Erasmus+ student charter

The Erasmus+ programme allows students to study abroad during the spring and autumn semesters in 27 EU countries and selected partner countries: Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Turkey.

Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institution students can take part in Erasmus+ study mobility at over 130 partner universities abroad.

Motivated full-time and part-time students with good foreign language skills can apply for Erasmus+ study mobility. The minimum period is 2 months, and total mobility cannot exceed 12 months per study cycle.

During the autumn and spring selection rounds, students can rank up to five partner universities in their application, choosing from institutions with which the Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija has established cooperation agreements in their Field of Education.

Who can apply:

- First-year students for autumn and spring semesters studies

- Second-year students for spring semester studies

- Students who not have used their full 12-month Erasmus+ mobility allowance.

Credits:

- One semester study mobility: no less than 30 ECTS (credits).

- Two semesters study mobility: no less than 60 ECTS (credits).

All credits earned must be recognized by Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija. Course compatibility before departure and credit recognition after return are selected and confirmed individually by Head of the Department.

Explore International Study Opportunities Beyond the EU!

Students are invited to expand their horizons by participating in Erasmus+ mobility for studies at partner institutions outside the European Union. This program offers the chance to study at a higher education institution in a non-EU country that has an established partnership with Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija.

How to Become an Erasmus+ Student for Non-EU Study Mobility

Selection periods for Erasmus+ mobility to non-EU countries are held twice per academic year.

In the upcoming selection period, students can apply to the following non-EU partner institutions for a semester-long Erasmus+ study period:

• New York Tirana University (Albania);
• Tiranos universitetas (Albanija);
• AAB College (Kosovo).

Students planning to apply for the selection process should first ensure that their chosen partner higher education institution is covered by an approved interinstitutional agreement and matches their study programme’s field of education.

Duration of Mobility:

Erasmus+ study mobility abroad lasts from 2 to 12 months (currently, funding is available for mobility lasting a single semester). Each student is eligible to participate in the program for a maximum of 12 months throughout their entire course of studies.

Financial Support to Participants

Students who are successfully selected for Erasmus+ gain the right to receive financial support for their study mobility abroad: 700 EUR per month to cover living expenses, plus additional support for travel costs.

The Erasmus+ living allowance is fixed and does not cover all expenses incurred during the mobility period. Students are therefore encouraged to have additional personal funds.

Students with fewer opportunities

Students with fewer opporunities receive an extra 250 Eur per month on top of the standard Erasmus+ grant.

Travel Grant

Students participating in study mobility receive an additional Erasmus+ travel grant. The amount is intended to cover travel expenses to and from the host institution. The distance is calculated between the student’s place of origin (the location of the sending institution) and the host institution. The distance from Sending Institution to Host institutions can be calculated by using digital distance calculator in the European Commision website.

Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija strongly encourages students to use sustainable means of transportation, such as bicycles, buses, trains, or carpooling with other mobility participants. The host institution coordinator must be informed at least one month before departure, and students are required to complete and sign the “Declaration of Honour for Green Travel.”

Before Departure

Students selected for Erasmus+ study mobility attend an information session where they are guided on completing all required documents for their stay at the host institution. Selected students are notified via email.

Preparation for Study Mobility:

1. Selection of the courses from the host institution’s list that match your study programme. Seleced courses must be approved by the head of the department and the faculty vice-dean.

2. If required by the host institution, submit the Application Form.

3. Complete the Online Learning Agreement (Learning Agreement for Studies).

4. Arrange accommodation, travel, and travel insurance (If choosing green travel, complete and sign the "Declaration of Honour for Green Travel").

5. Sign the Grant agreement.

During Mobility:

1. If you need to make changes to your agreed Learning Agreement, notify your Erasmus coordinator. Once approved, complete the During the Mobility Form within one month of arrival at the host university.

2. To extend your stay for an additional semester, inform the Erasmus coordinator at least one month before the planned end of mobility. Extensions are only available for the spring semester.

After Returning:

The recognition of studies and transfer of credits between the sending and host institutions is handled according to the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Upon returning, students must submit the following to the International Relations Coordinator:

1. Certificate signed by the host institution representative.

2. Ensure that arrival and departure dates match the dates in your Erasmus+ financial agreement. Any changes must be reported to the coordinator.

3. Learning Agreement Changes Sheet (During the Mobility) if courses were modified.

4. Transcript of Records reflecting academic achievements during the study period abroad.

5. Completed Participant Report (sent via email by the European Commission system).

6. Travel documents proving your journey to and from the host institution.

7. A short mobility report with 5–10 photos (to be published on Šiaulių valstybine kolegija official website and social media).

All documents must be submitted to the International Relations Office by the specified deadline. Once all required documents are received, the International Relations Office initiates the payment of the remaining 20% of the Erasmus+ grant.

Erasmus+ Traineeship Mobility

Erasmus+ student charter

Erasmus+ traineeships for students and graduates offer the opportunity to gain practical experience in a company or organisation in a country participating in the Erasmus+ programme.

An Erasmus+ traineeship helps participants adapt to the European labour market, strengthen their professional skills, and broaden their understanding of the host country’s economy, social environment, and culture.

Erasmus+ Traineeship Opportunities

Traineeship placements offered by NEOLAiA Alliance Partners – find more information via the provided link.

Additional opportunities are available on the international search platform erasmusintern.org.

Eligible and Ineligible Organizations for Traineeship

Eligible Traineeship Placement:

1. A higher education institution holding an Erasmus Charter for Higher Education.
2. A company or organization located in any programme country (EU countries, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Serbia, North Macedonia, Turkey).
3. The host company or organization must be officially registered in the foreign country.
4. The internship at the host organization must allow you to achieve the objectives outlined in your internship description.

Ineligible Traineeship Placement:

1. Higher education institutions, companies, or organizations located in Lithuania.
2. Higher education institutions, companies, or organizations located in the student’s country of origin or residence.
3. EU institutions and agencies.

Financial Support to Trainee

Recent-graduates receive an additional individual grant of 250 EUR per month on top of the standard EU Erasmus+ funding.

The Erasmus+ grant for living expenses has fixed amount and does not cover all costs incurred during the traineeship period abroad. Therefore, students are advised to have additional personal funds.

Students with Fewer Opportunities:

Students with fewer opportunities receive an additional individual grant of 250 EUR per month on top of the standard EU Erasmus+ funding.

Travel Grant

Students participating in traineeship mobility receive an additional Erasmus+ travel grant. The amount is intended to cover travel expenses to and from the host institution. The distance is calculated between the student’s place of origin (the location of the sending institution) and the host institution/company/organisation. The distance from Sending Institution to Host institution/company/organisation can be calculated by using digital distance calculator in the European Commision website.

Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija strongly encourages students to use sustainable means of transportation, such as bicycles, buses, trains, or carpooling with other mobility participants. The host institution coordinator must be informed at least one month before departure, and students are required to complete and sign the “Declaration of Honour for Green Travel.”

The Erasmus+ grant is paid in two installments: 80% is paid upon signing the grant agreement, and the remaining 20% is paid after the student returns and completes their study period abroad.

Preparation for Erasmus+ Traineeship Mobility

Before Departure
Students selected for Erasmus+ traineeships or graduate traineeships attend an information session, where they are guided through the required documentation for their placement abroad. Selected students are informed by email.

Preparation:

1. Find a suitable company or organisation for your traineeship independently.

2. Agree on the traineeship tasks, objectives, and duration with your department head and faculty vice-dean (approval required).

3. Obtain a signed Confirmation Letter from the host organisation.

4. Complete the Learning Agreement for Traineeships.

5. Arrange health, liability, and accident insurance.

6. Organise accommodation and travel. (If choosing green travel, complete and sign the Declaration of Honour for Green Travel).

7. Sign the Grant agreement.

During the Traineeship

1. Carry out the tasks and objectives defined in your traineeship agreement under the supervision of your host organisation.

2. In case of any issues, contact the International Relations Coordinator.

3. To extend your traineeship, inform the coordinator at least one month before the planned end date.

After Returning
The recognition of traineeship results is based on the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Upon return, submit the following documents:

1. Traineeship Certificate / Transcript of Records issued by the host organisation.

2. Completed Participant Report (sent automatically by email).

3. Travel documents (proof of travel to and from the host organisation).

4. short mobility report with 5–10 photos (to be published on Šiaulių valstybine kolegija official website and social media).

All documents must be submitted to the International Relations Office by the specified deadline. Once all required documents are received, the International Relations Office initiates the payment of the remaining 20% of the Erasmus+ grant.

Erasmus+ Blendend Intensive Programme (BIP)

Erasmus+ student charter

Blended Intensive Programmes (BIP) are short, intensive learning experiences that use innovative teaching methods, including online collaboration. These programmes are organised by groups of higher education institutions for both students and staff.

BIPs combine a short period of physical mobility abroad with a mandatory virtual component. This approach enables participants to collaborate online, work together on shared tasks, and engage in interactive, team-based learning. The virtual component is fully integrated into the overall learning outcomes of the programme.

Duration:

- Minimum 5 days of physical mobility at a host higher education institution

- Additional online sessions, depending on the organising institution

Who can participate:
All motivated full-time and part-time students who have not yet used their full 12-month Erasmus+ mobility allowance within their current study cycle are eligible to participate.

Invitations to Participate in BIP

Information about current student calls is available in this section.
There are currently no active calls.

Financial Support for BIP

Students participating in BIP mobility activities receive financial support for living expenses as follows:

- 79 EUR per day for up to the 14th day of activity.

- 56 EUR per day for days 15 to 30.

Students with fewer opportunities receive an additional 100 EUR top-up to their individual support for physical mobility.

The Erasmus+ grant for living expenses is partial and does not cover all costs incurred during the Blended Intensive Programme physical period abroad. Therefore, students are advised to have additional personal funds.

Financial support is also provided to help cover travel-related living costs to and from the short-term mobility destination.

• For non-green travel, funding is provided for up to 2 travel days.
• For green travel, students may receive funding for up to 6 additional travel days.

After completing the mobility, students must submit supporting travel documents.

Students participating in BIP mobility receive an additional Erasmus+ travel grant. The amount is intended to cover travel expenses to and from the host institution. The distance is calculated between the student’s place of origin (the location of the sending institution) and the host institution. The distance from Sending Institution to Host institutions can be calculated by using digital distance calculator in the European Commision website.

Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija strongly encourages students to use sustainable means of transportation, such as bicycles, buses, trains, or carpooling with other mobility participants. The host institution coordinator must be informed at least one month before departure, and students are required to complete and sign the “Declaration of Honour for Green Travel.”

Preparation for Erasmus+ BIP

Students selected for the Erasmus+ BIP program attend a group or individual briefing, where they are guided on the preparation and completion of all necessary documents for their stay at the host institution. Selected students are notified via email. Selected students are notified via email. Participation in Erasmus+ BIP virtual activities (before or after the physical activities at Host Institution) is mandatory. Receiving institution is responsible for the schedule of virtual activities.

Before Departure:

1. The host institution is informed of the selected students’ nominations.

2. Complete any required Application Form or provide additional information requested by the host institution.

3. Fill in and sign the Online Learning Agreement.

4. Sign the Grant Agreement.

5. Arrange accommodation, travel and travel insurance.

During Mobility:

Students must inform the Erasmus+ coordinator of any changes to their planned BIP activities.

After Return:

The recognition of learning outcomes and smooth coordination between the sending and host institutions are ensured through the European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS).

Upon return, students must submit the following documents to the International Relations Office:

1. Certificate – issued and signed by the host institution representative on the last day of physical mobility. 

2. Transcript of Records – with evaluation of the course.

3. Participant Report – the European Commission report, automatically sent via email on the last day of physical mobility.

4. Travel Documents – confirmation of student's travel to the host institution and back to the sending institution.

5. Mobility Description and 5–10 Photos – for publication on the Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija official website and social media.

All documents must be submitted to the International Relations Office by the specified deadline. Once all required mobility documentation has been provided, the remaining 20% of the Erasmus+ grant will be transfered.

Students with Fewer Opportunities

Šiaulių valstybinė kolegija / Higher Education Institutution encourages students with fewer opportunities to participate in Erasmus+ mobility activities by providing additional support grants.

Who qualifies:

Students may be considered as having fewer opportunities if, due to economic, social, cultural, geographical, or health-related factors, migrant background, disability, learning difficulties, or other circumstances—including those listed in Article 21 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights—they face barriers that prevent them from fully benefiting from the opportunities offered by the programme.

Groups of Students with Fewer Opportunities may include:

- Students from socially disadvantaged backgrounds (e.g., living alone or with others, entitled to or receiving social assistance under Lithuanian law).

- Students from low-income families.

- Orphans or students who have lost parental care (e.g., legally under guardianship before reaching adulthood or whose only parent is deceased).

- Students with 45% or lower working capacity, or severe to moderate disability.

- Students with dependent children under 14 years old.

- Students with refugee status.

- Students holding a residence permit in Lithuania for humanitarian reasons.

- Students with disabilities that incur additional costs during mobility activities (with supporting documentation).

- Students over 30 years old.

Support for Students and Graduates with Fewer Opportunities:

Students and graduates with fewer opportunities receive an additional individual grant of 250 euros per month on top of the standard EU Erasmus+ funding.

For short-term physical mobility activities, participants with fewer opportunities receive a one-time additional grant of:

- 100 eur for mobility lasting 5–14 days.

- 150 eur for mobility lasting 15–30 days.

Additional individual support may also be provided to participants (students and staff) based on actual expenses. Applications for this support must be submitted at least one month before the participant’s mobility start date.

Dovydas Buivys, International Relations Coordinator – responsible for all outgoing Erasmus+ mobilities of students, academic staff, and administrative personnel.
Phone: +370 41 43 37 93
E-mail: d.buivys@svako.lt

Šiauliai valstybinė kolegija invites students to enhance their foreign language skills using the Online Language Support (OLS) platform provided by the European Commission.

Students preparing to go abroad through the Erasmus+ program can take the OLS language assessment. This helps you evaluate your language level (the language you will use during studies, internships, or Blended intensive programs) and provides a personalized language learning program tailored to your needs. OLS is a flexible and user-friendly tool designed to improve language skills while supporting one of the key Erasmus+ objectives: promoting language learning and linguistic diversity.

Learn in 29 Languages

OLS offers courses in 29 languages, including all EU languages: Irish, English, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, Estonian, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Croatian, Latvian, Polish, Lithuanian, Maltese, Dutch, Portuguese, French, Romanian, Slovak, Slovenian, Finnish, Swedish, Hungarian, and German.

It also covers the official languages of Erasmus+ partner countries outside the EU: Iceland, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey.

How to Get Started on OLS

1. Create an EU Login Account
   If you do not have one yet, register once—it’s your key to all European language platforms.
2. Log in to OLS (EU Academy)
   Use your EU Login credentials to access the language learning environment.
3. Choose Your Language Courses
   You can start in three ways:
   • Take a language assessment test to discover your current level.
   • Select courses by language and level to find the ones that suit you best.
   • Search by course name in the search bar, e.g., “My English course”.

Subscribe to the OLA newsletter to be the first to receive the latest updates and system improvements.

If you have questions about accessing or using the OLS platform, contact our International Relations Coordinator, Dovydas Buivys, at d.buivys@svako.lt.

Partial learning outcomes of a student who has studied in another higher education institution or a foreign higher education institution / has completed practice under a partial study agreement, a double diploma study agreement or on another lawful basis coordinating the content of the studies, are credited without restrictions, if no violations of the requirements of the agreement are established in relation to the studied subjects.

A student who wishes the learning outcomes of partial studies to be credited in accordance with the partial study agreement of the exchange programme submits to ŠVK International Relations Office an academic certificate or other document on the subjects he/she has participated and accounted for.

A student wishing the results of partial studies under a double diploma study agreement to be credited has to submit to the Dean of the Faculty of ŠVK an academic certificate or other document on the subjects participated and accounted for.

Values of the assessment in the European Credit Transfer System, the level of achievement of the subject objectives corresponding to it in percent, the approximate equivalence in the study mark and the consequences of the assessment are defined in accordance with the following table:

European Credit Transfer System scores and marks equivalents

A subject evaluated in a foreign higher education institution with a record credited at ŠVK will be credited by recording partial learning outcome in accordance with the agreed study content in another higher education institution in the ŠVK crediting card (Annex 1) as credited.

If the sent student has not fulfilled the requirements according to the agreed content of the studies (partial study achievements have been evaluated negatively, the intended number of study credits has not been collected), upon his/her return, conditions are created for him/her to attend the scope of the missing subjects and account for them free of charge. In the event of academic differences, the student is allowed to study and account on an individual basis by order of the Dean of the Faculty.

Full version of Partial Learning Outcomes Crediting Description

Complaints shall be handled in accordance with the principles of objectivity, impartiality, equal treatment, confidentiality and transparent administration.

The right to submit a complaint shall be granted to Erasmus+ mobility participants (students, graduates and staff), candidates for Erasmus+ mobility, representatives of partner institutions and other persons directly involved in the implementation of Erasmus+ activities at the College.

Complaints may be submitted regarding:

• the organisation and results of the selection of Erasmus+ mobility participants;
• mobility administration procedures;
• the allocation and calculation of Erasmus+ financial support;
• the administration of mobility documents;
• the recognition of study results and/or traineeship results;
• the quality of information provision or consultation;
• possible discrimination, unequal treatment or violation of Erasmus+ quality principles;
• other matters related to the implementation of Erasmus+ activities.

A complaint shall be submitted in writing, in Lithuanian or English, to the International Relations Office by email at tarptautiniai.rysiai@svako.lt. The complaint must contain:

• the applicant's first name and surname;
• contact details;
• the circumstances being complained about and a description thereof;
• the grounds for the complaint;
• the requested decision or remedy;
• documents or other information supporting the circumstances stated in the complaint.

A complaint must be submitted within 10 working days from the date on which the applicant became aware, or should have become aware, of the circumstances giving rise to the complaint. Complaints submitted without complying with the established requirements may be left unexamined, and the applicant shall be informed thereof.

Complaints received shall be registered and initially assessed by the International Relations Office. If a complaint concerns decisions or actions taken by employees of the International Relations Office, a separate committee may be established to examine the complaint.

When examining a complaint, all circumstances related to the complaint shall be assessed and the documents submitted shall be analysed. Where necessary, additional information may be requested from the applicant, College employees or other persons concerned. Persons examining the complaint must ensure impartiality and avoid conflicts of interest.

A complaint shall be examined and a decision shall be taken no later than within 20 working days from the date of receipt of the complaint. If, for objective reasons, the examination of the complaint cannot be completed within the established time limit, the applicant shall be informed of the extension of the examination period and the reasons for such extension.

Once a decision has been taken, the applicant shall be informed of it in writing. The decision shall specify the established circumstances, the reasons for the decision and, where applicable, the measures envisaged to remedy the identified deficiencies.

The outcome of the complaint examination may be:

• the complaint is upheld;
• the complaint is partially upheld;
• the complaint is rejected as unfounded;
• the complaint is left unexamined where there is insufficient information to examine it or where it was submitted without complying with the established requirements.

In accordance with the procedure established by the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania.

Appeals against Erasmus+ Participant Selection Results

An Erasmus+ mobility selection participant who disagrees with the decision of the Selection Committee or the selection results shall have the right to submit a reasoned complaint regarding the selection procedure or its results within 5 working days from the date of publication of the selection results or the date of individual notification of the decision taken.

The complaint must specify the particular circumstances on which the disagreement with the selection results is based and provide arguments and, where applicable, supporting documents.

Complaints concerning Erasmus+ mobility selection results shall be examined in accordance with the principles of transparency, objectivity and equal treatment. During the examination of a complaint, compliance of the selection procedures with the established criteria shall be reassessed; however, the approved selection criteria or assessment principles shall not be changed.

A decision on the complaint shall be taken no later than within 10 working days from the date of receipt of the complaint. The applicant shall be informed of the decision in writing.

The submission of a complaint against the selection results shall not suspend the procedures for organising Erasmus+ mobility, unless the College decides otherwise.