Living in Luxembourg
Whether you are a student in Luxembourg or abroad, here is some useful information about the Erasmus+ Programme!
Erasmus+ Programme
As part of the Erasmus+ Programme, students can spend between 2 and 12 months studying at a partner university abroad or completing an internship during their studies. The opportunities available depend on your degree programme and on the agreements between your university and its partner institutions.
Participating in Erasmus requires good planning and preparation. Here are the main steps you need to take before going abroad:
- Prepare and submit your application dossier on time (usually around one year in advance).
- Review the list of partner universities and check how many places are available.
- Check during which semester you are allowed to go abroad and ensure it fits with your study programme.
- Find out which language requirements apply (in some cases a language test is required).
- Make sure you have valid health insurance (the European Health Insurance Card is usually sufficient).
- Plan your finances carefully (Erasmus grant; at the University of Luxembourg, financial support is provided depending on the destination country).
- Work with your faculty to determine which courses you will take (Learning Agreement) and ensure that your ECTS credits will be recognised.
If you go abroad as part of your studies, you may apply for the Mobility Grant (Bourse de Mobilité) from the Financial Aid Service (AideFi) of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR), provided that you also have a rental agreement.
If you wish to take part in an exchange in Switzerland, this is not organised through Erasmus but through the Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP). The organisation and procedures are very similar to Erasmus (Learning Agreement, ECTS recognition, financial support), but funding is provided by Switzerland and some conditions may differ.
Information specific to the University of Luxembourg Erasmus Programme
At the University of Luxembourg, a semester abroad is mandatory before completing a Bachelor’s degree.
Bachelor students can usually go on Erasmus during their 3rd, 4th, or 5th semester. To be eligible, they must have obtained at least 15 ECTS credits (or 10 ECTS credits, depending on the programme) during their first semester.
Master’s students may only go on Erasmus during their 3rd semester. They must submit an Erasmus project proposal, which will then be evaluated.
An information session for students takes place at the beginning of the academic year (on the second Thursday of November). In March, students submit three preferred destination choices. Afterwards, they receive a form by email that must be completed. The person responsible within the study department allocates places based on academic results (from late March to April).
Once the application has been approved by the home university, students must also register at their host university. The complete application file must be sent directly to the host institution.
A Learning Agreement (or Online Learning Agreement) covering at least 30 ECTS credits must be completed. This document must be signed both by the study department coordinator and by the host university.
During the first month of the Erasmus stay, the Learning Agreement may still be modified if necessary. Any changes must again be approved by both universities.
If the language of instruction differs from the student’s native language, a Language Evaluation must be completed. If the student’s language level is below B2, participation in language courses before and during the Erasmus stay becomes mandatory.
Accommodation – As part of the University of Luxembourg Erasmus Programme
The University does not assist with finding accommodation. Students are therefore responsible for arranging housing themselves in the country where they will carry out their Erasmus exchange.
However, many universities offer student residences or accommodation specifically reserved for Erasmus students. Since places are often limited, it is important to apply as early as possible. The best approach is to contact the host university directly.
More information about the University of Luxembourg Erasmus+ Programme can be found here:
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Since 1 March 2020, public transport has been free for everyone in Luxembourg.
