Erasmus exchange programme

Erasmus seeks to enhance the quality and reinforce the European dimension of Higher Education, by encouraging transnational co-operation between higher education institutions, promoting mobility for students and higher education teaching staff, and improving transparency and academic recognition of studies and qualifications throughout all member states of the European Union and other countries participating in the Socrates Programme.

Students following undergraduate, post-graduate and doctoral degrees at the University of Malta are eligible for academic placements at partner universities and higher education institutions with which our University has signed a bilateral agreement.

Students are being offered the opportunity to follow a period of study in a European university ranging between three and 12 months. During that period they follow a number of credits or conduct research in relation to their theses or dissertation. That period of study is recognised as part of their final degree issued by their home university (the University of Malta in this case). The student chosen for Erasmus experience does not pay academic fees to the hosting university. Moreover, he is given a grant to partially finance the expenses incurred.

Each year the Socrates Office at the University of Malta issues applications together with the list of placements for students interested in pursuing an Erasmus period. The applications are usually issued at the beginning of the year for Erasmus exchanges taking place in the following academic year (October-June).

Specific contracts are signed between universities enabling students to proceed on Erasmus placements. These contracts (called Erasmus bilateral agreements) specify the area of study, the number of students and the duration of placement. Each agreement binds the two universities involved in accepting students under Erasmus conditions (non-fee-paying and equal academic rights to local students) and to co-operate within the Socrates framework. The bilateral agreements must be renewed yearly to ensure continuation. For this reason, the list of placements available changes from one application round to the next. The number of placements varies each year, however, for each of the last two aacademic years about 300 places were offered to University of Malta students.

Each application received at the Socrates Office is checked for eligibility (that the student has chosen the right placements according to the subject area and year of study). A selection board is then held with representatives of the Faculty or Institute and the Socrates Office.

The applicant's linguistic ability is also crucial. Students are therefore encouraged to develop fluency in foreign languages. The Erasmus programme aims to bring students in contact with new cultures. Moreover, involvement in Erasmus activities organised locally indicate a general approach towards this area of co-operation and exchange. One's preparation, interest and initiative are proof of qualities needed to sustain a period of study in a foreign university.

Prospective Erasmus students receive help from the Socrates Office and Faculty or Institute to co-ordinate all necessary preparations. The university that will be hosting the student abroad provides academic and other logistical information (accommodation, orientation and travel arrangements).

With the help of academic co-ordinators, the programme of credits that a student will follow abroad is drawn up. The student then compiles the learning agreement - a contract containing details about the credits that will be followed abroad with the necessary ECTS equivalency. The student, the Faculty and the Socrates Office of the University of Malta, sign this contract. The acceptance of this document ensures that the period of study that a student will follow abroad will be recognised and the results the student brings back will be duly endorsed in the student's transcripts of records.

The Socrates Office also helps in the logistical preparations giving each student the necessary information and advice regarding visas and residence permits, travel, agreements and financial management.