The Erasmus+ Traineeship, also known as Erasmus Praktikum, offers students and recent graduates a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in European enterprises, research institutes, and other organizations. This self-organized, fully funded internship program is available to students and graduates of all disciplines, excluding doctoral candidates.
Benefits of the Erasmus+ Traineeship
- Financial Support: The program provides a monthly mobility grant, categorized by the host country, to support participants during their stay abroad.
- Additional Financial Assistance: Students with disabilities, chronic illnesses, children, or a non-academic background may receive an extra monthly stipend of €250.
- Green Travel Incentives: Participants choosing low-emission transportation methods, such as trains or buses, can claim up to six additional travel days and an extra allowance.
- Integration into Academic Records: Internships completed through the Erasmus+ program can be recognized as part of the participant’s academic curriculum.
- Full-Time Internship Opportunities: Participants gain valuable work experience in diverse sectors, including enterprises, research institutes, NGOs, and educational institutions.
- Linguistic and Technical Support: Online linguistic resources and technical guidance are available to enhance participants’ experience abroad.
Erasmus+ Traineeship Duration and Funding
- Minimum Period: 60 days (2 months)
- Maximum Funding: 4 months (120 days) per internship
- Extensions: Not possible; the originally agreed funding period is binding
- Workload: Participants must work full-time (30+ hours per week)
- Remuneration Limits: If the internship is paid, the pre-tax salary cannot exceed €600 per month.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Erasmus+ Traineeship program, applicants must:
- Be currently enrolled in a degree program (Bachelor’s, Master’s, or State Examination) at a participating university.
- Find and arrange their own traineeship placement in an eligible organization.
- Ensure the internship is full-time, meeting the working hours set by the host organization.
- Apply before graduation if they wish to be considered as a recent graduate.
- Demonstrate relevance of the internship to their field of study.
- Provide an official internship confirmation letter.
- Possess proficiency in the working language of the internship, with a basic understanding of the national language recommended.
Eligible Host Organizations
Internships can be conducted at a wide range of institutions, including:
- Private and public enterprises of all sizes
- Research institutes and laboratories
- Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
- Educational institutions and schools
- Embassies and consular offices of EU member states
- Professional and trade associations
Ineligible Host Organizations
The following institutions are not eligible for hosting Erasmus+ trainees:
- EU institutions and agencies
- Organizations managing EU programs, such as Erasmus+ National Agencies
Participating Countries
Erasmus+ is open to students from the 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey. Additionally, internships in Switzerland will be eligible for Erasmus+ funding from January 2025. Despite Brexit, internships in the UK remain eligible for funding.
How to Apply for Erasmus+ Traineeships in 2025?
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and must be submitted at least one (01) month before the internship start date. However, starting June 1, 2025, applications must be submitted at least three (03) months in advance.
Steps to Apply
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- Secure a Traineeship Placement: Students must find and arrange their own internships.
- Register via the Mobility-Online Portal: https://www.international.uni-kiel.de/en/internship-abroad/scholarships-for-internships-abroad/internship-in-europe-erasmus-traineeship.
- Submit Required Documents: Curriculum vitae (CV), letter of motivation, and official internship confirmation letter (email confirmations are not accepted).
- Complete the Learning Agreement for Traineeships: Signed by the student, host institution, and university.
- Provide Proof of Insurance: Travel health, liability, and accident insurance coverage are required.
- Language Assessment: Optional online language proficiency tests are available for self-evaluation.
- Consultation Meeting: Attend an advisory session to discuss the process and requirements.
- Approval Notification: Once approved, complete further required documentation and finalize arrangements.
Current Deadline: Applications must be submitted at least one month before the start date.
New Deadline (From June 1, 2025): Applications must be submitted at least three (03) months in advance.
