Exchange and mobility Exchange and mobility

European Mobility for Higher Educaiton: Swiss-European Mobility Programme (SEMP) / ERASMUS

The Swiss Programme for Erasmus+ for higher education is called Swiss-European Mobility Programme SEMP. SEMP gives Swiss higher education institutions the possibility to support students as well as teaching and administrative staff doing a study-, training- or teaching-mobility in Europe with funding.

Who can participate?

Students can complete a study visit at a partner higher education institution (HEI) in another European country of up to 12 months per cycle of studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate). These visits are recognised for the studies at their own HEI.
Students and graduates can complete a traineeship in a business enterprise or other suitable workplace abroad of up to 12 months per cycle of studies (Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate).
Lecturers have the opportunity to teach abroad. This is possible in any faculty.
HEI staff can be supported in their professional development – through further staff training abroad and through job shadowing/ observation periods at a partner HEI or appropriate institution abroad.

Michael Hengartner, President of swissuniversities and Rector of UZH, explains in the video what constitutes SEMP mobility.

Who can submit projects?

SEMP projects for mobility are submitted by HEI, not by students or HEI staff directly, to the national agency Movetia.

How are the mobilities organised?

HEI usually have an International Relations Office. This is responsible for organising and carrying out student and staff mobility. Students, lecturers and employees who would like to find out about the possibilities of spending a period abroad should contact the International Relations Office of their HEI. There, they can obtain all further information (requirements, application, deadlines, etc.).

Incoming mobility – what, how, where?

In order to ensure reciprocity, student and staff mobility from Erasmus+ programme countries to Switzerland is also supported by SEMP. Traineeships must be organised through a Swiss HEI, usually a partner institution of the student’s home HEI. Students and HEI staff can obtain information from the International Relations Office of their home HEI.

Since 1987 the Erasmus Programme helped more than 4.4 Millions of students in Europe – 44’251 from Switzerland – to realise a mobility abroad. Which are the most popular destinations? Which subject areas are the most “mobile”? Check out our statistics!

Erasmus+ funding instruments and opportunities for Swiss institutions

Setting up and implementing joint strategic partnerships and cooperation projects is an additional component in the internationalisation of HEIs. For this, Erasmus+ offers various funding instruments, which support inter-institutional collaboration. This overview summarises everything Erasmus+ offers for higher education and provides information on participation options (despite partner country status) for Swiss HEIs.

For mobility and cooperation with institutions outside Europe, Movetia offers further funding instruments within the “International Programme”.