Frequently Asked Questions
Before you apply
How often and how long can I go abroad?
During each of the three cycles (i.e. BA / MA / PhD), you can spend up to 12 months abroad as an Erasmus exchange student or intern.
When is the application deadline for an Erasmus+ exchange at the English Department?
Application periods:
01.02. - 31.03. for stays in the winter semester or for the entire academic year
01.07. - 31.08. for stays in the summer semester
NEW: all applications need to be submitted via LFU:online! For more information, click here.
Please make sure to submit your application well in advance to avoid any last-minute technical issues etc.
When you apply
Which universities can I apply for?
Please take a look at our website for an overview of the department’s partner universities.
Please note that you cannot apply for either the University of Limerick or the University of Birmingham if you plan to do the exchange during your MA.
How many universities can I apply for?
You can select up to four partner universities on LFU:online.
It is not possible to prioritise in the online programme, however. That’s why you must include a list of priorities in your letter of motivation (see below).
How does the Erasmus coordinator know which university you prioritise?
In the letter of motivation (to be written in English) we ask you to list the partner universities (1-4) according to your priorities. You can – but do not have to – apply for four universities, of course.
The rest of the letter of motivation is to be written with an exclusive focus on your favourite university, regardless of your other choices. Focus on your number 1 priority when saying why you want to go abroad to study at this particular university.
Which materials do I need for the application?
You will need to upload:
- an overview of your grades (Studienerfolgsnachweis)
- a CV (may be written in German)
- a letter of motivation (has to be in English)
The letter of motivation is the most important part of your application. It should:
- contain a list of the universities you apply for (if you apply for more than one university): which is your first priority, and which is your least favourite one?
- focus on your first priority: why do you want to study at this particular university?
- elaborate on your academic motivation
- contain your personal reasons for going abroad
If you have been nominated
How many courses do I have to take whilst I am on exchange?
You should select courses for 30 ECTS (+/- 2 ECTS).
Can I do courses in my second subject? (only for teacher training students)
Yes, it is possible to do courses in your second subject, but you should check with Dr. Ulrich Pallua (Studienbevollmächtigter Lehramt) or Dr. Reinhard Heuberger (Studienbevollmächtigter BA / MA) first.
Which courses can I do at the exchange university?
Please consult the partner university’s websites to search for information on their course programme and to select courses prior to creating your Online Learning Agreement (OLA). The OLA is necessary for the credits collected abroad to be recognised in Innsbruck. Please contact Dr. Ulrich Pallua (Studienbevollmächtigter Lehramt) or Dr. Reinhard Heuberger (Studienbevollmächtigter BA / MA) to discuss your OLA.
Will I continue to get my study grant (Studienbeihilfe) whilst I am abroad?
Yes, you do continue to get your grant. In addition, you can apply for additional funding at the study grant office (Studienbeihilfenbehörde). Please check their homepage for details (www.stipendium.at).
Does the exchange university organise a place to stay?
Most universities have student housing for which you can apply. Bear in mind though that there are specific application deadlines which are usually either in April or May. For more information and the application forms consult the exchange university’s homepage.
You have to arrange accommodation yourself. The IRO and your partner university will provide information about how to find a place to stay. You can also get in touch with former Erasmus students for advice.
Can I extend my semester abroad?
An extension may be possible (but cannot be guaranteed) after consultation with the IRO and the partner university if the original semester abroad is the winter semester – meaning an extension is only possible within the same academic year.
Do I need a language certificate?
Some partner universities require proof of language skills. In many cases this is an online test, sometimes more is required. You can take a language course for stays abroad through the university (ISI), which will be partially refunded after your stay.
Any further questions?
Please consult the website of the International Relations Office for further information on the Erasmus+ programme and the application process.