Academic mobility under the Erasmus+ program

In order to support international cooperation in education, the Erasmus+ program of the European Union offers academic mobility grants for students, professors and staff from European and non-European universities, including those from Russia. ITMO University regularly participates in Erasmus+ projects funded by the European Union and organizes open competitions twice a year in order to designate the best candidates for Erasmus+ academic mobility grants. Successful candidates are required to possess high level of foreign language and excellent academic performance at the moment of applying. After a student’s participation in the academic mobility project, ITMO University recognizes the credits they have earned at the university of their exchange as a result of their studies or traineeship under the Erasmus+ program.

Who can participate?

• Bachelor’s and Master’s students who wish to complete a study period (from 3 to 12 months) or to undertake a research traineeship (from 2 to 12 months) at a European university. The field of study at the host university must correspond to the one pursued at ITMO University. The exchange semester starts with orientation days and ends with examinations. In order to receive the scholarship, a student must successfully pass the exams at the host university and acquire 30 ECTS credits upon the completion of a one-semester mobility period, and 20 ECTS credits upon the completion of a traineeship of 2-3 months. If the duration of the stay at the host university is shortened for a valid reason, the amount of the scholarship will be reduced.
• PhD students who wish to complete a study period (from 3 to 12 months) or to undertake a research traineeship (from 2 to 12 months) at a European university. The field of study in the host university must correspond to the one pursued at ITMO University. In order to receive the scholarship, a PhD student must successfully complete the agreed study program at the host institution and acquire credit points according to the duration of the exchange period. The duration and the individual program of the study period must be previously agreed upon with the host professor, and the acceptance letter must be obtained. If the duration of the stay at the host university is shortened, the amount of the scholarship will be reduced.
• Professors who intend to take part in teaching or training mobility at a European university (from 5 days to 2 months). Teaching exchange program must include at least 8 hours of teaching per week. When applying to the host institution, a professor must obtain the confirmation of the agreement with the host department upon the activity plan.
• Administrative staff who intend to take part in training activities (from 5 days to 2 months). Training must be agreed upon with the international offices of ITMO University and with the host institution.

The grant covers the following costs:

• Monthly scholarship and travel costs – for students
• Travel costs and individual support (including 2 days of travel) – for professors and staff

Selection criteria for students

• Correspondence of the fields of study / research at the partner university to that pursued at ITMO University
• High level of language skills – foreign language at least at B2 level
• Excellent academic performance 
• Social and economic status 

Selection criteria for professors and staff

• Correspondence of the fields of traineeship / research / teaching at the partner university to that pursued at ITMO University as well as fulfilment of the project’s conditions
• High level of language skills – foreign language at least at C1 level
• International teaching experience
• Participation in teaching under international programs and courses in English

Candidate selection procedure

Candidates are selected through an open call based on fair and transparent selection process. Students receive information about the open call through the Intranet systems. They can apply before the deadline stated in the announcement by participating in the open call for academic mobility of ITMO University. Professors involved in the program recommend their MSc students to apply, identifying those who will most benefit from the mobility exchange. PhD students will be nominated by their supervisors. Information on staff mobility will be communicated by email, as well as through announcements on the departmental and the faculty council meetings. Staff members will be selected based on the quality of their activity plan. The Selection Committee considers the candidate’s background with particular attention being paid to people from disadvantaged backgrounds. In case of equivalence, preference will be given to candidates from socially and economically disadvantaged groups. The Selection Committee also strives for gender equality.

Further information is available on the Erasmus+ website.