Before your stay

1. Where can I get more detailed information? Are there any information events?
Yes, you can find the current event dates here.
2. In which countries can I study with ERASMUS+?
You can find information on this under"Partner universities".
3. How long can I study with ERASMUS+?
The minimum duration is 2 months (= 60 days). We recommend that you go abroad for a whole academic year (i.e. usually 10 months from September/October to June/July), as you will then complete a full study cycle at a host university that is often oriented towards the academic year. However, one-semester stays are also possible. You have 12 months per study cycle (Bachelor's/Master's/Doctorate) that you can spend abroad with the support of ERASMUS+.
4. I am still studying for my Bachelor's degree. Can I already apply for an ERASMUS+ stay in the Master's program?
This is possible. However, you must be a registered student in the semester before your stay abroad. In addition, your participation in the ERASMUS+ program is of course linked to your enrollment in the corresponding Master's program and you should apply for the ERASMUS place at KIT in good time.
5. Will my ERASMUS+ stay be financially supported? If so, how much funding will I receive?
In addition to a waiver of tuition fees at the host university, you will receive a mobility grant depending on the host country (see Financing on the linked page) if you apply for an ERASMUS+ place in good time. Please note that both the funding amount and the funding period depend on the host country and may change depending on the academic year. The mobility grant is NOT guaranteed for remaining places.
6. I already receive another scholarship. Can I still claim the financial support?
This is possible as long as the other scholarship is not financed by EU funds. In this case, however, the International Students Office reserves the right to adjust the mobility grant to the scholarship holder's financial circumstances.
7. I receive BAföG. Can I still claim the financial support?
Funding through the ERASMUS+ program does not exclude the (continued) receipt of BAföG. As the modalities vary from case to case, please enquire directly with the BAföG office responsible for you. You will only receive confirmation of your ERASMUS+ status for the BAföG office under the step "Before your stay - optional documents " in Mobility Online under the step "Before your stay - optional documents" after you have accepted the place and are registered in Mobility Online.
8. Can I take a leave of absence for the duration of my stay abroad at KIT?
Yes, but the period of leave of absence should generally not exceed two semesters. The application for leave of absence is submitted to the Office of Student Affairs. In addition to the application form itself, you will need the confirmation of the stay abroad from the IStO (item Leave of Absence on the linked page) and - as soon as this is available - the certificate of enrollment from the partner university.
9. What are the consequences if I apply for a leave of absence?
During the semester of leave, many activities at KIT are not possible, such as seminars, internships and excursions. However, you still have the opportunity to take exams at KIT. Further information can be found here.
10. What is the deadline to apply for an ERASMUS+ place?
Please note the internal application deadlines of your KIT faculty. These are binding for the allocation of ERASMUS+ places and are usually two to four weeks before the application deadline at the International Students Office (for economics on December 1st of each year).
11. What criteria must I fulfill in order to apply for an ERASMUS+ place?
Bachelor's students should not consider a stay abroad before the end of their 2nd year/4th semester; Master's students can study in the host country from the 1st Master's semester.
The other criteria depend on your department and can be obtained from them. However, as a rule, at least a letter of motivation, proof of previous academic achievements and proof of language skills are required.
12. What criteria are used to select applicants?
Selection criteria depend on your faculty and can therefore be found on the relevant website.
13. My faculty has accepted me for an Erasmus+ place. What happens now?
Please have a look at "Before your stay - After a successful application".
14. What do I need to consider when applying to the host university?
The requirements and deadlines for the application depend on the host university and can be found on the website of the host university. Under Before your stay - After a successful application you will find more detailed information. When applying to your department/ KIT faculty, please make sure that you also meet the requirements of the host university.
15. I would like to exchange ideas with students who have studied or want to study at the same host university as me.
You are welcome to exchange ideas with other students in the Facebook group Outgoing ERASMUS+ KIT or register in the outgoer data of ESN Karlsruhe. In addition, the experience reports offer good insights into life on site and the course of the stay abroad.ESN Karlsruhe offers an outgoer database for which you can register and network with other outgoing students: https://karlsruhe.esn-germany.de/de/outgoer-database
16. Do I have to pay tuition fees during my stay abroad at KIT?
Yes, this is necessary. However, if you take a leave of absence to study abroad, you have the option of receiving a refund of your tuition fees. Further information can be found here.
17. Is there a minimum number of ECTS credits required before I can go abroad?
No, but there is the following rule: The required ECTS points for the degree must not yet have been achieved. If you have no outstanding exams, you will no longer be enrolled at KIT. In this case, it is not possible to start your stay abroad. Please note, however, that a minimum number of 20 ECTS credits per semester is still required, regardless of the number of ECTS credits still outstanding for your studies at KIT.
18. Is it possible to take courses abroad as a Bachelor's student in the Master's program?
This depends on the regulations of the PHS. Not all universities allow Bachelor students to attend Master courses. Please enquire at the host university of your choice whether this is possible.
19. When should I leave for my ERASMUS stay?
Some universities have Welcome Weeks, i.e. introductory weeks or days during which you have the opportunity to get to know the university, the campus and other students. These are often not compulsory, but it is still worth taking part in them and we would recommend doing so in order to make contacts and find your way around the campus before your course starts. There are also some useful information events during this time (some of which are specifically for ERASMUS students), which can help with course selection, for example, and you have the opportunity to get to know your tutor. The introductory week usually takes place one week before the start of the lecture period; you will receive more details from your host university before you arrive.

Nomination

20. When will I be nominated at the host university?
The IStO adheres to the nomination deadlines of the partner universities (you will be nominated by the IStO). The nomination is made by e-mail at least two weeks before the application deadline at the host university. You will receive the nomination from us as soon as possible. To speed up the process, it is advisable to prepare the required documents in advance and to read the information on the partner university's website.
21. Can I be rejected by the host university despite being nominated and having submitted a complete application?
Yes, but this can happen VERY RARELY. Reasons must always be given for a rejection. As a rule, this does not happen if the documents have been submitted correctly and on time. In the event of a rejection, you should contact erasmus-out∂intl.kit.edu immediately so that we can help you communicate with the host school, if possible.

Learning Agreement (LA)

22. Is it mandatory to recognize the courses I have selected and are part of my LA?
Not necessarily. The decision is up to you and can also be made after your stay, regardless of your Learning Agreement.
23. Is there a maximum number of ECTS credits that can be entered in the Learning Agreement?
No, as long as you actually plan to achieve these ECTS credits. However, the target university may set a maximum number of ECTS credits per semester.
24. Do I have to list language classes in the LA too?
Yes.
25. Does the LA have to be signed by all parties before applying to the partner university?
No, it should be signed or confirmed by you and the KIT faculty. If the signature or confirmation of the KIT faculty is not possible before the application deadline of the partner university, please submit the Learning Agreement with your own confirmation or signature only. It is important not to miss the application deadline.
26 I already had to prepare a Learning Agreement (LA) for my first university of choice in order to apply for an Erasmus place. Now I have received a place for my second/third/x choice. Should I create a new LA or add to the old one and continue to use it?
A new LA must be created.
27. Is there a list somewhere of courses successfully completed by other students from previous years?
Unfortunately, such a list does not exist. However, you could look through the experience reports of students who have been to the same partner university in the past. These reports often also contain information about the courses recognized at KIT.
28. Is there a deadline to adjust the Learning Agreement (LA) if I have only received my second choice?
As early as possible and in any case before the application deadline at the partner university.
29. Is it necessary to have obtained the recognition confirmations before completing the Digital Learning Agreement (DLA)?
Not necessarily. This can also be done at a later date. However, it is important that the confirmation of recognition is uploaded before you sign or confirm the DLA (Digital Learning Agreement). This applies in particular to students of the KIT Faculty of Business Administration and Economics. For all other KIT faculties, confirmation of recognition is not mandatory.
30. What happens if you have to combine several courses at the host university in order to have them recognized at KIT? How do you enter this correctly?
Please refer to the information in the yellow box on Mobility Online regarding this point.
31. How many ECTS points do I have to enter in the Learning Agreement in the case of UK Pro "Term"?
As a rule, at least 40 ECTS credits must be taken in the academic year, regardless of their distribution over the terms
32. Do I have to register for the courses at the partner university first and only then draw up the Document Learning Agreement (DLA) or vice versa?
No. The DLA is created first and registration takes place later. Please follow the instructions of the partner university.
33. Is it possible to discuss the Learning Agreement (LA) with the subject coordinator of our faculty before the nomination?
Yes, this is even recommended. The contents of the Learning Agreement should be agreed with the subject coordinator of our faculty as early as possible and entered in Mobility Online.
34. My Learning Agreement has changed. What do I have to consider?
The changes must be recorded in the "During the Mobility" section and confirmed by the responsible persons at the partner university and at KIT. The amended LA is processed digitally in Mobility Online.

Language courses and language certificates

35. Where can I obtain the necessary language skills?
If you do not have proof of your language level, you can have the course with the language level achieved entered in your transcript of records at the Language Center (SPZ) after a successful examination. The registered course can then be used as official proof of language proficiency at the host university. It is best to attend one or more language courses before you apply.
36. What language skills do I need to have?
Most of our partner universities expect a B1/ B2 level, English often higher: C1. The exact requirements of your host university are listed here. Click through to your partner university. There you will find information on the required language level. If the information there differs from the information you received from the partner university, please give priority to the information from the partner university. For more detailed information on what type of language certificate your host university accepts, please check the website for exchange students of the respective partner university. If you cannot find the information, we will be happy to help you during office hours.
37. Is the transcript of records with the language course grade sufficient for the application to the partner university?
As a rule, yes, unless the partner university explicitly requests a separate certificate. Such requirements are usually made clear on the website of the respective partner university.
38. For which semester do I receive language course priority?
For the semesters before the start of the stay abroad.
39. Is the OLS test also sufficient as proof of language proficiency?
Normally not.
40. Do I always have to take an OLS test for the national language, even if it is not the language of instruction?
No. The OLS test must be taken in the language of instruction.
41. Can the OLS test be repeated if the desired level has not been reached?
No. OLS tests can be repeated as often as required.
42. Do intensive courses at the Language Center that take place during the semester break also count as proof?
Yes, please note that the language course must always be listed in the transcript of records.
43. If I cannot find any information on the website of my partner university about which language certificates are accepted, can I assume that KIT language courses will be accepted?
Successfully completed language courses at KIT are accepted as proof of language proficiency.

Grant Agreement

44. What is the content of the Grant Agreement (GA)?
The GA is the contractual and financial basis of the stay abroad. It contains, among other things, the duration of the funding period, the reporting obligations of the grantees as well as the planned financial ERASMUS+ funding and the method of payment.
45. I cannot download the Grant Agreement (GA). Why?
You can only download the GA once you have completed all the previous steps in the Mobility Online Portal and these have been accepted by the IStO.
46. What is the deadline to submit the Grant Agreement (GA) to the IStO?
The Grant Agreement must be submitted to the IStO no later than 10 days before the start date of the stay specified in the agreement. Please print out the GA, sign it and send it to the IStO by post.
47. What do I do if the start and/or end date of my mobility differs from the dates stated in the Grant Agreement (GA) / Mobility Online?
The dates given in Mobility Online or on the GA are approximate. The actual start and end dates and therefore the actual duration of your stay (and the corresponding mobility grant) will be determined by the dates stated in the Certificate of Arrival or Certificate of Departure.
48. I am worried that I will not be able to fulfill the required 20 ECTS credits. How should I proceed?
The fulfillment of the 20 ECTS credits is agreed in the Grant Agreement and is a prerequisite for receiving the mobility grant. If you are concerned that you will not be able to fulfill this requirement, please contact your subject coordinator at KIT and the IStO as soon as possible (and not after failing an exam).

Mobility allowance

49. How are special payments, such as the top-up amount for working students, including Christmas bonuses, taken into account?
These special payments are not taken into account. Only the regular monthly income within a period of at least six months is taken into account.
50. When is the official start of mobility?
The official start of the mobility is the start of the didactic activities at the partner university. This also includes the orientation week and/or the language course before the start of the semester
51. Does a working student job also count towards the financial top-up for students who have worked in the last 6 months?
Yes, any paid employment counts as long as the salary range is adhered to. Further information can be found here.
52. Is it possible to apply for the top-up if you work freelance?
Yes, the same rules and criteria apply. Please read the information.
53. Do the additional funding days for green travel go beyond the maximum funding days, i.e. do they apply in addition?
Yes, an additional 2-6 days can be added to the maximum funding period for green travel.
54. Is the amount received from another scholarship completely deducted from the mobility grant?
No, scholarships can be combined. It is only important that you do not receive EU funding for the same period at the same time. You can find more information here.
55. Does green travel only apply to the outward and return journey or does it apply to every journey, even if you fly to Germany over Christmas, for example?
Green travel only applies to the environmentally friendly outward and return journey, or at least to 51% of the total journey.
56. May the top-up also be applied for if a Hiwi position cannot be continued from abroad as long as the employment relationship lasts longer than 6 months?
Yes, the top-up can be applied for as long as the salary range is observed. Further information can be found here.

During the stay

57. May I also write exams at KIT during my ERASMUS stay?
This is possible. However, we advise against attending KIT courses (e.g. online) in parallel to your courses at the host university, as you should focus on learning in the host country. It is possible to take examinations before or after the end of your stay abroad in the same semester without any problems. Please note the rules for semesters abroad under Before your stay - Organizational matters.
58. When will I receive the first installment?
The first installment (70% of the expected amount) will only be paid out if all documents relevant for payment have been received by the IStO by the deadline. You can expect to receive the installment approximately two weeks after the deadline. Further information on the payment process can be found in During your stay - Payment process.
59. Are my documents for the payment of the 1st installment complete?
You can check yourself in the Mobility Online Portal whether your documents have been received and accepted by the IStO.
60. My host university signed my Certificate of Arrival (CoA) too late, so there are more than five days between the start date and the signature date. What should I do?
The registered period is the academic stay at the partner university, the first official date is usually a welcome/introductory event (pre-semester language courses at the host institution also count!). A private stay abroad prior to the semester abroad is not part of the ERASMUS+ stay registered in the CoA. If there is a discrepancy of more than five days, please attach an informal declaration to your CoA, as well as a document confirming that you were actually at the university on the date entered (e.g. invitation to the introductory event...). If you have inadvertently entered an incorrect start date, please confirm that we should take the date of signature as the start date.
61. Is it possible to extend my stay?
If your stay was only planned for one semester in the winter semester, an extension to two semesters is usually possible. Please note that the partner university must agree to the extension. A new Learning Agreement must also be drawn up. Only after submitting the new LA can you be informed whether the mobility grant can also be paid out for the extension.
If you are interested in an extension, you can go to Mobility Online underDuring the stay - Extension of the staylook it up.

After your stay

62. What do I have to consider when writing the experience report?
The report is created in the Mobility Online portal using a form with specific sections.You can find the template for the report underAfter your stay - Documents relevant for payment.. We recommend drafting the report in a text editing program from which the content can be copied into the various form fields. Personally defamatory texts should be avoided at all costs. The report should also be kept anonymous. The template for the report can be found under After your stay - Documents relevant for payment.
63. I have not yet received my ToR. Does the host university send it directly to the IStO?
In some cases, the ToR is only sent to the IStO in paper form. However, if this is the case, we will notify you promptly and send you a scan of the document. You can then collect the document from the IStO. If you have not received a notification, we have not received your ToR.
You can often apply for the ToR digitally orreceive it in the respective campus system of the host university .
64. I have not yet received an invitation to the EU survey.
The link for the EU survey is sent directly by the EU and not by us. Please check whether the e-mail with the link has landed in your spam folder. Please also note that the survey will only be sent after the end date you specified for your mobility.
65. When will I receive the 2nd installment?
The 2nd installment (30% of the expected amount) will only be paid out if all documents relevant for payment have been received by the IStO by the deadline. You can expect to receive the installment approximately two weeks after the deadline.
66. Are my documents for the payment of the 2nd installment complete?
You can check yourself in the Mobility Online Portal whether your documents have been received and accepted in full by the IStO.
67. When will my application be marked as "completed" in Mobility Online?
Your application will be marked as "completed" once all your documents have been accepted and the 2nd installment has been paid.