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. Ask your international office whether your university has one.
Erasmus+ ICM grants for SA students going to Europe are EUR 800 to 900 per month (Erasmus+ Programme Guide, depending on the destination country group). 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) funds students at South African public universities and TVET colleges, and we found no NSFAS funding for international travel or internships abroad on its own website. Ask your financial aid office whether your NSFAS bursary continues while you are on a credit-bearing placement abroad.
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. Use the free budget calculator in your account to model costs for your destination.
Plan your funding
Use the ZAR budget calculator in your free account to see how much funding you need, then check the bursaries above with your university's International Office. Join free to get started.
Create your free profile