’s scholarships, Erasmus+ will cover all your study costs (including tuition fees, library and laboratory costs, and full insurance coverage). It will also contribute to your travel and installation costs and includes a monthly allowance for the entire duration of the study programme.

What are the benefits of Erasmus+? Is it easy to find a good job afterwards?

Many international studies have shown the benefit of studying abroad under Erasmus+ – Erasmus graduates have more chance of finding a job, tend to be given greater professional responsibility and are more likely to start their own company.

But talk to any graduate and what they remember most are the personal skills they have developed – the knowledge of other countries, the ability to interact with people from different cultures, greater communication skills, adaptability, above all the friends they have made and the new perspective on life that they have gained.

Talking of jobs, I hear Erasmus+ also offers chances for work placements in Europe – is this really true?

Yes, Erasmus+ supports work placements and internships abroad for Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral students, as well as recent graduates (within one year of your graduation). But your traineeship must be relevant to your degree and, wherever possible, be integrated in your study programme, so check the opportunities with your university. Work placements can last between two and twelve months, and Erasmus+ grants are available to cover your costs.

I am not a student, but I’d love to take part in an activity abroad – are there any opportunities for me?

Yes! Erasmus+ is not just for students. Between 2014 and 2020, almost 3,400 young people and youth workers from Belarus participated in joint Erasmus+ Youth projects (exchanges, trainings, policy debate, volunteering).

The EU offers youth exchanges, open to anyone between the ages of 13 and 30, and lasting between 5 and 21 days. These could involve workshops, exercises, debates, role-plays, outdoor activities and more. These exchanges take place through youth organisations and you cannot apply directly as an individual. To find out more, contact the Erasmus+ Youth Info Centre in Belarus by visiting their Facebook page, calling 375 33 325-86-54, or emailing [email protected].

Another great opportunity to gain experience abroad is by volunteering through the European Solidarity Corps. This is a unique way to experience different cultures and make new friends, while also helping others and learning new skills. You need to be between 17 and 30 and be willing to spend between two weeks and 12 months abroad. Volunteer projects could be in fields as varied as culture, youth, sports, children, cultural heritage, arts, animal welfare or the environment. Find out how to apply on the European Solidarity Corps portal.