Lifelong Learning Programme

Information for students

1. Funded study or work placement in Europe
Nottingham Trent University participates in the European Commission's mobility programme Erasmus, which offers funded study and placement opportunities for 3-12 month durations.

To be eligible to participate you must be:

• a full time student at any level;
• in your 2nd year or above (for undergraduates);
• a national of a European Union Member State or Member State of the European Economic Area or one of the accession countries.
• officially recognised by the United Kingdom as a refugee, stateless person or a permanent resident.

Additionally, the placement or study must form an integral part of your course.

Options available
You can chose to do a study period in one of our partner universities or you may decide a work placement is best for you. Alternatively you can do a combination of work and study, as long as each period is for a minimum of three months and the total period does not last longer than 12 months.

The more adventurous may decide that one country is not enough. You can chose to visit more than one country by, for example, studying in Austria and then taking part in a work placement in Germany.

Eligible Countries
Eligible European countries are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey.

It is possible to go to the overseas territories of; Greenland, New Caledonia (and dependancies), French Polynesia, French Southern and Antarctic Territories, Wallis and Futuna Islands, Mayotte, St Pierre and Miquelon, Aruba, Netherlands Antilles, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Saint Eustatius, Saint Martin, Anguilla, Cayman Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, Montserrat, Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Benefits
You may have considered a gap year, only to find finances have ruled this out, or you may have considered the US, only to find that internships are unpaid and that the cost of visas and sponsorship rules this out as an option. So, like many students before you, why not take part in a Erasmus European mobility period?

Funding
This is affordable, as well as a grant of over 300 Euro per month, if your mobility is for an academic year you pay  no fees. It is a grant, not a loan, it is not means tested and you do not have to pay it back.

Language
You may feel that you do not have the appropriate language skills to take part, but this should not be a barrier to participation as many of our partner universities teach in English. There are also free intensive language courses that take place in your chosen country and also funding available to take a short language course prior to your mobility period.

Your CV
It may seem a long way off now, but thinking of the future, Erasmus adds value to your degree, it is recognised throughout Europe and allows you to develop transferable skills and immerse yourself in new cultural experiences. Not only does it look good on your CV, but a recent Eurobarometer survey by the European Commission found that just 30% of Britons can converse in a language other than their own. A new found language skill will leave you well place to pursue a career in the global market place.

Next Step
Once you have decided that this is something you wold like to pursue, the next step is to decide where you want to go and whether you want to do a study period, a work placement - or both. For advice and information on your options contact your Erasmus Study, Placement Office or Karen Ivey in CASQ.

2. Non-funded Exchange Programmes
You may wish to go much further for your placement or study, but have found there is very limited funding available. However, some placement opportunities will pay a salary or, for example, the Japanese University links with the Business School offer a small amount of funding.

Destinations such as the USA and Australia are attractive, but you should consider your budget and whether you can afford to take up the placement. Bear in mind that many internships do not pay a wage. You must also have sufficient funding available in the bank to demonstrate that you can support yourself during your stay.

3. Information for Incoming Students
Nottingham Trent University has partnerships in most of the eligible ERASMUS countries, with over 100 Agreements in total, covering most academic areas. Your University Erasmus/International Office should be able to advise you of where Agreements are in place.

It is important to note that each School has its own requirements and most only accept students for one academic year or the first semester. It is also a requirement that you have a good standards of English and for courses in Art and Design you will be required to submit a portfolio.

University accommodation is available for those studying for an academic year, although science has some shorter rental durations. We have an excellent accommodation service to assist in finding accommodation, or you can email for a list of staff offering home accommodation.

We regret that we are unable to accept ERASMUS free-movers but we do accept fee paying students for the year or for a semester.

Should you have any queries, or wish to see if we have any Agreements with your University please feel free to email us.