CEEPUS programme of academic exchange and eligibility criteria

Central European Exchange Program for University Studies (CEEPUS) is a programme that offers academic exchange in 15 CEEPUS member countries. Eligible higher education institutions from these countries form thematic networks, inside of which most student and staff mobilities take place. In addition to network mobilities, candidates whose home university or institute is not listed in a particular (or any) network can also apply for a grant as freemover candidates in any CEEPUS country, as long as their institution is eligible for participating in the CEEPUS programme. Regardless of the type of mobility (network/freemover), students and academic staff of CEEPUS Universities who are also citizens of a CEEPUS member state are eligible to apply for a CEEPUS mobility grant. Additionally, citizens of other countries enrolled in a CEEPUS university can also apply for a grant, in which case they need to present an Equal Status document. Also, students need to have completed two semesters of bachelor’s degree studies to be eligible to participate in the CEEPUS exchange. 

Searching for mobility opportunities

To find mobility opportunities, candidates are welcome to search for CEEPUS networks, which will also allow them to assess whether they should apply for a grant as a network or freemover candidate. To search for CEEPUS networks, it is necessary to click on the FIND ON NETWORK button, which can be found on the front page of the CEEPUS platform. By opting to search By University, and choosing the academic year in which the mobility will take place, as well as home country and home university, one can access all networks in which their home university is participating. If a candidate has found an institution that is a part of the same network as their home institution (faculty, institute, or department) he/she can apply for a mobility grant as a network candidate. In case the desired institution is not a part of the same network as a home institution, a candidate can apply for a grant as freemover candidate.  

Applying for CEEPUS mobility

To apply for mobility, candidates need to register their account on the CEEPUS platform, by clicking on MY CEEPUS. After registering and logging into their account, candidates can start with their mobility application by clicking on Create a new application and then following CEEPUS Mobility Wizard’s instructions. After filling in all fields, it is necessary to click on Submit button to finish the application process. 

Choosing a mobility category

When filling in the CEEPUS mobility grant application, it is necessary to choose a correct mobility category, which depends on the length of the mobility period, as well as on the purpose of staying in an institution abroad. Candidates can apply for CEEPUS mobility under four categories listed below:

Students: scholarships for regular semester activities are awarded for a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 10 months;

Short-term students: stays shorter than 3 months are aimed at students conducting research and working on their theses and dissertations;

Short Term Excursions: stays shorter than 6 days are aimed at students participating in CEEPUS Summer and Winter schools, which are always part of existing CEEPUS Networks;

Teacher: Academic staff members should always apply under this category, regardless of their length of stay. It is obligatory to teach/supervise for at least 6 hours per work week (5 days) during mobility at a host institution. 

Freemover candidate documentation

Freemover candidates are required to attach additional documents to their online application, unlike network mobility candidates. Both students and academic staff applying for freemover mobility need to provide freemover letter of acceptance, signed by the host institution. In addition, freemover student candidates need to prepare two freemover letters of recommendation from their home institution. Freemover document forms can be found under the DOWNLOADS section of the CEEPUS platform.  

Filling in the Motivation section in an online application

While filling in their online mobility application, candidates should pay special attention to the Motivation section. It is necessary to state the academic purpose of mobility in this section, depending on the chosen category of mobility. 

Additional information about the CEEPUS programme

Additional information about the programme can be found on the CEEPUS platform, as well as in the HOW section. Further information about CEEPUS programme in Serbia is also available on the website of the National CEEPUS Office in Serbia. For all inquiries regarding student and teacher mobility via the CEEPUS programme in Serbia, please contact the National CEEPUS Office in Serbia at ceepus@tempus.ac.rs.

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