Every student deserves this opportunity.
This also includes students who are studying with special needs, such as those with a disability, dyslexia or, for example, a chronic illness. It is understandable that with a support request you sometimes face additional challenges and have doubts about this great opportunity. On this page you can read more about the possibilities that give you that helping hand to make this experience abroad possible for you too.
Erasmus+ Top-up budget
Erasmus+ additional budget for a work placement of study abroad
Under the Top-up programme, the Erasmus+ programme provides additional funding for students with disabilities or health problems. This means you can still go abroad to gain experience. Even if your disability results in extra costs.
- Point out this option to your internship coordinator: https://www.erasmusplus.nl/subsidie/hoger-onderwijs/mogelijkheden/mobiliteit/top-voor-deelnemers-met-een-extra-ondersteuningsvraag
Do you need subsidy for a preparatory visit abroad?
If you want to gain experience abroad and discuss the appropriate possibilities with the European institution/organisation in advance, this may be possible with a subsidised preparatory visit.
- Point out this option to your internship coordinator: https://www.erasmusplus.nl/subsidie/hoger-onderwijs/aanvragen
Applying for an extra Erasmus+ grant:
- Ask the Erasmus coordinator at your university about the application procedure in your home country (application deadline, where to obtain and submit your application form, etc.)
- Fill in the form describing your disability/special need(s) and additional requirements. Make a detailed cost estimate of the extra financial support you will need for these requirements.
- Include a statement from an official authority/institution attesting your disability and its degree of severity, its impact on your mobility and an estimate of the additional costs for your participation in the Erasmus programme.
- Hand in your application at your home university or to the National Agency for the Lifelong Learning Programme in your country (this depends on the country-specific procedure).
- Your university or National Agency will assess your application and decide whether or not you should receive extra funding.
- If you are entitled to an additional grant, you must sign a grant agreement that clarifies your rights and obligations.
- Once you have completed your course or placement period, you must report the exact amount of additional expenses, along with evidence (invoices). Your grant agreement will contain specific rules concerning this report.
There are no structural Dutch or European funds to support non-Erasmus students. Nevertheless, to find out about the options you could:
- contact your university’s international office, the Dutch embassy or the local authority in your county, province or country to see whether they have grants to support you or information on organisations that may do;
- visit https://www.studyinholland.nl/finances to learn more about available grants.
Accommodation schemes
- Want to know more about financial arrangements? Check out our page Information on financial resources.
- Have a look at the other facilities, accommodations or schemes that might be helpful for you, too.
European higher education institutes
Information on support and guidance European institutions
InclusiveMobility.eu is the European platform about inclusion and support services offered by higher education institutions, national agencies and ministries for education to international students.
- Check the accessibility and support measures of higher education institutions in Europe.
- Check the national policies about disability regulations and support measures.
- Get inspired with testimonials, toolbox etcetera.
Student Experience Story
'Don't let fears hold you back'
At a young age, Salim Belmoussa, now 25, is diagnosed with a progressive muscle disease. This does not stop him from taking part of his studies in law at Erasmus University Rotterdam at the Luiss Guido Carli University in Rome. He is doing this with the help of Erasmus+. Curious about his story? Read and watch his story and video here.