One of the biggest challenges for international students isn’t just tuition. It’s the cost of travel, accommodation, and living during exchange or study-abroad programs. Fortunately, several countries offer mobility grants, student travel allowances, and exchange funding to help students move between institutions.
Here are some of the top countries (and programs) that provide student travel grants and mobility funding for international students.
Europe / European Union (Erasmus+ and Related Programs)
- Erasmus+ Mobility Grants: The EU funds student exchanges through Erasmus+. Grants typically cover 3–12 months of study abroad, with monthly stipends ranging roughly from €200 to €500, depending on the host country.
- Green Travel Top-Up: Students who use environmentally friendly transport (train, bus) for their outbound or return journey may qualify for additional travel funding.
- University-Level Mobility Grants: Some universities provide extra mobility bursaries. For example, Erasmus University Rotterdam offers a special “International Mobility Grant” for students going on exchange outside Europe, with a grant for two to three months depending on destination.
- MARIHE Scholarships: For self-funded students in certain European Master’s programs, MARIHE offers up to €6,000 per intake, specifically to cover travel costs and mobility.
Poland
- Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA): NAWA provides mobility grants for international students and researchers to study or conduct research in Poland.
- These funding opportunities support both short-term study visits and bilateral academic exchange, making Poland an attractive destination for mobility-focused students.
Austria (& Some Other EU Countries)
- According to mobility support reports, Austria offers monthly mobility grants around €905 for students from other countries participating in study abroad or training programs. en.iro.hr
- These grants help cover living costs and travel, reducing the financial barrier for students who want to study in Austria or elsewhere in Europe.
France
- Regional mobility support: For example, the Région Grand Est in France provides international mobility aid for students, helping to defray travel and accommodation costs.
- These kinds of regional (or national) grants are often overlooked but can be very helpful for students going on exchange or doing internships.
Why These Mobility Grants Matter
- Lower Financial Barriers: Travel and living costs often prevent students from considering study-abroad options. Mobility grants make international experience more accessible.
- Global Networking: With funding, students can afford to study for a semester (or more) in another country, build global networks, and experience different educational systems.
- Career Advantage: International exposure improves your CV, and being part of a funded exchange shows initiative, adaptability, and cultural competence.
- Sustainability: Grants like the Green Travel top-up encourage more environmentally friendly travel.
How to Secure These Mobility Grants
- Apply Early: Mobility grants often have deadlines before the academic exchange application.
- Work with Your University: Use your home university’s international office, they often have Erasmus coordinators who know exactly how to apply.
- Prepare Your Budget: When applying, clearly show your financial needs (travel, living, accommodation).
- Highlight Sustainability: If applying for green travel top-ups, mention your travel plan and how you’ll use eco-friendly transport.
FAQs
Q1. Can non-European students access Erasmus+ mobility funds?
Yes, many Erasmus+ programs are available to students from outside the EU, depending on your home and host institution’s agreement.
Q2. How much does the EU grant cover?
It varies: typical monthly amounts are between €200–€500, depending on living costs in the host country.
Q3. Do mobility grants cover flights?
Some do, or include lump-sum travel support, but it depends on the grant and the university’s scheme (e.g., Erasmus University mobility grant caps the grant to a few months).
Q4. What is “Green Travel Top-Up”?
It’s a bonus given to students traveling via low-emission transport (train, bus) to and from their host institutions.
Q5. Where can I find mobility grants outside Europe?
Start with your university’s international office. Also research bilateral exchange funding from national agencies like NAWA (in Poland) or regional scholarship programs.
