Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM)
Unlike Switzerland, South Africa is eligible for Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility. This means SA students at universities with European ICM partnerships can access EU-funded mobility grants for internships in Europe. UCT, Wits, Stellenbosch, UP and several other SA universities have these agreements.
Erasmus+ ICM stipends for SA students going to Europe are approximately EUR 800/month (around R15,000–R17,000 at current rates). This is substantial funding that can cover a large portion of your living costs in Barcelona, Lisbon or another EU city.
approx. R15,000–R17,000
of funded mobility
contact International Office
UCT (University of Cape Town)
UCT has active Erasmus+ ICM partnerships with several European universities. The International Office at UCT manages all Erasmus+ mobility — contact internationaloffice@uct.ac.za to check current European partnerships that match your faculty.
Wits (University of the Witwatersrand)
Wits has Erasmus+ ICM links particularly in Engineering, Business and Law faculties. Contact the Wits International Office to check current active partnerships and whether your intended internship qualifies.
Stellenbosch University (SU)
SU has a strong international partnerships network with various European institutions. The Centre for International Collaboration (CIC) at Stellenbosch manages these partnerships — visit internationaloffice.sun.ac.za.
University of Pretoria (UP)
UP has bilateral agreements and some Erasmus+ ICM partnerships. Contact the Department of International Affairs (DIA) at UP to determine what is available for your faculty and study level.
University Bursaries and Study Abroad Funds
Beyond Erasmus+, many SA universities have their own mobility funds and bursaries specifically for international internships and exchanges. These are often undersubscribed — meaning fewer students apply than the funding available.
SA Bursary / Study Abroad Funds
- Ask your International Office directly — many universities have funds not widely advertised
- Faculty-specific bursaries (Engineering, Commerce, Law)
- Some unions and student representative councils have travel grants
- Alumni foundations at major SA universities sometimes fund international mobility
NSFAS — Important Note
NSFAS (National Student Financial Aid Scheme) does not directly fund international travel or internships abroad. However, NSFAS funding can be used to cover your SA tuition while you are on an approved international internship — freeing up personal funds for your international costs. Check with your bursary office.
Making the Numbers Work
With the right combination of funding, an international internship is more affordable than most SA students think.
Example: Barcelona internship (6 months)
This is an illustrative estimate. Actual figures depend on your eligibility, company, and exchange rate. Our team helps you model costs accurately for your specific placement.
We help you find and apply for funding
In our Full Placement Service, we check your Erasmus+ eligibility, provide all documentation your International Office needs, and identify which of our partner companies qualify for mobility funding. Join free to get started.
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