What is Erasmus+?

The Erasmus+ Program, run by the European Union, aims to provide more effective tools that promote cooperation across different sectors in line with the European Strategy 2021-2027 addressing new needs in education, youth, and sports. Specifically for higher education, it aims to increase quality and strengthen cooperation between higher education institutions and the business world. The target group of Erasmus activities generally includes institutions and organizations involved in higher education, as well as their staff and students.

What Does the Erasmus Program Provide?

Benefits for Universities:

• International experience and reputation

• Education in a multicultural and multinational environment

• Tolerance and intercultural dialogue

• Promotion / internationalization

• Contribution to research and science development

• Additional resources for projects and change

• Quality improvement through renewal and development

• Competition among universities

Benefits for Students:

• Overseas experience

• Attending classes in a multicultural environment

• Getting to know different cultures

• Promoting their own culture

• Making new friends

• Career/professional connections after education

• Being a student at a different school

• Seeing a different education system

Benefits for Society:

• Integration with the EU

• Improving quality in education

• Bringing economic and cultural vitality to university cities

• Closer relationship between university, citizens, and business

• Promoting the Turkish language

• Cultural interaction and breaking prejudices through learning about different cultures

• Promoting Turkey

How Can We Benefit from the Erasmus Student Exchange Program?

The Erasmus program is open to higher education institutions in the 28 EU member states, as well as non-EU countries in the European Economic Area such as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and candidate countries like North Macedonia and Turkey.

What Should We Do to Participate in the Program?

To participate, you should follow the new application announcements made by our university’s Erasmus Institutional Coordination Office and the posters placed in specific locations on campus, and comply with the stated application procedures.

If My GPA Is Below 2.20, Am I Ineligible?

GPA standards are determined by the EU Commission and the required GPA is stated in the application announcements.

Will My GPA Affect the Exam Result?

The GPA has at least a 50% impact on the Erasmus exam score calculation.

Is There an Interview?

Currently, there is no interview. The overall score is calculated by combining GPA and language scores (written and oral exams).

How Are Countries Grouped?

The grouping of countries and the determination of grant amounts are done by the EU Commission, taking into account the living conditions in each country.

How Are Our Grants Paid?

Grants are paid based on the dates stated in the invitation letters sent by the universities abroad where students apply and plan to study. These dates vary by country and university and are used as the basis for the initial payment (80% upfront). The final payment is made after students complete their study period abroad, based on the confirmation letter and passport entry and exit dates.

How Long Will I Receive Financial Support?

Students receive grants for the period indicated in their acceptance letters. Since our university selects students by semester, even if the host institution sends a yearly acceptance letter, the student receives funding only for one semester. However, extension for the fall semester is possible, and if the budget allows, students may receive funding for the extended period.

Is a Third Payment Possible?

Students receive two payments during the Erasmus period: 80% upfront and 20% upon return. If the student extends their stay, a third payment can be made.

Why Do Grants Differ for Students Going to the Same University?

Differences in grants for students going to the same university usually depend on the dates specified in their invitation letters.

Are Grants Paid Monthly?

No. Students receive up to 80% of the total grant before departure. The remaining amount is paid after their return based on confirmation letters and passport stamps. This remaining payment can vary depending on the actual duration of stay.

Will I Attend an Orientation Program at the Host University?

Yes. Almost every university organizes an orientation program for incoming Erasmus students to help them understand the university and its education system. Attendance to the orientation organized by our coordination office is mandatory.

Will I Have the Same Technical and Social Facilities as Local Students?

Yes. For example, you can equally use laboratory facilities. However, any facilities that require a fee (e.g., photocopying) must be paid by you as by other students.

What Procedures Should We Follow After Passing the Exam?

After passing, students must fulfill the duties listed in the "Tasks and Procedures for Erasmus Students" file published on our website. Students who have passed the exam but not completed Erasmus procedures remain in the "Erasmus Candidate Student" status until their visa is obtained. Students must communicate with the faculty coordinator and department head to complete and send original, signed Learning Agreements (LA) to the host university. Obtaining the acceptance letter is the student’s responsibility.

Why Do We Pay Visa Fees Even Though We Receive a Letter from the University?

The university’s visa letter helps ease visa issuance, but consulates or embassies may still charge visa fees independently as per their own regulations.

Why Do We Make Three Copies of the Learning Agreement (LA)?

The LA must be signed by all parties involved to be valid. One copy is kept by the student, one by the host university, and one by Şırnak University. Without all three signed copies, the document is not valid as an agreement.

Why Do We Make Two Copies of the Grant Agreement?

Two copies are needed so that each party holds a signed copy. After signing, the student receives one copy.

Why do you require a health insurance policy?

Travel and Health Insurance is a mandatory document required from students participating in the Erasmus Study Mobility. The purpose of having insurance is to ensure that you take precautions against any health issues that may arise during your travel and Erasmus period. Şırnak University deems it essential for students to have insurance so they can carry out their mobility in a healthy manner. Additionally, consulates of EU countries also require health insurance, so it is advisable to get the necessary information from the consulate before purchasing Travel and Health Insurance under Erasmus.

Why do you require a power of attorney?

The purpose of requesting a power of attorney is to ensure that after the student leaves the country, if any procedure needs to be done either at the school or regarding finances, there will be no problem and the transactions can be carried out as if the student had not left. Providing a power of attorney is not mandatory.

Why is it necessary to open a Euro account?

The reason for opening a Euro account is that the EU transfers money to universities in Turkey in Euros, and university budgets are kept in Euros. Therefore, the funds in the university budget are also transferred to Erasmus students who complete the mobility procedures in Euros.

How are the dates on the grant agreement (contract) determined?

The dates on the grant agreement are based on the dates mentioned in the invitation letter, and payments are made according to this period. Therefore, the invitation letter must clearly state the duration the student will stay abroad. Since the grant agreement is signed before the mobility, it is processed approximately for 4 months.

How will we find accommodation at universities abroad?

During the period you will study abroad, accommodation is generally provided by the foreign university. The university guides the student on this matter; however, in some countries and universities, accommodation must be arranged entirely by the student. The responsibility for accommodation lies with the student.

When will the grants be paid?

Grants are paid within 15 days to the Euro account written in the student’s contract after the funds are transferred from the EU commission to our university’s Erasmus account and after the student completes the required documents correctly and fully.

Will someone meet us in the country we go to?

Whether students will be met at airports, bus terminals, or train stations in the destination countries is entirely at the discretion of the partner university. There is no binding regulation on this.

Will the grants given be sufficient for the time we stay?

Grant amounts are determined by the EU Commission considering the living standards of the countries. Therefore, with average spending, it may be possible for this money to be sufficient in certain places, but it should be remembered that the grant given to students is a scholarship to cover some of their expenses abroad, not a salary. Whether the money is sufficient also depends on the student's personal spending habits.

Will the courses we take at the universities be in English?

Whether the courses students take at the universities abroad are in English or in the local language depends entirely on the university. Therefore, students need to research the "Language of Instruction" and courses of the universities they want to apply to during the Erasmus application period to make an informed choice.

Some universities have not yet published their course schedules on their websites. What should I do?

In such cases, your Erasmus Faculty Coordinator can contact the partner institution and request a detailed list of courses.

I have completed my course load. I don’t need to take more courses. Do I still need to complete 30 ECTS credits?

To benefit from Erasmus study mobility, students must not lose their eligibility. In this case, even if they leave compulsory courses and exceed the required graduation credits, they must take a 30 ECTS course load. Remember you are responsible for the courses and credits you take, and these credits will be recorded in your transcript after mobility.

Some students who have gone before say that courses are not in English at some EU universities. What if this happens to me?

In Western European countries (France, Germany, Spain, Italy, etc.), universities prioritize education in their own languages, and except for some universities, the education language is generally the language of the country.

Can I communicate with the partner institution?

Do not communicate with partner universities unless necessary and avoid careless correspondence. If you need to communicate, first consult your coordinator and the Erasmus Unit, and ask your Faculty Coordinator for help. Also, carefully check the partner school's website to see if your question is already answered. If you still have questions, write politely to your school.

Which universities can I go to?

Each department has different partner universities. The partner universities of the department can be seen on the Erasmus website during official announcement of application dates and online application.

Will my grant be paid if my documents are incomplete?

Grants will not be deposited into students' accounts unless the documents listed on our university’s Erasmus Institutional Coordination Office website are submitted completely.

How do I fill out the credit recognition form?

The credit recognition form shows how the courses you have taken correspond to courses at your own university while preparing the Learning Agreement. Since it relates to course selection, it must be filled with the help of Faculty Coordinators. Submission to the Faculty/School Board is also the responsibility of the Faculty/School coordinators.

What should I do if I haven’t received my acceptance letter?

Each university’s system is different. Some universities send acceptance letters earlier than usual, some later. If there is an unusual delay, support can be requested from Faculty Coordinators to ask the partner university to send the acceptance letter by email or phone by the student or Faculty Coordinator. If the acceptance letter is not sent, the student cannot participate in Erasmus mobility. Responsibility for this lies with the student.

I sent the Learning Agreement to the partner university without making a copy. What should I do?

A copy of the Learning Agreement must be kept before sending it to the partner university. If no copy was made, a fax of the unsigned Learning Agreement may be requested as a precaution.

My visa was not issued. Should I register for courses?

Although you are in the Erasmus program, there is no 100% guarantee for visa issuance. If the visa is not granted, you must register for courses and continue your education.

I have a green passport. Should I still apply for a visa?

Erasmus study mobility activities cannot be shorter than 3 months. Your green passport’s 90-day visa exemption period may cause problems if exceeded. Therefore, it is recommended to obtain a visa even if you have a green passport.

To which university should I pay my tuition fee while studying abroad with Erasmus?

If there is any tuition fee required by the Student Affairs Directorate of your home university during the Erasmus period, the student must pay that fee to their own university. Erasmus Coordination does not charge any fee or tuition from students.

Do I need to register and select courses at Şırnak University before going abroad?

After your acceptance letter and visa procedures are complete and your Erasmus mobility is confirmed, course registration or selection is not mandatory. However, if your faculty/department requests course registration for smooth credit recognition after your return, you must comply.

What is the student declaration? I am out of town; can I skip it?

The Erasmus student declaration gives the status of "Erasmus student" to those who meet Erasmus eligibility criteria and are selected by their universities to study or do an internship abroad at a partner university or organization. Regardless of your situation, this must be obtained to understand your rights and responsibilities as an Erasmus student.

Can I prepare the power of attorney in my hometown and bring it to you?

The power of attorney (for financial or student affairs) authorizes someone to act on your behalf in case of problems. Since it is not mandatory, it can be omitted. If prepared, the proxy must have a copy with them to prove their authority.

Is there a possibility that the 20% grant I will receive upon return might not be paid?

Just as a student earns the right to go abroad and receive Erasmus grant by achieving success during application, they may also face sanctions for failure.

What happens if I return early before completing the planned period at the host university?

If a student returns early due to mandatory reasons (family, health, etc.), the grant amount will be calculated according to the actual period abroad, and the excess amount must be returned by the student. If the student does not complete the period without justification, the entire grant will be reclaimed. Regardless of conditions, a student who receives Erasmus grant and goes abroad must fulfill their duties and responsibilities.

How are ECTS credits arranged for credit recognition?

ECTS credits are set by departments according to course difficulty and prerequisites. For example, a 4-credit course in the Faculty of Engineering may have an equal or higher ECTS value.

I am a disabled student. Are the conditions the same for me?

Participation conditions for disabled students are evaluated according to principles in the program guide, and they are not disadvantaged; rather, they may have more benefits.

I am on the waiting list for the exam. What should I do?

Students on the waiting list must wait for placement of those who passed. If there are vacant spots after the main list placements, waiting students get a chance.

I want to change my preferences. What can I do?

Students can change their preferences if there are vacant spots. With vacant spots, a signed and approved petition by the Faculty Coordinator and the student’s justification must be submitted to the Erasmus Office.

Do I have to make a Learning Agreement for each semester separately before going abroad, or can I show courses for two semesters in one document?

The Learning Agreement must be prepared separately for each semester, and each must include 30 ECTS credits (+1 or -1 allowed).

Should my acceptance letter and grant agreement be for one semester only?

Since the acceptance letter is usually for one semester, the Learning Agreement and the grant agreement must also be for one semester.

Can I benefit from study mobility without a grant?

Students on the waiting list can participate as Erasmus students without a grant. Ungranted students are also evaluated together with granted students and follow the same process.

What is the Erasmus+ Internship Mobility Program?

It is the internship of a student enrolled in higher education at a workplace abroad. “Internship” is a process where a beneficiary gains vocational training and/or work experience in an enterprise or organization in another participating country. Internship cannot be used for academic research or assignments. It is practical work experience related to the student’s vocational field.

Can students in departments without mandatory internships participate?

The internship does not need to be compulsory for the diploma program. However, the sector where the internship is done must be related to the student's vocational field.

How many times can I benefit from funded study or internship mobility?

A student has the right to benefit twice from Erasmus+ funded or unfunded programs in each education level (associate, bachelor, master, doctorate). For previous uses of Lifelong Learning Program or Erasmus, 10 points are deducted for each activity during scoring.

Can I benefit from internship mobility without a grant?

Waiting list students can participate without a grant and go through the same process as granted students.

How can I receive my grant?

Selected students sign Internship Mobility Contracts specifying the maximum grant. Payments are made in two installments: up to 80% before the internship according to planned duration, and 20% after the internship upon receipt of participation certificate and passport entry/exit dates, considering student’s success and responsibility. Deductions may apply for failures. Payments are made in Euros.

Am I obliged to have insurance?

To carry out Erasmus+ internship abroad, the following insurances must be arranged by the institution or yourself:

• Health Insurance Coverage

• Liability Insurance

• Accident Insurance Coverage

Can I extend my internship period?

Extension is possible only within the current academic year and must meet these conditions: the extended period must be continuous (holidays or breaks are not considered continuous); necessary arrangements (extra contract, updated Learning Agreement) must be completed at least one month before the original end date; the extension cannot exceed the contract end date between the university and the central Erasmus office.

What happens if the hosting institution is on holiday?

If the institution is closed for 1 week or more during the internship, you must complete the missed days after the holiday. Therefore, it is important to check in advance whether the institution will be on holiday.

Can I do an internship at a place I found myself?

Students can intern at recommended/approved places by the university or find suitable institutions in their vocational field themselves. Hosting organizations can be enterprises, training or research centers, or any establishment fitting the enterprise definition, including public, private, or social economy sectors. If the institution abroad is a higher education institution, the work should be practical experience related to the administration, not academic research.

Which institutions are not eligible for Erasmus+ internships?

• European Union institutions and agencies

• Organizations managing EU programs such as the EU Commission

What are the student selection criteria for the internship program?

• Be registered in a formal program at Şırnak University

• Have sufficient foreign language score

• Have the required cumulative academic GPA: at least 2.20 for associate and bachelor, 2.50 for master, 3.00 for doctorate

• Have an Erasmus+ ranking score of at least 55 (based on GPA and language score)

What happens if I withdraw from the internship?

If a student withdraws from mobility, they must submit a waiver letter. Otherwise, 10 points will be deducted from their ranking in the next application.

What if I return early from the internship?

If a student returns before completing the 2-month mandatory internship, they must refund the grant received. If returning early for a compelling reason, they receive the grant only for the time spent abroad and must refund the rest.

What is a “compelling reason”?

A "compelling reason" means an extraordinary and unforeseeable event or circumstance beyond the control of the parties that prevents fulfillment of contract obligations despite all due care, not caused by errors, negligence, strikes, or financial difficulties.

Who can help me with accommodation?

Providing accommodation is not the responsibility of higher education institutions. Accommodation is entirely the student’s responsibility.