The EUI Exchange Programme offers doctoral researchers the opportunity to spend a period of their studies at a partner university, broadening their academic experience and developing international research networks.
Exchange opportunities are organised by academic department. Explore the available destinations and exchange arrangements through the relevant departmental page:
Exchange agreements are coordinated by External Relations and the Academic Service in collaboration with the relevant academic departments. Available destinations and exchange arrangements therefore vary by department.
The departmental lists of partner institutions indicate the type of exchange agreement in place (Erasmus+ or bilateral) and provide information on the funding opportunities available to selected researchers.
Eligibility
EUI doctoral researchers may undertake an exchange during the second, third or fourth year of their studies. Exchanges during the fifth year are not eligible under the programme.
Duration and timing
Exchange periods normally last for one academic term or semester at the host institution. Short-term mobility opportunities may also be available, depending on the exchange arrangement and the host institution.
Exchange programmes and funding
Funding opportunities depend on the host institution, the type of exchange agreement and the programme under which the exchange takes place. The main arrangements are outlined below.
Exchanges within the European Union: Erasmus+
Exchanges at partner institutions in the European Union are generally organised through Erasmus+, the European Union’s programme for education, training, youth and sport.
Researchers selected for an exchange through Erasmus+ may be eligible for a grant to help cover additional costs associated with their mobility, including accommodation and subsistence. Grant availability and eligibility depend on the applicable programme rules.
For further information on grant amounts, funding conditions and eligibility requirements, consult the Erasmus+ Programme section.
Exchanges in the United States
The EUI has bilateral exchange agreements with selected US institutions, allowing doctoral researchers to attend these universities as visiting exchange students.
Researchers selected for an exchange at a partner institution benefit from a tuition fee waiver. However, other costs may apply, including campus, registration, application and insurance fees.
To help cover some of these expenses, the EUI allocates 12 subsistence grants each year, with three grants available per academic department. Researchers nominated for an exchange at a US institution may be eligible for a lump-sum grant of €4,000 towards their expenses. The host institution may be either an EUI partner or a non-partner university.
These grants are not compatible with other funding received for the same exchange, such as a Fulbright grant, and cannot be transferred between financial years.
Exchanges outside Europe and the United States
The EUI has bilateral exchange agreements with selected institutions beyond Europe and the United States. Researchers undertaking an exchange at these partner institutions benefit from a tuition fee waiver but are generally not eligible for additional EUI funding to cover mobility costs.
However, funding may be available for exchanges at selected non-EU universities through the Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility programme. Eligibility and funding conditions depend on the destination and the applicable agreement.
Researchers should consult their department’s list of partner institutions for information on the arrangements and funding opportunities available for each destination.
Exchanges at non-partner institutions
EUI doctoral researchers may also seek to undertake an exchange at an institution that is not part of the EUI Exchange Programme.
In these cases, applicants are responsible for making all arrangements directly with the host institution, including contacting the relevant academic unit and securing acceptance. The EUI is not involved in the application or admission process.
Applicants should also be aware that host institutions may charge tuition fees, registration fees or other administrative costs. These expenses are the sole responsibility of the applicant and are not covered by the EUI.