Making the most of Erasmus+ inclusion top-up grants: A practical guide for HEIs
International mobility remains one of the most enriching elements of higher education, providing students with invaluable personal, academic and professional growth. Yet not all students have equal access to these experiences. Barriers (financial, social, informational and structural) continue to influence many. To address these inequalities, Erasmus+ offers "inclusion top-ups" (€250 per month), a policy specifically designed to help students with fewer opportunities access mobility programmes.
Introduced as part of the Erasmus+ 2021–2027 programme, inclusion top-ups are funded at the European level and implemented by National Agencies and higher education institutions across participating countries. While the overarching objective is the same throughout Europe, the specific eligibility criteria and support mechanisms are defined nationally to reflect local contexts and evidence. Institutions play a key role in translating this policy into practice by identifying eligible students, communicating available support and providing guidance throughout the mobility journey. Germany's approach offers one example of how national funding, institutional engagement and targeted outreach can work together to make international mobility more inclusive.
Germany's approach to inclusion top-ups
To strengthen support for students with fewer opportunities the German National agency (DAAD), together with relevant federal ministries, secured the transfer of €57 million from the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to Erasmus+ for the 2022–2027 programme period.
Germany defined the eligible groups for the Erasmus+ top-up in close coordination between the National agency and the Federal Ministry of Education and Research relying on the results of national studies. As a result, the target groups are students from non-academic backgrounds, working students, students with children, and those with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
The largest group of recipients by far (72,4%) are first-generation students whose parents did not attend higher education and who according to the findings of the German Student Services Organization consistently participate less in international mobility (English summary here). This is mainly due to financial constraints, lack of guidance or role models, information gaps, and lower confidence in navigating higher education and mobility schemes.
Working students formed around 64% of Germany's student population in the summer semester of 2021 as well as the second-largest group of students funded with the Erasmus+ top up in Germany (21,7%). According to our latest student survey conducted in 2025, lost income during a stay abroad adds to reluctance to participate, as most participants worked primarily to cover their living expenses (86.5%). This effect is even higher for students who not only work but also belong to other target groups, confirming significant intersectionality: almost a third (29%) of recipients met more than one criterion for top-up eligibility.
Students with chronic illnesses (3,6%), disabilities (2,1%) or children (0.3%) make up smaller groups, but face particularly high mobility barriers: the effort of organising care, finding accessible housing, managing complex health or family needs, and the associated financial pressures make participation significantly more difficult.
Why inclusion top-ups matter: Impact in numbers
The impact of inclusion top-ups is tangible. National programme data shows that in the KA131 2023 call, 41.9% of all Germany's Erasmus+ participants received a top-up. Furthermore, our latest student survey results show that the top-ups play a key role in participation: 62.4% of all respondents stated that, without the additional financial support, they would not have been able to go abroad at all. This figure is even higher for some target groups - 65.2% for first-generation students, 84.4% for students with children and over 50% for students with disabilities or chronic illness. Thus, the top-up is often not just a supplement but a prerequisite for participation.
Furthermore, our latest student survey results show that the top-ups play a key role in participation: 62.4% of all respondents stated that, without the additional financial support, they would not have been able to go abroad at all
For most (67%), the regular Erasmus+ grant plus top-up was enough to cover the majority of expenses, with coverage rates highest for students with chronic illness (71.6%) and lowest for those with children (56.3%). Only 19.2% of the survey sample received BAföG (federal student financial aid program) for studying abroad, highlighting the importance on the Erasmus+ grant and top-up among this population.
Beyond financial access, the survey identifies clear added value in terms of academic focus and personal growth. On a scale of 1 to5, respondents reported that top-ups helped them concentrate better on their studies (mean 1.89), while their personal (mean 1.44) and professional (mean 1.84) development benefited markedly from their stay abroad.
Thanks to the financial assistance for students from underprivileged backgrounds, I was able to focus entirely on my studies. This financial security was also reflected in my academic performance.
Where information and support make the difference
A critical finding is the centrality of direct information: 71.5% first heard about the top-up from Erasmus+ coordinators at their home institution. HEIs websites followed (34.6%), with friends/peers (17.8%) and service centres (11%) playing a smaller role. This underlines that direct, personal engagement by well-informed staff is indispensable for effective outreach to these groups.
Specific support services tailored to the needs of first-generation students, parents or students with health issues remain rare or rarely known at German higher education institutions. Around 85% of surveyed first-generation students and the majority of students with disabilities, chronic illness or children reported not receiving targeted support from their home or host institution.
"Connecting various advisory services is also important to me, such as our International Office, equal opportunity offices, disability support and psychosocial counselling – ensuring students receive information from a range of different sources. That is particularly important because many do not initially feel that Erasmus+ funding is meant for them. It can make a real difference to be reassured and told: "Yes, this opportunity is relevant to you, too. It can be valuable for your personal and professional development. Consider it, and we will support you throughout the process." This applies to all students, not only students with fewer opportunities." (Andrea Menn, Erasmus+ coordination, Jade University of Applied Sciences).
Intersectionality and financial realities
The top-up numbers in Germany are strongest among first-generation and working students, but overlapping needs are common, as one in three recipients meets more than one eligibility criteria simultaneously, according to the student survey.
Covering living costs is the primary reason for student employment before mobility, but students also work to afford additional expenses, gain work experience or build savings. After their stay, most found a job again within a reasonable period. Still, the financial challenge remains acute: participation in Erasmus+ without the top-up would simply not happen for the majority of students with children, and for over half of students with disability or chronical illnesses.
Recommendations for institutions - how to get started?
- Get informed and inform partners
Higher education institutions participating in the Erasmus+ program for the first time should contact their national agency or the Inclusion Officer to learn about the top-ups and the specific national regulations. In addition, SALTO Inclusion has compiled the various national approaches on its website. Information about funding criteria should also be shared with international partners who are sending incoming beneficiaries. - Explain funding transparently
For beneficiaries it’s important that funding schemes are presented in a clear, user-friendly way. Make it easy to understand who qualifies for top-up funding and what additional support is available, including real-cost grants and other targeted measures. - Communicate proactively and personally
We would recommend giving priority to direct, personal communication from Erasmus+ coordinators, complemented by clear, prominent information on your websites. Use targeted guides, events and student ambassadors to reach underrepresented groups, and ensure all materials are accessible and barrier-free. - Make applications simple and supportive
If possible, reduce administrative burden and accept self-attestation when appropriate. Provide individual guidance and regular drop-in hours, with particular attention to staff and students navigating complex personal or financial situations. - Build tailored support structures
Build, strengthen and visibly promote advisory, networking, and counselling services at your institution as well as the partner institutions with a special focus on participants with fewer opportunities. Work closely with student services, diversity offices, and both home and host institutions to offer coordinated, seamless support. You can also present information about your services on the inclusivemobility.eu website and encourage your partners to do the same. - Track impact and share what works
Regularly collect feedback from participants to improve your communication and support services. Share experiences and good practices across offices, and actively engage in peer exchanges, training and dialogue initiatives at the international level.
Conclusion: Making Erasmus+ truly inclusive
Financial support, meaningful outreach and tailored services are the pillars of inclusive international mobility. Erasmus+ inclusion top-ups demonstrably lower the practical and psychological barriers for those who need it most – and many students would remain excluded without them. Institutions play a decisive role in making equality of opportunity a lived reality. The challenge for the future is both to sustain and expand these efforts – ensuring that Erasmus+ continues to stand for genuine inclusion and mobility for all.
