Erasmus+ Grant: How Can You Increase the Value of Your European Study Scholarship?

1. Choose a higher-value destination
The value of the Erasmus+ grant depends on the host country:

High-cost countries (e.g., Denmark, Sweden, Norway…): up to €600/month (ef.de, uni-jena.de).
Central Europe (Italy, France, Belgium…): around €540/month.
“Second group” countries (Poland, Portugal, Turkey…): roughly €540–€600, depending on the university (uni-jena.de).

2. Use the travel support (Fahrtkostenzuschuss)
For the first time, it returns after 2024:

Outside Europe: up to €1,735 (for distances > 8,000 km) (studis-online.de).
Within Europe (except 2022): targeted support for students facing social barriers.

3. Secure add-ons (Top-Ups)

A monthly €250 Top-Up for students from “fewer opportunities” groups (e.g., working during studies, first in the family to attend university, disability or chronic illness).
Additional support for students travelling with children: €250/month per child (hm.edu).
Top-Ups can be combined; if you have real expenses (Realkosten), apply for support based on actual costs (hm.edu).

4. Combine Erasmus+ with other funding

Auslands-BAföG: does not affect Erasmus up to €300 (studienwahl.de).
Deutschland-Stipendium: can be combined with the grant and BAföG (ef.de).
DAAD scholarships: available if you need extra support (e.g., longer stays or language funding) (ef.de).
PROMOS: supports an internship or an extra semester outside Europe—up to €500/month.

5. The right plan from the start

Step	What to do
1	Contact your university’s Erasmus office early and check Top-Up conditions
2	Provide proof that you belong to a “fewer opportunities” group (work, social situation, etc.)
3	Prepare all required documents (employment contract, GdB certificate, maternity certificate, etc.)
4	Apply for Erasmus+ early, including Top-Ups and travel support
5	After acceptance, apply for Auslands-BAföG and the Deutschland-Stipendium
6	Also apply for DAAD or PROMOS if you plan an additional semester

Key takeaways

Up to €600/month for the most expensive destinations (Group 1).
Travel support up to €1,735 for very long distances.
A €250/month Top-Up for special circumstances, plus €250/month per accompanying child.
Combine Erasmus+ with BAföG, Deutschland-Stipendium, DAAD, and PROMOS to raise the total funding.
Early planning and correct documentation are essential for full support.

—
The website’s writing and editorial team strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources. However, mistakes may occur or some details may be unconfirmed. Please treat the content as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for verified information.