General Information
Erasmus+ supports short-term teaching mobility (STA) as well as mobility for training (STT) for university staff at partner institutions in programme countries, provided that these institutions hold a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). Further information on the ECHE is available on the website of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
A prerequisite for funding is the existence of an Inter-Institutional Agreement (IIA = bilateral cooperation agreement) between Helmut Schmidt University / University of the Federal Armed Forces Hamburg (HSU/UniBw H) and the host institution, in which teaching mobility and/or training mobility are explicitly agreed upon. An overview of the current partner universities of HSU/UniBw H can be found in the download section of the International Office (Outgoing – Information and Guidelines for Preparation – Overview of Exchange Programmes).
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Teaching Assignments (STA)
Teaching activities can be carried out in various formats, such as seminars, lectures, tutorials, colloquia, or the supervision of doctoral candidates. Physical presence of the teaching staff on site is mandatory. Teaching mobility within the framework of Erasmus+ makes a significant contribution to the internationalisation of HSU/UniBw H. It strengthens the intercultural and international competencies of academic staff, promotes the exchange of teaching and learning methods within the European Higher Education Area, and provides opportunities to gain international teaching experience as well as to further develop cross-border networks and cooperative projects.
The International Office expressly welcomes the use of teaching stays to inform students at the host institution about exchange opportunities at HSU/UniBw H. Relevant information materials can be provided by the International Office upon request.
Who can apply?
The following groups of staff are eligible for funding:
Professors and lecturers with a contractual relationship with the sending institution
Academic staff members
What are the requirements?
Staff mobility is funded for stays in programme countries that are neither the country of the sending institution nor the participant’s country of primary residence.
Teaching mobility within Europe must have a minimum duration of 2 days and may last up to a maximum of 60 days; travel days are not included.
The required teaching load is 8 hours for the first week of the stay or for shorter mobility periods. For stays exceeding 7 days, the minimum number of required teaching hours is calculated proportionally for each additional day.
If teaching activities are combined with training or professional development measures, the required teaching load is reduced to 4 hours per week. No minimum teaching load is required for invited staff from enterprises.
Further information is available from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Erasmus+ Staff Mobility for Training (STT)
In addition to mobility programmes for students and teaching staff, Erasmus+ also supports training and professional development stays abroad for university employees. The following activities may be funded:
- Curriculum Development Participation (for teaching staff)
- Job Shadowing: Gaining insight into the workflows at the partner institution
- Observations: Observing teaching or administrative practices
- Workshops and Seminars: Participation in subject-specific professional development courses
- Language Courses
Participation in scientific conferences is not eligible for funding.
Erasmus+ staff mobility for training takes place in person in the host country and provides university staff with valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Stays at European partner institutions allow participants to acquire new skills, learn innovative working methods, and integrate international perspectives into their daily work. At the same time, the mobility strengthens intercultural exchange, promotes networking across Europe, and contributes to the internationalisation of HSU/UniBw H. Practical examples of such mobility activities can be found here.
Who can apply?
The following groups of staff are eligible for funding:
All employees with a contractual relationship with the sending institution, ranging from trainees and staff in teaching or administration (e.g., library, IT, human resources, finance, programme administration, etc.) to the university president.
What are the requirements?
Staff mobility is funded for stays in programme countries that are neither the country of the sending institution nor the participant’s country of primary residence.
Training and professional development mobility within Europe must have a minimum duration of 2 days and may last up to a maximum of 60 days; travel days are not included.
Further information is available from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
What can be funded?
Participants receive a financial contribution towards their travel and living expenses (Erasmus Grant) under the Erasmus programme. The amount of funding depends on both the destination country and the duration of the stay. The respective funding rates are set by the European Commission and vary by country. Travel costs are calculated based on flat rates determined using the Distance Calculator, with the participant’s official place of work serving as the starting point.
Through financial support for sustainable means of transport, the Erasmus+ programme aims to promote more environmentally friendly mobility and reduce the programme’s ecological footprint. The “Green Travel” support includes an increased travel grant, calculated according to the respective distance band, and can be combined with funding for up to four additional travel days. An overview of the “Green Travel” measures can be found here.
Additional funding is available for:
Detailed information can be found in the current criteria catalogue for additional financial support.
Application Procedure for Staff Mobility (STA and STT)
Applications for STA and STT are subject to application deadlines:
STA/STT – January 31st: For all mobility activities planned between April 1st and August 31st
STA/STT – June 30th: For all mobility activities planned between September 1st and March 31st
Applications can be submitted as long as funding is available.
Please send the following documents by e-mail to [email protected] at the International Office of HSU/UniBw H:
- Curriculum vitae (CV) in table format
- Approval from your supervisor for the planned activity (except for professors)
- STT: Invitation letter from the host institution specifying the duration, content, and objectives of the training/professional development activities
- STA: Invitation letter including details of the host institution, the duration and purpose of your mobility, and the teaching load in hours
Selection and Allocation Procedure for Staff Mobility (STA and STT)
The selection of participants for Erasmus+ staff mobility for teaching assignments (STA) as well as training and professional development (STT) is based on a review of the submitted applications by the International Office of HSU/UniBw H. The decision on funding is made according to the following criteria:
STA and STT: Academic relevance and institutional benefits for you and HSU/UniBw H
- STA: Contribution to the internationalisation of teaching and learning
- STA: Expected benefits for the participating staff member and, where applicable, the students
- STA and STT: Sustainability of the activity and planned follow-up actions
- STA and STT: Willingness to host and supervise return visits
Applicants should complete the field “Justification for the planned mobility” in the Erasmus+ Staff Mobility (STA_STT) application form based on the criteria listed above.
First-time participants in an Erasmus+ mobility will be given special consideration during the selection process; repeat funding is generally possible.
The goal is also to support staff from as many different areas of the university as possible.
People with severe disabilities or equivalent conditions are given preferential consideration if equally qualified.
Important Information on Insurance Coverage, Tax Declaration, and Other Matters
Insurance coverange
Receiving an Erasmus+ grant does not automatically include insurance coverage. Neither the European Commission, the National Agency DAAD, nor HSU/UniBw H assume liability for damages incurred during an Erasmus+ stay abroad, including but not limited to illness, accidents, death, personal injury, or loss/damage of property.
By signing the Grant Agreement, funded participants commit to arranging adequate insurance coverage independently. This coverage should ideally include:
- Travel insurance, if applicable
- Liability insurance (professional and/or personal, as appropriate)
- Accident insurance (note: official business trips are generally covered)
- Coverage for serious illnesses, including full or partial inability to work
- Life insurance, including potential repatriation from abroad
- Additionally, it is recommended to carry a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
Participants also have the option to enroll in the DAAD group insurance, which provides comprehensive protection. Further information is available from the DAAD Insurance Office at +49 228 882-294.
Please note that HSU/UniBw H may only use grant funds for trips that are actually undertaken. Reimbursement for trips not taken is not possible. When planning your travel, consider taking out an appropriate trip cancellation insurance.
Tax declaration
The flat-rate amounts specified in the Grant Agreement must be declared as income in your tax return. Actual expenses incurred during your Erasmus+ stay can be claimed as work-related expenses. The Grant Agreement serves as proof of the received income.
Please also retain all receipts and documentation of expenses carefully, as these may be requested by the tax authorities for verification.
Other matters
Any changes to your mobility—such as shortening the stay, adjusting arrival or departure dates, changing the place of departure, or rescheduling—must be reported immediately by email to [email protected].
There is no legal entitlement to funding. Grant approval is subject to the availability of financial resources.
Cancellation costs cannot be reimbursed. It is therefore recommended to take out travel cancellation insurance.
Travel and accommodation should only be booked once the Mobility Agreement for Teaching has been signed by all three parties and the Grant Agreement by both parties. Any bookings made beforehand are at your own risk. In the event of a last-minute cancellation, already disbursed flat-rate amounts may have to be returned.
Private vacation portions combined with the Erasmus+ mobility are not covered by HSU/UniBw H.
Please also follow the current travel and safety advice issued by the German Federal Foreign Office and, if interested, register in the ELEFAND crisis preparedness system (Electronic Registration of Germans Abroad).
Letzte Änderung: 30. March 2026