Comparative European Governance Systems
Notes on the Erasmus program
Comparative European Governance Systems 

Notes on the ERASMUS Program

The benefits of the ERASMUS program include, among others:

  • A subsidy to cover the additional costs incurred during the stay abroad (ranging between 50 and a maximum of 300 euros per month). Additional special funds can be requested for students with disabilities
  • Exemption from tuition fees at the host university
  • Recognition of study credits earned abroad for the Political Science program
  • Support for the academic, cultural, and linguistic preparation for the stay abroad
  • Free language courses: Erasmus Intensive Language Course (EILC)

Of course, students of the Political Science program can also complete their semester abroad at a European university that is not a partner of the professorship or institute. However, in this case, the planning and organization of the semester abroad must be done independently by the students. It is advisable to inquire about the recognition of study credits before the start of their studies. The ECTS system, which is used at many European universities, simplifies the recognition and credit transfer of study achievements. In general, the ECTS system awards 60 credits per academic year, or 30 per semester, or 20 per trimester.

For B.A. students, the 4th or 5th semester is particularly suitable for a stay abroad. M.A. students should generally use the 2nd semester. In individual cases, the stay can also take place in the 3rd semester. In principle, students are free to choose the timing of their stay.

The partner universities of the professorship can be found on the Erasmus homepage.

For more detailed information regarding deadlines, please refer to the pages of the International University Center (IUZ) or contact the coordinator for study abroad programs at the IUZ directly:

 

Oliver Sachs

TU Chemnitz

International University Center

D-09107 Chemnitz

Office: Bahnhofstraße 8 / Room G101A

Tel.: +49 371 531-37972

Fax: +49 371 531-13509

Office Hours:Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

 

Application for the Professorship for Study Programs and Preparation

The chances primarily depend on meeting the selection criteria, as well as on the total number of applicants and the desired spot. Generally, you can assume that, for example, spots in Ireland are the most sought after, with the highest number of applications. Countries where we have a relatively large number of spots available (e.g., Spain, Portugal) offer fairly good chances of securing the desired spot. Similarly, applicants for Eastern European countries often receive their preferred placement.

 

The application phase for an academic year (Winter Semester 2025/2026 or Summer Semester 2025) typically begins approximately 10 months in advance. This year, the application deadline is Wednesday, January 31, 2025!

  • Application to the Professorship for an Exchange Spot at Partner Universities. The required documents should be submitted as a single PDF file to (erasmus-powi@phil.tu-chemnitz.de):
  1. Short CV (Curriculum Vitae – all internships, social engagement, etc., listed in the CV should be supported by evidence, such as certificates, diplomas, etc.)
  2. Transcript of Records (available at the Central Examination Office), if applicable, Bachelor’s certificate or high school diploma
  3. Motivation Letter (in German or English, 1-2 pages, including first, second, and third preferences as well as the respective semester)
  4. Language Certificate (if required, depending on the language and university of the destination)

 

 Exclusion criteria are: incomplete application and insufficient language skills.

  • After receiving a placement offer from the professorship, you must independently apply to the host university (be sure to observe the deadlines!).
  • Application for the ERASMUS scholarship grant via the online application on the IUZ website (submit the application online and hand it in to the IUZ by March 31st, with your signature and that of the departmental coordinator).
  • Complete the Learning Agreement (study plan at the host university with at least 20 ECTS) in consultation with the departmental coordinator. Obtain the signatures of the departmental and ERASMUS coordinators from both the home and host universities, and submit it to the IUZ before the start of your stay.
  • Clarify the recognition of study credits to be earned abroad (department/central examination office); further information can be found here.
  • Form for the recognition of exams taken abroad.
  • Foreign BAföG (financial aid for studying abroad) Apply in a timely manner, even during a leave of absence.
  • Obtain a health insurance certificate and, if necessary, take out additional private international health insurance.
  • Re-registration or leave of absence at the student administration office
  • Application for exemption from the semester ticket at the Student Council (in case of re-registration).
  • Application for exemption from the semester fee at the Student Services (in case of a leave of absence).
  • Obtain a certificate "for submission" for the child benefit office, BAföG office, etc., from the IUZ.
  • Approximately 3 weeks before departure, sign the acceptance declaration (ERASMUS contract) at the IUZ.