Students with a disability or chronic illness
Would you like to study abroad during your studies and you have a disability or chronic illness? We would like to support you in your plans as much as possible.
On this webpage, you will find an initial overview of specific financing options and types of stay, important planning steps, contact points at UDE and experience reports.
Additional funding with Erasmus+
Are you planning on doing an Erasmus+ semester or an Erasmus+ work placement/traineeship abroad?
You will find information on studying in Europe with Erasmus+ here and Erasmus+ work placements/traineeships here.
In addition to an Erasmus+ grant, you can request a top-up, additional funding and/or a preparatory trip.
Top-up
If you have a disability or chronic illness and you are doing an Erasmus+ stay abroad, you can request a top-up. In this case, you will receive €250 per month in addition to your Erasmus+ grant. To be eligible for this top-up, you must have a degree of disability (GdB) of 20 or above, or a chronic illness that demonstrably incurs additional costs during your stay abroad. You will receive the top-up application form automatically during or after your Erasmus+ application.
Additional funding
If significant additional costs are involved, students with disabilities or chronic illnesses have the option of submitting an application for additional funding. You can apply for a maximum of €15,000 for one semester or €30,000 for two semesters. Increased travel and accommodation costs, assistance and accompanying persons, and special didactic materials are among the expenses that can be covered if they are not covered by other funding bodies. As the application reflects actual costs and must be submitted to the DAAD two months before the start of your stay, please contact us in good time if you wish to submit an application for actual costs.
Preparatory trips
If necessary, students with a disability or a chronic illness can request a preparatory trip to explore the conditions on the ground in advance in order to be well prepared for a stay abroad. A companion may also be eligible for funding as an assistant during the preparatory trip. You can apply for the trip after your stay abroad has been approved. Since the application must be submitted to the DAAD two months before the trip, we ask that you contact us well in advance if you wish to apply for a preparatory trip.
Additional funding with PROMOS/DUE-Mobil
Are you planning on doing a stay abroad outside Europe or a language course? Please find information about PROMOS and DUE-Mobil here.
In addition to a PROMOS or DUE-Mobil grant, students with a degree of disability of at least 50% or a chronic illness can apply for additional funding. A maximum of €10,000 may be granted as long as the additional costs incurred are not covered by other bodies.
As the application must be submitted to the DAAD at least two months before your stay abroad, please contact us at an early stage if you wish to apply for additional funding.
Further funding options
BAföG grants for stays abroad
Students who are not eligible for a BAföG grant in Germany may be eligible for a BAföG grant for a stay abroad (Auslands-BAföG). You can get advice on BAföG grants for stays abroad from the UDE General Student Committee (AStA) (website in German only).
Care allowance and care benefits
During stays abroad within the EU, the EEC or in Switzerland, students are eligible for a care allowance in accordance with the German Social Code (SGB). Outside of these countries, care allowances can only be granted for a maximum of six weeks. Depending on the destination country, the host institution may provide services to students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses free of charge.
Integration assistance for studies abroad
Further options for international experience
Aurora
UDE is a member of the Aurora University Alliance, a network of European universities. Aurora offers various formats for students, such as online or blended courses as well as short-term stays abroad at partner universities. Please find further information here (English version available soon).
Blended short-term placements
Students with a disability and/or chronic illness who are planning on doing a work placement/traineeship abroad can do an Erasmus+ short-term placement with an online component. In this case, the stay abroad lasts a minimum of five and a maximum of 30 days, plus a mandatory online component. Please find further information on Erasmus+ for work placements/traineeships here. For further details on financial support as well as the necessary documents, please contact us .
DAAD Chancen:Digital Stipendium (grant for virtual studies abroad)
The DAAD Chancen:Digital Stipendium is a DAAD grant that gives students who cannot do long-term stays abroad for various reasons the opportunity to do their master's studies abroad online. Students with a disability or chronic illness who live in Germany may apply for this grant. Please find further information here (German only).
Planning your stay
Three to four semesters ahead of your stay
- First, research universities or companies that are of interest to you for your stay abroad. For example, check what accessibility options are available. You can find a search engine for UDE partner universities for stays abroad here (German only).
- Research information about your host country, such as suitable accommodation options, medical care options, or national grants that you can apply for.
- Take advantage of the advisory services offered by UDE and other institutions.
At least 12 months ahead of your stay
- Contact the International Office to discuss your eligibility for additional funding and other questions.
- Contact your host institution to clarify the conditions on site, e.g. accommodation options and accessibility.
- Plan and apply for your funding.
- If necessary and applicable, apply for a preparatory trip. This will only be possible after you have received confirmation of your stay.
Several months ahead of your stay
- Check your insurance coverage.
- Arrange your accommodation and, if necessary, your medical care in the host country.
- Make arrangements for your accommodation and care in your home country.
Going abroad soon?
The planning periods mentioned above are just recommendations. If you cannot adhere to them, it does not mean that you will be unable to do your stay abroad. Some steps, however, such as the application for an Erasmus+ semester abroad or the application for additional funding, cannot be planned short-term.
Contacts at UDE
UDE Inclusion Consultation Office
The ABZ's Inclusion Consultation Office (page available in English soon) offers general advice on studying with a disability and/or chronic illness.
UDE Diversity Support Center
The Diversity Support Center is committed to diversity, equality, anti-discrimination and inclusion.
AStA Office for Students with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses
This office (website in German only) provides students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses with information and discussion forums, as well as regular events and networking opportunities.
International Office
If you have questions about studying abroad with a disability and/or chronic illness, UDE's International Office is happy to help!
Further links
Deutsches Studierendenwerk
On its website, the Deutsches Studierendenwerk (German student services organisation, website in German only) provides information on various funding options for students with disabilities and/or chronic illnesses who are studying abroad. You can also schedule a consultation with them.
‘Studieren weltweit’
On this DAAD website (German only), you will find tips for studying abroad with a disability as well as experience reports from students.
Inclusive Mobility
On this website, you will find information about institutions and funding opportunities in European countries as well as various experience reports. The site is currently under construction.
DAAD experience reports
Erasmus+ semester abroad in Spain
In his experience report, Lukas Gloßner shares his experiences from his Erasmus+ semester abroad in Bilbao, Spain.
Erasmus+ semester abroad in Ireland
In her experience report, Jacqueline Sonders talks about her Erasmus+ semester abroad in Cork, Ireland.
Erasmus+ blended intensive programme in Greece
In his experience report, Clemens Singer talks about his short stay in Greece.