Inclusion and diversity in higher education mobility

In order to make access to student and staff mobility as easy as possible, in line with the principles of the ECHE, higher education institutions must ensure equal and equitable access and opportunities to current and prospective participants from all backgrounds.

This means including participants with fewer opportunities, such as participants with physical, mental and health-related conditions, students with children, students who work or are professional athletes and students from all study fields underrepresented in mobility. Defining internal selection procedures that take into account equity and inclusion and assess applicants' merit and motivation holistically is essential in respecting this principle.

Furthermore, higher education institutions are encouraged to establish built-in mobility opportunities, such as mobility windows within their curricula to help facilitate the participation of students from all study fields. In this regard, blended mobility can help offer additional opportunities that may be more suitable for some individuals.

Inclusion and diversity

In line with the Erasmus quality standards, organisations that receive support from the Program must ensure that they offer mobility opportunities in an inclusive and equitable way, to participants from all backgrounds.

The selection of learners that will take part in project activities should take into account key factors such as motivation, merit, as well as personal development and learning needs of the participants.

Similarly, the selection of staff participants should ensure that benefits of their professional development are available to all learners in the organization.

Throughout the preparation, implementation, and follow-up of mobility activities, the sending and hosting organizations should involve the participants in key decisions to ensure maximum benefits and impact for each participant.

Participating organizations that provide education and training are encouraged to actively create and facilitate mobility opportunities, for example by establishing mobility windows in their academic calendar and defining standard reintegration steps for returning participants.

For information about inclusion categories and relevant documents to be submitted in each particular case please visit: https://erasmusplus.rs/erazmus-program/ciljne-grupe-za-inkluziju-u-okviru-erazmus-plus-programa/ 

In addition to the documents listed at the above link, participants demonstrating any of the fewer opportunities categories must submit:

1. Print-out of the personal ID card or another document issued by the relevant authority (Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Serbia), confirming the student’s address of residence.

2. A signed declaration (download template) by which a student, under full penalty of perjury, confirms that the data provided in the submitted documentation are true and complete and authorizes the relevant authority to double-check, process, store or use in accordance with the current legislation.

Participants with fewer opportunities participating in mobility are eligible for additional financial support of 250 EUR per month, in order to support the organization of their long-term physical mobility (semester mobility). Participants are eligible for additional support based on only one inclusion category, even if they may be eligible within other categories as well. The financial support amount, if you are eligible, will in either case be only 250 EUR per month, not more.

For short-term physical mobility, students  with fewer opportunities may receive:

●     100 EUR for short-term physical mobility from 5 to 14 days

●     150 EUR for short-term physical mobility from 15 to 30 days

Additionally, students with fewer opportunities taking part in short-term physical mobility are allowed to receive travel support, in accordance with the Erasmus Distance Calculator

Important note: Any additional support must be presented to and approved by the National Erasmus Agency of the Republic of Serbia.

Additional funding based on real costs is available for participants (students and staff) with physical, mental or health-related conditions via the Erasmus+ special needs support. Erasmus+ grants may therefore be higher than the regular study, traineeship or staff grants to offset the specific difficulties faced by the participant (such as adapted accommodation, travel assistance, medical attendance, supportive equipment, adaptation of learning material, an accompanying person for students and staff with disabilities).

At the end of the mobility, each approved additional support must be covered and duly documented with accompanying invoices and bills. The University of Belgrade then submits those to the National Agency and after the costs are officially approved as eligible, the relevant refund is paid to the participant.

Participants with fewer opportunities - FAQ: https://erasmusplus.rs/inkluzija-u-programu-erazmus-plus/