Erasmus+

Erasmus+ is a European Union program that provides funding for cooperation projects in three areas: education, youth, and sport.

Institutions and organizations eligible to participate fully in the Erasmus+ program must be based in so-called Program Countries (all European Union Member States, Serbia, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey), while certain parts of the program are also open to participants from so-called Partner Countries (other countries neighbouring the European Union and countries worldwide).

Since the 2019 call for proposals, the Republic of Serbia has participated in the program as a full member.

The Erasmus+ program consists of three Key Actions (KA1, KA2 and KA3) and two special components: Jean Monnet and Sport. Institutions from Serbia can participate in all types of projects across all three Key Actions of the Erasmus+ program.

Projects under Key Action 1 (KA1) focus on learning mobility and the acquisition of new skills. These include:

• Mobility of students and staff at higher education institutions;
• Mobility of teaching and non-teaching staff at preschool and school institutions, as well as teaching and non-teaching staff and learners at institutions and organizations involved in vocational education and training;
• Mobility of teaching and non-teaching staff at institutions and organizations involved in adult education outside the field of vocational education and training. Mobility projects pursue a wide range of objectives, including teaching, participating in training programs, undertaking traineeships, recognition of earned ECTS credits, gaining experience, acquiring new skills and pursuing professional development.

Contact

Erasmus+ Program Coordinator at the Sub-Department Level

Associate Prof. Sanja Maljković, PhD in Arts
Sub-Department of Art and Design

Email: sanja.maljkovic@uns.ac.rs
Office: AH1c

Erasmus+ Program Coordinator at the Department Level

Full Prof. Milena Krklješ, PhD
Department of Architecture and Urbanism

Phone: +381 21 485 2462
Email: mikrkljes@uns.ac.rs
Office: 510

Faculty-Level Contact

Biljana Bradić
Head of the International Relations Office

Phone: +381 21 485 2056
Email: iro.ftn@uns.ac.rs
Office: 303

FAQ

• What are exchange programs?

Exchange programs provide students of the Faculty of Technical Sciences with opportunities to spend a certain period of their studies at one of the partner universities, experience the culture of the host country, acquire new knowledge and skills, and more.

• Who can apply?

Exchange programs are available to all full-time students of the Faculty of Technical Sciences, as well as teaching and non-teaching staff.

• Are all exchange programs funded?

Yes, funding is available for every exchange program. The amount of financial support depends on the country in which the mobility takes place and the specific exchange program in which the student participates.

• What documents are required when applying for an exchange program?

The documents most commonly required when applying are:

• Motivation Letter;
• Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• Transcript of Records;
• Certificate of Student Status;
• Copies of diplomas and diploma supplements (for master’s or doctoral students);
• Form for Academic Recognition of the Mobility Period;
• Learning Agreement;
• Certificate of English Language Proficiency.

• What is a motivation letter?

A motivation letter is an essential component of every scholarship application. Submitting a CV without a motivation letter constitutes an incomplete application. A motivation letter is a personal statement addressed to those responsible for selecting candidates. Its purpose is to present the applicant in the best possible light and provide the selection committee with a better understanding of the candidate’s qualifications, motivation, and aspirations.

• How to write a motivation letter?

A motivation letter takes the form of a short essay, often no longer than 700–800 words. The most effective approach is to divide its content into several logically structured sections, each addressing a particular aspect of the applicant’s background. The most important topics to cover include the candidate’s education, previous scholarships and awards, work experience, and academic and professional goals. Other relevant areas may include volunteer work, research projects and presentations, participation in seminars and conferences, membership in student organizations, language proficiency and other skills.

• Introduction – The beginning of the letter should introduce the reader to the subject. This is usually accomplished in one or two sentences in which the candidate briefly presents themselves and highlights the aspects of their background most relevant to the application.

Main body – The main body of the letter should be clear and precise. Each section should begin with a sentence that introduces its central topic. These introductory sentences establish the focus of each paragraph and contain relevant keywords. Every piece of information included in the letter should serve a specific purpose. In other words, there must be a clear reason for mentioning a particular experience or plan. For example, if a candidate mentions having completed an internship at a bank, they should explain why that experience is relevant, such as: “Through my internship at a bank, I gained valuable professional experience, developed strong work habits, and acquired an understanding of how a large organization operates.” Candidates should emphasize their strengths, but all claims must be supported by evidence. Every quality or achievement mentioned should be illustrated through concrete examples.

Conclusion – The motivation letter should conclude with a sentence that summarizes the main points and reinforces the candidate’s most important qualities.

Writing style and structure – Particular attention should be paid to writing style. Word choice is important, as the candidate should strike a balance between self-promotion and modesty. Exaggeration and clichés should be avoided. Sentences should not be excessively long, as this may confuse the reader. The structure of the motivation letter should be clear, with logically organized and clearly distinguished sections. Technical aspects of writing must also be considered, including correct spelling, grammar and punctuation.

The difference between a letter and an essay – Depending on the application requirements, it is important to distinguish between a letter and an essay. If the application requires a letter, the appropriate formal structure must be followed. The letter should begin with a suitable salutation, such as “Dear Mr./Ms.,” and end with an appropriate closing, such as “Sincerely” or “Yours faithfully.” The candidate’s signature should also be included. If the application requires an essay, these formal elements are not necessary.

• What should a motivation letter contain for a successful application?

A motivation letter allows candidates to present their personal strengths and qualifications in greater detail.

The following qualities are particularly valued in selection processes:

• Strong knowledge of the field for which the candidate is applying;
• Motivation, enthusiasm and genuine interest;
• Creativity and originality;
• Problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt to new situations;
• Ability to implement plans and complete research, projects or theses;
• Strong writing and communication skills;
• Clarity and coherence of thought and written expression;
• Maturity, emotional stability and the ability to manage stress and overcome challenges;
• Teamwork and leadership skills;
• Adaptability, independence and self-reliance; Initiative; Responsibility;
• Commitment to academic and professional goals and a healthy ambition to succeed.

Candidates should aim to highlight their strengths and demonstrate to the selection committee why they are suitable for the opportunity. The qualities listed above are among those sought by selection committees, and candidates should find ways to demonstrate them through their experiences and achievements. However, their presentation should remain balanced, avoiding exaggeration or excessive self-promotion.

• How to write a CV?

You can find a CV template and create your CV using the Europass platform at the following link.

• Where can I obtain a certificate of student status, transcript of records, and copies of diplomas/diploma supplements?

The Student Affairs Office issues these documents. The application process requires translating all documents into English.

• Where can I find the form for academic recognition of the mobility period?

The forms are available at the following links:

Form for Academic Recognition of the Mobility Period – Traineeship
Form for Academic Recognition of the Mobility Period – Studies