Study in the EU? This could be you!

Studying in Europe has always been your dream? Erasmus+, the EU’s student exchange program, is offering scholarships for one semester to a whole year in select academic institutions abroad (limited to Bar Ilan’s partner institutions). The program provides covers tuition and a stipend, as well as partial reimbursement of travel expenses. Daniel Shoval, head of the program at the International School, remarked that “the program covers tuition, in addition to a monthly stipend of €700-900 and partial travel expenses. There’s funding, there are partners, there are opportunities – and we would love to help you find them.”

Erasmus+ is an EU program that funds academic collaborations. Bar Ilan University has signed partnerships with Academic institutions in Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Croatia, The Chech Republic, Greece, Poland, Finland, Romania, Turkey, and more. Hagar, a student of the Electrical Engineering and Music program, is currently attending a university that specializes in music engineering. “Hagar knew exactly what kind of program she was after, and came to me with a plan,” says Daniel. “Most of the students don’t necessarily know which university would fit their needs, and that’s fine – that’s exactly why we’re here. A student who is interested in a student exchange program can talk to their faculty’s academic advisor (Dr. Ran Gelles, for the Faculty of Engineering) and formulate a plan. Alternatively, students are welcome to come to the International School, where we will help them find the right program and funding.”

Eligible students are registered BA students in their second or third year, who have completed all of the mandatory courses, with an average grade of at least 80 and no disciplinary issues. The program also caters to MA students (from the first semester of their second year to the first semester of their final year) and doctoral students. Participation is contingent on the approval of an academic administrator from their department and the courses they chose. The student must commit, in writing, to continue paying their tuition at Bar Ilan University (proclaiming that they are attending an exchange program rather than quitting their studies), and must take care of their own medical insurance. Additionally, they require an exemption from English studies, or English at a level 3 or higher. “Bachelor’s students often take one semester,” says Daniel, “research students can take up to one year abroad. If necessary, they can extend the duration of their stay, pending the approval of the host institution and the International School Office.”

Thinking about applying? Applications must be handed in four months before registration to the host university closes. The application must include registration forms, a structured curriculum for the semester, and a motivation letter in English (max one page). Sounds tricky? “We will do anything to help you go through the process as smoothly as possible,” guarantees Daniel. “Studying abroad is a fantastic experience. It’s not just about the academic opportunities, pursuing other subspecialties of engineering; it’s an opportunity to live in Europe, meet students from all over the world, become familiar with a new language, a new culture – and everything is fully funded! Students pay their regular tuition to Bar Ilan, as well as medical insurance fees. All other expenses, including tuition fees for the host university, airfare, and a generous stipend – courtesy of Erasmus+. It’s not an opportunity you get every day. I urge you to take advantage of it.”

For more information on the Erasmus+ program, click here

Interested in signing up? Register here