Erasmus+ for Students (Outgoing)
ERASMUS+ STUDIES
Erasmus+ study mobility is an opportunity to live and study in another country for 2 to 12 months, which can become one of the most valuable experiences of the entire study period. Partial studies at a foreign partner higher education institution allow for a deeper acquaintance with innovations in your field, testing different teaching methods, improving foreign language skills, and preparing for an international career. The intercultural environment, new connections, and experience of independent living foster self-confidence and broaden horizons, qualities highly valued by modern employers.
Benefits
- Free Tuition Abroad: During the study period, students are completely exempt from tuition fees at the receiving foreign higher education institution.
- Recognition of Results: All study subjects passed abroad and ECTS credits acquired are recognized and credited towards the LIK HEI study program, so the duration of studies in Lithuania is not extended.
- Financial Support: All students who pass the selection process receive an Erasmus+ grant intended to cover travel and living expenses abroad. In certain cases, additional funding may be available to the student.
- Continuity of payments: During the exchange, national loans received in Lithuania, scholarships paid by LIK HEI, or other allowances are not terminated.
Who Can Participate? (General Requirements)
All Lietuvos Inzinerijos Kolegija HEI (LIK HEI) students seeking international academic experience at partner foreign higher education institutions can participate in the LIK HEI Erasmus+ study exchange programme.
Main requirements for applicants:
| Study level and year |
Full-time and part-time students who have successfully completed at least their first year of study may submit exchange applications (first-year students may participate in the selection during the spring semester in order to go abroad in their second year). |
| Academic performance |
The applicant must have no academic debts and maintain a strong grade point average from the previous semester. |
| Language proficiency | Advanced proficiency level in the foreign language (usually English or the language of the receiving country) in which the courses will be taught at the foreign higher education institution is required. |
| Citizenship / Status |
Citizens of the Republic of Lithuania or foreign citizens holding an official residence permit in Lithuania and studying at LIK HEI in degree-granting study programs are eligible to apply. |
Mobility Duration
The Erasmus+ program provides flexibility to choose the most suitable mobility duration based on academic needs and the specifics of the study program.
Long-Term Study Mobility:
- Minimum duration: 2 months.
- Maximum duration: 12 months.
Total mobility limit: Each student has the right to use Erasmus+ mobility opportunities for a total period not exceeding 12 months per study cycle (including studies at another higher education institution). This limit is shared across all mobility types (partial studies, traineeships during studies, graduate traineeships, and short-term / BIP mobility).
Calculation of mobility time and travel days:
| Start date | End date | Travel days |
|
The first day the student is required to be present at the receiving organization (the first day of lectures, traineeship, welcome event, or language course). |
The last day the student is required to be present at the receiving institution (the last day of exams, lectures, or traineeship). |
Individual support (a grant) may additionally be awarded for 1 travel day before the activity and 1 travel day after the activity. When choosing sustainable travel (Green Travel), additional support to cover travel costs may be awarded for up to 4 days. |
The Erasmus+ grant is funded by the European Commission or other sources (national budget, EU structural funds, LIK HEI’s own funds) and partially covers travel and living expenses incurred during study mobility abroad. The grant does not cover all mobility costs.
Monthly allowance
The living allowance grant is calculated based on the cost of living in the receiving country (categorized by country groups) and evaluates the actual study period in months and days:
To cover living expenses: Awarded according to basic monthly rates approved by the European Commission and published on the LIK HEI website.
Calculation of breaks: If a study break (e.g. vacation) lasting 5 or more days is scheduled during the mobility period, no Erasmus+ grant is awarded for that period.
To cover travel expenses: When traveling to Erasmus+ partner countries, travel expenses are calculated based on the distance from the place of departure to the place of study.
Payment procedures and disbursements:
- First instalment (80%)
Transferred to the student’s bank account within 30 calendar days of signing the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement and completing the first OLS (Online Linguistic Support) language assessment test, but no later than the start date of the mobility activity. - Remaining amount (20%)
Transferred within 45 calendar days after returning from mobility, upon submitting all required reporting documents, and fulfilling all contractual obligations.
Additional financial support
1. Students with Fewer Opportunities
Support for specific groups: Students with fewer opportunities receive an additional fixed top-up grant (allowance).
Submitting an application: Students with fewer opportunities seeking the fixed top-up allowance must submit their application and supporting documents to the International Relations Office no later than 30 days before the date of signing the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement Applications for inclusion support based on real costs (health/special needs) must be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the start of mobility..
2. Persons with Special / Individual Needs (Health / Disability Support)
Coverage of actual costs. Participants with special needs can receive additional funding based on real costs incurred.
A certificate from the healthcare provider and an application stating the estimated cost and the reason for the claim must be submitted no later than 6 weeks before the start of the mobility period. Upon return, you must submit documents confirming the actual costs incurred and proof of payment.
3. Green Travel and Travel Days
Travel days. For both long-term and short-term mobility, additional individual support may be awarded for 1 travel day before the activity and 1 travel day after the activity ends.
Green travel. Choosing lower-emission means of transport (bus, train, or carpooling when more than one participant travels in the same vehicle) allows for additional travel support for up to 6 days. Travel tickets or other supporting documents must be submitted upon return.
Other important information
Zero Grant. If the funds allocated to LIK HEI are exhausted, a student may be offered the option to participate with a zero grant. Such a student receives no grant but enjoys all the rights and benefits of an Erasmus+ student and is subject to all program rules.
Fees and charges. During their studies abroad, students are exempt from tuition fees at the receiving foreign higher education institution but continue to pay their regular tuition fee to LIK HEI.
National payments and loans. The Erasmus+ grant is additional support; therefore, the payment of scholarships paid by LIK HEI, other allowances, or state loans is not suspended during the mobility period.
Adjustment and reimbursement of the grant. If the confirmed mobility period differs from the one specified in the agreement by more than 5 days, the grant is recalculated according to the actual number of days.
The selection of LIK HEI students to participate in Erasmus+ study mobility activities is organized on a competitive basis, ensuring the principles of transparency, publicity, and equal opportunities.
Application Deadlines
The competition for student participation in long-term study mobility activities is published publicly on the LIK HEI website, and information is distributed via email and other communication channels:
The study mobility competition is organized twice a year. If additional funds are available or extra funding is received, further competitions may be organized.
Application periods. Specific application deadlines and calls for applications are published on the LIK HEI website and in information notices to students before the start of the respective semester's selection stage.
Other Deadlines and additional financial support
Students wishing to receive an additional top-up grant as participants with fewer opportunities must submit their application and supporting documents verifying eligibility at least 6 weeks prior to the start of mobility.
Students with special needs must submit their application, along with a medical summary, to receive additional support based on actual costs no later than 6 weeks before the start of mobility.
Required Documents
The following documents are required to participate in Erasmus+ study mobility activities, for the selection process, and to obtain funding:
Documents for the selection stage:
Student Application Form: An application in the prescribed form, to be submitted to the International Relations Office.
Foreign Language Assessment Test (OLS): Test results completed in the Online Linguistic Support (OLS) system (access to the test is provided by the
International Relations Coordinator upon submission of the application).
Academic Transcript: Transcript of academic results for the last two semesters that is prepared by the LIK HEI administration.
Documents to obtain additional funding:
Documents confirming status as a student with fewer opportunities: Application and supporting documents verifying social status, disability, or family composition (to be submitted at least 6 weeks prior to the start of mobility while documents submitted by foreign citizens must be translated into English and certified by a notary or consular office).
Documents for support based on actual costs (Real Cost / Special needs): Application with an estimated budget of expenses and a doctor’s / healthcare institution summary (to be submitted at least 6 weeks before the start of mobility).
Documents for selected students (before departure):
Learning Agreement for Studies (OLA): A tripartite agreement between the student, LIK HEI, and the receiving foreign higher education institution, signed electronically.
Erasmus+ Grant Agreement for Studies: A Erasmus+ Grant Agreement concluded between LIK HEI and the student before the start of the mobility.
Documents upon return from mobility:
Certificate of Attendance: A document issued by the receiving institution confirming the exact start and end dates of the mobility.
Transcript of Records (ToR): A document issued by the receiving higher education institution detailing the completed course units, acquired ECTS credits, and grades.
EU Participant Survey (EU Survey / Beneficiary Module): A mandatory electronic report form to be completed in the European Commission's system.
Travel and actual cost supporting documents: Travel tickets (especially when using Green Travel or having received a travel grant), receipts / invoices confirming actual expenses (if Real Cost support was granted).
Selection Criteria
Student selection for Erasmus+ study mobility activities LIK HEI is conducted through an open competition, which is organized and evaluated by the permanent Student Mobility Selection Committee established by order of the Director. Selection meetings are convened according to the planned mobility periods but are held at least once per semester. Transparent and objective evaluation criteria are applied during the selection process: the Committee thoroughly evaluates candidates' academic results from the last two semesters, the compatibility of the host institution's study plan with the program studied at LIK HEI, as well as the proficiency level in the foreign language of instruction, as determined by the OLS system.
An equally important part of the assessment is the student's motivation and ability to integrate the opportunities offered by international studies into their study program and further academic plans, alongside their communication skills and readiness for an intercultural experience. It should be noted that students with academic debts are not eligible to participate in the selection competition. The final selection results are approved by the Committee's minutes within 7 calendar days after the end of the meeting, creating lists of selected and reserve candidates, and all participants are notified individually of the decision by email.
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Application Submission and Registration
- Application: The student submits an application to the International Relations Coordinator.
Erasmus+ Application Form - Requirements: Applications can only be submitted by students without academic debts.
Step 2: Language Assessment and Selection
- OLS Test: Once registered, the student is granted access to take the foreign language assessment test in the Online Linguistic Support (OLS) system.
- Selection Committee: The Student Mobility Selection Committee evaluates candidates' academic results (from the last 2 semesters), study plan compatibility, OLS test results, motivation, and intercultural readiness.
- Results: Minutes are prepared within 7 calendar days after the meeting (establishing main and reserve lists), and within 2 working days of its preparation, the Head of the International Relations Office informs the participants via email.
Step 3: Processing of Documents and Support Requests
- Learning Agreement (OLA): A tripartite Learning Agreement for Studies is agreed upon and signed electronically with LIK HEI and the receiving foreign higher education institution.
- Additional Funding (if applicable):
– Participants with fewer opportunities submit an application and supporting documents prior to signing the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement.
– Participants with special needs submit an application for additional support (Real Cost) at least 6 weeks before the mobility.
Step 4: Grant Agreement and Payment
- Grant Agreement: An Erasmus+ grant agreement is signed with the student prior to departure.
- Payment: Following the signing of the agreement, the initial instalment of the grant is transferred to the student.
Step 1: Arrival and Registration
- Confirmation of Arrival: Upon arrival at the receiving institution, the actual study period is confirmed.
Step 2: Amendment of the Study Plan (OLA) (if required)
- Approval of Changes: If selected course units change at the receiving higher education institution, amendments to the Learning Agreement (Changes to OLA) must be agreed upon and signed electronically by all three parties.
Step 3: Fulfillment of Academic Requirements
- Study Process: The student must attend lectures, complete assigned tasks, and take assessments according to the approved study plan.
Step 1: Submission of Reporting Documents
Documents: Upon completion of the mobility activity, the following reporting documents must be submitted to LIK HEI:
- Certificate of Attendance: A certificate issued by the receiving institution confirming the exact period of study.
- Transcript of Records (ToR): A document issued by the receiving higher education institution detailing the obtained grades and ECTS credits.
- Proof of Travel: Travel tickets or other supporting documents (especially when using Green Travel or having received a travel grant).
- Invoices / Receipts: Documents verifying actual expenses (if Real Cost support for special needs was awarded).
Step 2: Reporting in Systems
- EU Participant Survey: The student must complete the electronic participant report form in the Beneficiary Module system.
Step 3: Credit Recognition and Final Payment
- Recognition: Upon receipt of the Transcript of Records (ToR), a study results recognition card is completed, and the ECTS credits and course units acquired abroad are recognised according to LIK HEI procedures.
- Final Settlement: Upon fulfilling all reporting requirements and submitting the necessary documents, the remaining portion of the grant is transferred.
Erasmus+ Traineeship
An Erasmus+ traineeship abroad is an excellent opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge acquired during studies in the international labour market, serving as an important step towards a professional career. Working in an international team helps develop high-level professional and intercultural competencies, improve foreign language skills, and gain self-confidence. Empirical data shows that graduates with international traineeship experience find their first job faster, hold managerial positions more frequently, and boast an exceptionally broad network of international contacts.
LIK HEI students and graduates are offered highly flexible mobility opportunities tailored to different study stages and personal career goals. Depending on student status, one of two main types of mobility can be chosen.
A student traineeship during studies is an integral part of the study process, carried out in a foreign company, organization, or training institution. The duration of this long-term mobility must be no less than 2 months and no more than 12 months. Before departure, a tripartite Learning Agreement for Traineeships is signed between the student, LIK HEI, and the receiving organization, precisely defining the traineeship programme, its recognition, and the student's insurance coverage.
The competition for traineeship mobility is announced four times per calendar year. During the selection process, the student's academic performance, foreign language proficiency, motivation, readiness for an intercultural experience, and the suitability of the traineeship placement relative to LIK HEI study programme requirements are evaluated. Upon return from mobility, traineeship outcomes that are positively evaluated by the receiving institution are fully recognized and credited towards the student's LIK HEI study programme.
Student Traineeship (During Studies)
A student traineeship during studies is an integral part of the study process, carried out in a foreign company, organization, or training institution. The duration of this long-term mobility must be no less than 2 months and no more than 12 months. Before departure, a tripartite Learning Agreement for Traineeships is signed between the student, LIK HEI, and the receiving organization, precisely defining the traineeship programme, its recognition, and the student's insurance coverage.
The competition for traineeship mobility is announced four times per calendar year. During the selection process, the student's academic performance, foreign language proficiency, motivation, readiness for an intercultural experience, and the suitability of the traineeship placement relative to LIK HEI study programme requirements are evaluated. Upon return from mobility, traineeship outcomes that are positively evaluated by the receiving institution are fully recognized and credited towards the student's LIK HEI study programme.
Graduate Traineeship
A graduate traineeship provides the opportunity to gain international work experience in a foreign company or organization after completing studies at the LIK HEI. This mobility must start and end within 12 months from the date of graduation, and the duration of the traineeship itself must be no less than 2 months.
The student must submit the application for a graduate traineeship and the acceptance letter from the receiving institution, as well as participate in the selection competition, while still a student i.e. before graduation. During the selection process, priority is given to candidates whose chosen traineeship placement directly corresponds to the qualification awarded in their diploma and adds value to the graduate's employability.
Erasmus+ mobility funding is intended to partially cover students' travel and living expenses during study or traineeship periods abroad. Financial support consists of funds from the European Union budget, the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania, or the LIK HEI's own funds. It is important to note that during the mobility period, students are exempt from tuition fees at the receiving foreign institution but continue to pay their regular tuition fees at LIK HEI. Furthermore, the payment of national scholarships or loans in Lithuania is not suspended during the period abroad.
Grants
Grant amount and calculation: The Erasmus+ grant is calculated taking into account travel distance (when traveling to partner countries), the cost of living in the receiving country, and the actual duration of the mobility in months and days. In the case of short-term or blended mobility, funding is allocated according to baseline rates set by the European Commission. Additional funding is also provided for students with fewer opportunities, persons with special needs, and those opting for green travel. If funds are exhausted or at the student's request, mobility can be undertaken with a "zero grant", in such cases, no grant is paid but all Erasmus+ participant rights and status are retained.
Grant payment procedure: The grant is transferred to the student in two instalments:
- 80% advance payment is transferred within 30 calendar days of signing the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement and completing the OLS language test, but no later than the start date of the mobility activity.
- 20% remaining payment is transferred upon return from mobility within 45 calendar days of fulfilling all obligations, completing the EU online survey, and completing the second OLS test.
Agreements
The following main agreements are used in the mobility process:
- Learning Agreement: A tripartite agreement between the student, LIK HEI, and the receiving institution / company, negotiated and signed electronically. It precisely defines the study or traineeship programme, recognition of learning outcomes at LIK HEI, and student insurance coverage.
- Grant (Financial) Agreement: A bilateral agreement between LIK HEI and the student, signed before departure upon receipt of an approved Learning Agreement. It sets out the grant amount, payment procedures, and potential reimbursement rules.
- Inter-institutional Agreement: A bilateral agreement between LIK HEI and the receiving foreign higher education institution (in the case of study mobility), specifying exchange flows, fields of study, and other forms of cooperation.
Step-by-step
1. Finding and securing a traineeship placement:
- The student finds a traineeship placement in a foreign company or organization independently or chooses from the options offered by LIK HEI. [hiperlinkas į sąrašą]
- An official acceptance letter specifying the intended traineeship period is obtained from the receiving company or higher education institution.
- Note for graduates: The application and the receiving company's acceptance letter for a graduate traineeship must be submitted while still studying at LIK HEI.
2. Submitting the application:
- The competition for traineeship mobility is announced four times per calendar year.
- The student submits an application and the acceptance letter to the International Relations Coordinator.
3. Selection procedure and language proficiency assessment:
- Access is granted to complete the foreign language assessment test in the OLS electronic system.
- The Student Mobility Selection Committee evaluates candidates' academic results, language skills, motivation, readiness for an intercultural experience, and the suitability of the traineeship relative to the study programme.
- No later than 2 working days after the preparation of the minutes, students are informed of the selection results by email.
4. Preparation of the Learning Agreement:
- Together with the LIK HEI coordinator, the study programme head, and the receiving company, the traineeship programme, recognition conditions, and insurance coverage are agreed upon.
- The tripartite Learning Agreement for Traineeships is signed electronically.
5. Concluding the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement and Additional Support:
- Upon receipt of the approved Learning Agreement, an Erasmus+ grant (financial) agreement is signed between LIK HEI and the student.
- Persons with fewer opportunities or participants with special needs submit applications and documentation to receive additional support.
- The student is familiarised with the Erasmus+ Student Charter.
6. Advance Funding:
Following the signing of the Erasmus+ Grant Agreement and completion of the OLS test, an advance payment of 80% of the grant is transferred to the student's account within 30 calendar days (but no later than the start date of the mobility).
1. Conducting the Traineeship Abroad:
- The traineeship is carried out in a foreign company or organization in accordance with the approved Learning Agreement programme. Long-term traineeship mobility lasts from 2 to 12 months. Note: A traineeship duration of 3 or 4 months may be approved only where the traineeship is worth more than 18 ECTS credits.
- The mobility participant executes the designated tasks and complies with the agreements made between the sending and receiving institutions.
2. Extension of the Mobility Period (if necessary):
- To extend the duration of the traineeship, an application must be submitted to the Director of LIK HEI no later than one month before the scheduled end of the traineeship.
- Upon approval of the application, amendments to the Learning Agreement and Grant Agreement agreed upon by both parties are signed electronically.
1. Submission of Reporting Documents:
- A fully signed traineeship certificate / contract issued by the foreign institution, specifying the actual duration and evaluated outcomes, is submitted to the International Relations Office.
- If green travel was chosen, travel tickets or other supporting documents must be submitted.
2. Reporting in Electronic Systems:
- The EU online survey questionnaire must be completed in the "Beneficiary Module" system.
- The second OLS language assessment test is completed (if applicable).
3. Payment of Remaining Funding and Credit Recognition:
- Upon fulfilling all reporting obligations, the remaining 20% portion of the grant is transferred within 45 calendar days.
- Traineeship outcomes that are positively evaluated are fully recognized and credited towards the LIK HEI study programme.
4. Dissemination of Experience:
The student presents their best practice and experience gained during the traineeship abroad to the LIK HEI community.
Short-Term Mobility and BIP
Short-term exchanges and Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) provide Lietuvos inžinerijos kolegija HEI students with a flexible opportunity to gain international academic experience when a full-semester exchange is not feasible. This type of mobility combines a short physical stay abroad with virtual learning, and credits earned upon successful completion of the activities are recognized and credited towards the student's LIK HEI study programme. The cumulative duration of all Erasmus+ mobility activities within a single study cycle cannot exceed 12 months.
A Blended Intensive Programme (BIP) is a short-term, intensive Erasmus+ academic exchange programme implemented jointly by at least three higher education institutions from at least three Erasmus+ programme countries. These programmes employ innovative teaching and learning methods and consist of two mandatory components:
- Physical mobility: Lasts from 5 to 30 days at a partner higher education institution abroad.
- Virtual activity: Conducted remotely via online collaboration (duration unspecified).
For successfully completing a BIP programme, students receive a minimum of 3 ECTS credits.
Funding: In the case of blended mobility, a Erasmus+ Grant Agreement for blended study mobility is signed with the student. The grant is paid strictly for the physical mobility period in accordance with the baseline individual support rates established by the European Commission. Additional support may be awarded for travel days (1 day prior to and 1 day following the activity, or up to 6 days if green travel is chosen). Additional funding is available for students with fewer opportunities or special needs.
Application Submission:
- Application: The student submits an application to the International Relations Coordinator.
- Documents: Once selected, the student agrees upon and electronically signs a tripartite Learning Agreement and a Erasmus+ Grant Agreement.
- Reporting: Upon returning from the physical mobility and completing the virtual component, the student must complete a questionnaire in the "Beneficiary Module" system, take the OLS language test, and submit a certificate confirming their study results and mobility period.