Studying Abroad with a Disability

Studying abroad presents students with a disability or chronic illness with exceptional challenges. Yet, you do not have to meet them all on your own. There are various institutions you can turn to for assistance in finding an appropriate host university, applying for financial support, and getting assistance on site during your stay abroad. For example, the DAAD supports students with severe disabilities in traveling to prepare for an Erasmus stay abroad.

The team of the International Office is happy to help you in planning your stay abroad.

You are interested in a certain country or university? We can explore what the situation is like there for students with disabilities and how support can be accessed on site. Through the Erasmus+ program, we can also offer financial support for stays abroad within Europe.

The following websites provide you with helpful information:

• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) – Mobilität mit Behinderung (Mobility for students with a disability)
• Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs – Auslandsstudium mit Behinderung (Studying abroad with a disability)
• Deutsches Studentenwerk – Auslandsstudium mit Behinderung (Studying abroad with a disability)
• Inclusive Mobility – Information portal on accessibility at European universities
• Experience reports from students who have been supported by the Erasmus program
• College Contact – Auslandsstudium mit Behinderungen (Studying abroad with disabilities): College Contact is a free consulting agency that helps free movers find a place to study

The Erasmus+ program promotes equal opportunity. This is why students with a degree of disability (GdB) of 20 or higher are eligible for additional Erasmus funding for an Erasmus+ stay abroad. This also applies to students with a chronic illness that results in additional financial requirements for their stay abroad. In addition, students with a severe disability can receive funding for preparatory trips to prepare for stays abroad in the Erasmus area (for the purpose of studying or completing an internship). It is best to consult the International Office several months in advance about the options available and how to apply.

The social counseling and financial advice services of the Studierendenwerk provide further information on funding and social benefits for students with a disability.