Erasmus+ ‘Blended’ Short-term Programmes

International collaboration – online and in-person

In the current Erasmus+ programme generation, students can now receive financial support not only for longer stays abroad, but also for participation in shorter programmes (5–30 days) abroad. 

Short-term programmes in a 'blended' format – combining face-to-face exchanges with digital learning and exchange phases – have been introduced to diversify the opportunities for students and staff to participate in international exchanges. Face-to-face exchanges are always combined with a digital component to make the experience more sustainable. The digital learning phase can take place before, during and/or after the physical mobility.

Blended short-term mobility is available for students of all study cycles, both for study and internship purposes, as well as for all types of higher education staff. Applications can be made by individuals or groups, for example, those participating together in a Blended Intensive Programme. 

Essentially, Erasmus+ short-term exchange formats aim to create new learning opportunities for people who were previously unable to participate in a longer international mobility programme. They are aimed in particular at students who, due to personal circumstances or their study programme, have fewer opportunities for a longer international exchange, e.g. for a semester. Another aim is to promote new forms of international learning and teaching that can lead to the development of new intercultural and digital skills. 

Blended short-term mobility can be arranged with a single other university or internship provider abroad. However, blended intensive programmes (BIPs) are a particularly common form of short-term exchange in the 'blended' format. In BIPs, not two but at least three universities from at least three different countries participating in the Erasmus+ programme cooperate. The advantage of Blended Intensive Programmes is that not only do the mobile students and teachers receive funding from their home university, but the organising university also receives financial support (max. 8,000 euros). The financial support can be used for student assistants, teaching assignments, materials, room rental, excursions, catering or the creation of teaching materials, among other things. 

Conditions for Erasmus+ short-term blended programmes:

• Existence or creation of an inter-institutional agreement
• At least 3 ECTS
• Minimum 5 days, maximum 30 days of physical mobility
• Digital learning component before, during or after mobility
• No participation fees

Additional conditions for BIPs:

• At least three higher education institutions from three different countries in the Erasmus area
• At least 10 external participants travelling to the BIP

If you are a lecturer and are interested in nominating students for an international short-term programme, participating in a programme yourself with a group of students, or organising a Blended Intensive Programme at the HWR, you can apply to the International Office at the HWR Berlin.

If you are interested in participating in a short-term mobility programme, please register at least three months before the start of the programme. If you are interested in organising a BIP at the HWR Berlin, please register at least six months before the start of the programme.

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