Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for ERASMUS mobility?
The following students may apply for ERASMUS mobility:
A – Those who are attending the 2nd enrollment of a Bachelor’s degree or CTESP, in the case of study mobility (SMS); Those who are attending the 1st enrollment of a Bachelor’s degree or CTESP, in the case of internship mobility (SMT);
B – Those who are attending a Master’s degree;
C – Recent Graduates, during the first year in which they graduated – only for internship mobility (SMT).
What is the minimum and maximum duration of mobility?
For study mobility, the minimum duration is 3 months and the maximum duration is 12 months.
For internship mobility, the minimum duration is 2 months and the maximum duration is 12 months.
Recent graduates can undertake an Erasmus internship for a maximum period of 12 months of the cycle, during which they apply for the internship.
What is the minimum and maximum number of ECTS that I can complete in mobility?
There is no ECTS limit, but it is mandatory to pass. However, it is recommended that you obtain information from the Academic Services of your School.
Do I need to have linguistic knowledge of the language of the country of mobility?
No, it is not necessary to have linguistic knowledge of the language of the host country. However, basic English skills are required in order to be able to communicate more easily (B1 – third level of English). With mobility, you may also have the opportunity to learn and acquire basic knowledge of the language of the destination country, as well as a greater understanding of its culture.
How can I apply for ERASMUS?
You will receive a notification on Inforestudante with information regarding the deadlines for applying for Erasmus mobility. During this period, you can apply on Inforestudante through the Applications/Outgoing Mobility menu.
When and how do I know if I have been selected?
Your Teaching Unit (UOE) will provide a complete list of all students who have applied for mobility. This document presents the result of the application, as well as any comments on the applications submitted. This document will be made available on the website and physically posted at the educational establishment.
What selection criteria are applied?
The specific selection criteria are set by the School you attend, but they fall within the following general criteria:
1. Academic merit;
2. The economic and financial situation;
3. Student motivation;
4. Level of knowledge in English.
Do I pay tuition fees at the foreign host institution? Where should I make the payment?
Students, whether on study mobility or internship, are exempt from paying tuition fees at the foreign host institution. However, this payment must be made at your school, as you did in previous semesters.
Students participating in a higher education mobility project supported by the Erasmus+ Programme, whether or not they receive an EU Erasmus+ grant for their participation, are exempt from paying tuition fees, as well as fees for registration, examinations or access to laboratories and libraries at the host institutions. However, some fees may be charged, such as school insurance, students association fees, use of photocopiers, laboratory products, etc., on an equal basis with local students.
If I want to undertake an Erasmus mobility, what should I do to register?
You must do this through Inforestudante in the Applications/Outgoing Mobility menu within the deadlines established for this purpose. Registration is a mandatory condition to be able to carry out an Erasmus mobility.
Who handles mobility accommodation?
The student is responsible for their own accommodation in the host country. However, the International Relations Office at your school may be able to help you if you choose to stay in a student residence at the host institution.
What are the amounts of mobility grants?
The amounts of the grants are set within the framework of the values pre-defined by the Erasmus+ National Agency for each academic year.
The amount depends on the destination country and increases or decreases depending on the standard/cost of living in that country. Currently, there are three categories that divide the countries of the European Union.
How is the mobility grant paid?
PUC makes the payment by bank transfer in two installments;
– The 1st tranche, which consists of 90% of the total value of the grant, is transferred before the start of the mobility.
– The 2nd tranche, which consists of 10% of the total value of the grant, is paid after receipt of the documents proving the completion of the mobility (certificate of stay and transcript of grades) and confirmation of submission of the report in Mtool+.
Payment must be made within the established deadlines, except in exceptional circumstances.
Can I apply for other financial assistance in addition to the mobility grant?
Yes, you can find out in your educational institution about the existence of these types of grants and their eligibility conditions for submitting applications. You must inform the International Relations Office of the teaching unit if you wish to apply for this additional assistance.
If I am a grantee, will I continue to receive it along with the study grants?
Yes. Students who are entitled to any grant or loan to study at their home institution shall maintain that right during the period they are abroad.
Who chooses the curricular units that I will attend at the host institution?
The study areas in the Teaching Units/Schools have a Course Coordinator, who will guide you in choosing the study plan. The Academic Coordinator at the host university will also provide support during your stay.
The study plan is agreed upon before you leave, and a Learning Agreement for Studies is drawn up and signed by the student and the International Relations Coordinators of both Higher Education Institutions.
What if I have to change my study plan after the mobility period begins?
Before making any changes to the Learning Agreement, you must obtain from the Course Coordinator of the host institution all information regarding the curricular units (UC)/schedules available to exchange students, as well as the deadlines and procedures defined internally for registration. No changes may be made without obtaining prior approval/validation from your Course Coordinator by email, informing the International Relations Office of your School of the messages exchanged for this purpose.
To update the Learning Agreement for Studies, you must download the document Changes to the Learning Agreement for Studies, fill it in with the changes made to the initial study plan and return it to the International Relations Office duly signed by you and the person responsible from the host institution.
How will I get academic recognition for my mobility period?
According to the study contract, the recognition and validation of the curricular units completed at the host institution are ensured by the respective educational institution. This recognition is carried out after receipt of the Transcript of Records/Traineeship Certificate, issued by the host institution, after the Academic Services of the Teaching Organic Units issue a document proving the recognition.
Can I still do Mobility in the UK after Brexit?
The new directives from the European Agency indicate that no new mobility (SMS, SMT, STA, STT) will be initiated in the United Kingdom beyond the date of 31 January 2020.
Is it possible to do mobility outside of Europe?
Yes, the PUC has several international agreements with other countries outside Europe. To participate in mobility outside of Europe, you should contact the International Relations Office of your UOE or contact the PUC International Relations Office through the email internationaloffice@PUC.pt
In case of withdrawal, what can I do?
In case of withdrawal, you must inform the International Relations Office of your School, explaining the incident, within a maximum period of 1 week from the date on which the event occurred. In case of withdrawal, you will be asked to return the full amount received as a mobility grant.
In cases of force majeure, a partial refund of the Mobility Grant amount may be requested. This request will have to be assessed and approved by the Erasmus+ National Agency.
During the mobility application process, you may withdraw, if you so wish, at any time during the process.