International Office

Bifröst University is committed to ensuring that all students and recent graduates have equal access to the international opportunities offered through Erasmus+. Erasmus+ aims to encourage the participation of people from diverse backgrounds and to reduce barriers that may prevent individuals from studying, undertaking a traineeship or otherwise participating in activities abroad.

Participants with Fewer Opportunities

Erasmus+ provides additional support for participants who may face barriers that could affect their ability to take part in study or traineeship opportunities abroad.

Examples of such circumstances may include:

• Financial difficulties.
• Disabilities or additional needs.
• Long-term physical or mental health conditions.
• Caring responsibilities for children or other dependants.
• Geographical or social barriers.
• Other circumstances covered by the Erasmus+ definition of participants with fewer opportunities.

Top-up Grants

Participants who meet the relevant Erasmus+ eligibility criteria may be entitled to a top-up grant in addition to the standard Erasmus+ grant.

The purpose of the top-up grant is to help ensure equal access to opportunities and make it easier for participants to benefit from the study and traineeship opportunities available through Erasmus+.

Eligibility for a top-up grant is subject to the Erasmus+ rules in force at the time and is assessed in consultation with the University’s International Office.

Real Cost Support

In certain circumstances, participants may be eligible for additional support to cover actual costs incurred as a result of participating in Erasmus+.

Such support may be available, for example, where participants incur additional costs related to a disability, health condition or other specific needs.

Applications for real cost support are assessed individually in accordance with Erasmus+ rules and, where applicable, in cooperation with the Erasmus+ National Agency in Iceland.

Confidentiality and Individual Support

All matters relating to additional support or participants’ individual circumstances are treated confidentially.

Bifröst University encourages participants to get in touch as early as possible to discuss the support for which they may be eligible and the options available to them.

Who can apply?

All students enrolled at Bifröst University are eligible to apply for an Erasmus+ study exchange, provided that they have completed at least 30 ECTS credits or the first semester of their studies before the exchange begins.

Students must also meet any requirements set by the partner university regarding level of study, language proficiency or other eligibility criteria.

Application Process

Students apply for an Erasmus+ study exchange within the advertised application periods. Applications are reviewed by the International Office in consultation with the relevant academic department.

Applications are assessed on the basis of whether the proposed exchange is compatible with the applicant’s programme of study and whether the courses taken abroad can be recognised as part of their degree at Bifröst University.

Bifröst University aims to ensure that the selection process is fair, transparent and equitable.

If the number of applications exceeds the number of available places, the following criteria generally apply:

• Priority is given to students who have not previously participated in an Erasmus+ study exchange as part of the same programme of study.
• Master’s students are generally given priority over undergraduate students, unless otherwise specified in the inter-institutional agreement with the relevant partner university.
• Where applicants are at the same level of study, the number of ECTS credits completed is taken into consideration.
• Academic performance is considered, including the applicant’s grade point average and academic standing as shown on their academic transcript.
• The applicant’s academic ability to benefit successfully from the proposed exchange period is also assessed.

Each application is considered individually as part of the final assessment, taking into account the applicant’s academic progress, the objectives of the exchange and the opportunities available at partner universities.

Equality and Transparency

Bifröst University is committed to ensuring equal treatment throughout the Erasmus+ application and selection process. All applicants are assessed consistently against predefined criteria, and decisions on the allocation of exchange places are based on a professional assessment of the information provided by each applicant.