READY TO STUDY ABROAD AND GAIN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE?
Through the Erasmus+ exchange programme, Ilia State University students have the opportunity to spend 1 or 2 semesters at partner universities across Europe, receive European Commission funding for travel and living costs, develop valuable intercultural and professional skills, and gain an enriching academic and personal experience. The programme enables student mobility with full academic recognition of studies completed abroad, allowing participants to earn and transfer credits (credit mobility).
MAIN CALL ADMINISTERED BY THE ILIA STATE UNIVERSITY FOR AUTUMN SEMESTER 2026/2027
Online Application Form for Main Call
Application deadline: 16 February 2026, 18:00
Learning Agreements should be sent to curriculum experts no later than: 4 February 2026, 18:00
Online Info Session for Students in English
2 February, 11:00 (Online Meeting in English) | To attend the meeting please follow this link: 2 February, Online Info Session |
When and how can interested applicants apply?
Within the Erasmus+ exchange programme, calls for applications are announced twice during the academic year:
- At the beginning of the Fall semester
Mobility takes place in the following Spring semester.
- At the beginning of the Spring semester
Mobility takes place in the following Fall semester.
Information about each call is communicated through Argus, email, and the official website. During the application period, the International Relations Office also organizes weekly information sessions.
In addition to the calls administered by Ilia State University, partner universities may periodically open their own application calls. Details about these opportunities are shared through the same communication channels.
Who is eligible to apply for the Erasmus+ Exchange program?
- Active students of Ilia State University at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral level are eligible to apply, provided they are enrolled in the corresponding level both at the time of the call and during the mobility period (applications can only be submitted for the level at which the student is currently enrolled) Please note: student status cannot change during the application period (from the announcement of the call until the host university provides final confirmation).
- Bachelor’s students must have accumulated at least 60 ECTS credits.
What are the mandatory requirements for participation?
- The candidate must have proficiency in the relevant foreign language at minimum B2 level, and provide official documentation as proof during the application period (for detailed information, see the link).
- Bachelor’s and Master’s level students are required to upload, in their application, the Learning Agreement approved by the curriculum expert with the faculty Dean’s signature. The Learning Agreement must include courses equivalent to a minimum of 12 ECTS credits that can be recognized within the student’s home curriculum (if the host university’s minimum credit requirement differs, their requirement will take precedence)
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students must not have previously received an Erasmus+ scholarship at the same study level.
- For a master’s degree student, the academic programs in the host and home universities must be identical or closely related to their field of study.
- For PhD students, the total duration of Erasmus+ mobility (completed and planned) must not exceed 12 months.
- PhD students must not have completed and submitted their dissertation at the time of application or mobility.
- PhD students must have already defended prospectus. An exemption will be granted to doctoral students who, during the call for applications, provide written consent from the dean of the relevant faculty enabling mobility before the prospectus defense.
Is it possible to implement mobility in the final semester?
- Bachelor’s students can undertake mobility during their final semester mobility at any partner university.
- Master’s students can undertake mobility only at specific partner universities. Detailed information is provided in the Call for Applications.
- PhD students can not undertake mobility if they have already completed and submitted their dissertation.
- Detailed information can be found here (Paragraph. 2.2.1).
Online Application Form for Main Call for Autumn Semester 2026/2027
Application deadline: 16 February 2026,18:00
What is the procedure for submitting an online application for the call administered by Ilia State University?
- The online application must be completed using an Ilia State University email address. Applications submitted using personal or other email addresses will not be accepted.
- To upload documents in the application form, candidates must have sufficient free space in the Google Drive account linked to their ISU email.
- The application must be submitted electronically within the application period, before the deadline.
- Only completed applications will be considered. Documents sent in stages will not be accepted. failure to submit a complete application will result in automatic disqualification.
What is the maximum number of universities a candidate can apply to?
- Student can apply to maximum 5 universities. Please note, that online application form is submitted only once and it is not needed to submit separate applications for each university.
- It is important to note, that order of universities indicated in the online application form should reflect your priorities; Indicated priorities will be considered during the selection process to the extent possible.
Participation in Main and Additional Calls administered by Ilia State University:
- A student may participate in both the main and additional calls, however, the total number of selected universities across both calls must not exceed five.
If a student participates in both calls and receives a positive outcome from the additional call before the main call is concluded, their candidacy will no longer be considered in the main call. If a student receives a negative outcome in the additional call, their nomination will proceed in the main call provided they have sufficient points. - For students who do not receive a final outcome from the additional call before the main call concludes, and who have enough points for the main call, they will have the option to either decline nomination from the additional call and prioritize the main call results, or decline nomination in the main call and wait for the additional call results.
What should be considered when selecting host universities and assigning priorities?
- When choosing universities, it is important to take several factors into account. Review the information provided for each university in the call for applications, including which study level and field the call is open to, any specific admission requirements set by the university, the list of offered courses, and other relevant details.
- Based on this information, you can identify the universities that are most relevant to you and rank them according to your priorities.
What questions must the student answer in the application form?
In the application form, students are required to provide answers to the following motivation-related questions:
- Why would you like to participate in the Erasmus + exchange program? (max. 400 characters)
- Name your personal reasons why you would like to study in this particular country / at this particular university / on this particular program? (write for each chosen university) (max. 800 characters)
- How do the courses/research activities selected at host institution(s) complement and broaden your previous/current studies/research? (max. 600 characters)
- Describe your career and future plans as well as relevant extracurricular activities. (max. 400 characters)
- In what way would study/research activities within this program relate to your career objectives and future prospects? (max. 600 characters)
- What qualifications and skills of yours will be beneficial / enable you to succeed while studying/researching abroad? (max. 600 characters)
- Do you have a specific research interest / additional activity that you would like to pursue at a host institution? (optional) (max. 600 characters)
- What makes you the best candidate to be selected (optional) (max. 400 characters)
√ All documents must be provided in English. If a document is issued only in Georgian, it must be translated into English and notarized.
√ All documents must be in PDF format, and the size of each document must not exceed 10 MB
√ Documents must be named according to the specified English titles, for example: Name Surname_Transcript of Records.
√ All required documents must be submitted together by the application deadline.
- If a student notices an error in their submitted application before the application deadline, they may inform the International Relations Office of Ilia State University. Only in this case, the student will then have the opportunity to submit an updated application before the end of the application period.
- If a student is registered for a foreign language certification exam and cannot provide the results during the application period, they may, as an exception, upload proof of registration for the exam in the relevant field of the online application form. The student will then have 7 calendar days after the application deadline to submit the valid certificate.
Required Documents |
for Bachelor’s |
for Masters’s |
for PhD |
| Copy of valid Passport or ID Card /Passport or ID Card | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| CV (preferably in EUROPASS format) | Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Proof of relevant language proficiency of minimum B2 level/Language Certificate.
See the language assessment scheme here Please note that the document submitted by the candidate must indicate their min. B2 proficiency according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). |
Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Transcript of Records issued by the university/Transcript of Records | |||
| Learning Agreement filled out and approved by the Dean/Learning Agreement
o Learning Agreement Form: Download o Instructions for Preparing the Learning Agreement: Download Learning Agreements should be sent to curriculum experts no later than: 4 February 2026 (18:00 Georgian Time) |
Mandatory | Mandatory
If the candidate does not plan to take courses or earn credits, it is sufficient to indicate only the title of the research. |
Mandatory
If the candidate does not plan to take courses or earn credits, it is sufficient to indicate only the title of the research.
|
| Proof of Enrollment issued by the university during the call period/Proof of Enrollment
If the student is failing to complete the degree within the defined terms and has to undergo additional semesters, this must be stated in the Proof of Enrollment |
Mandatory | Mandatory | Mandatory
For students who have already defended prospectus, this must be indicated in the document; otherwise, the application will be considered incomplete. |
| Research Plan signed by the supervisor at the home university/Research Plan
|
Mandatory only for final-semester Bachelor’s students who plan to defend their Bachelor’s thesis
Research Plan form: Download |
Mandatory only for final-semester Master’s students
Research Plan form: Download |
Mandatory
Research Plan form: Download |
| If relevant, proof of disability, social or economic vulnerability (See the Provisions and Procedures of the exchange program Clause 3, Point 4) /Proof of disability, social or economic vulnerability (if relevant). | If relevant | If relevant | If relevant |
| Bachelor’s level Diploma/BA Diploma; | – | Mandatory | – |
| Bachelor’s Degree Diploma Supplement/BA Diploma Supplement (transcript of records)
If the grading system of the academic program is different from the 100-point grading scale, it must be converted accordingly |
– | Mandatory | – |
| Master’s Degree Diploma/MA Diploma | – | – | Mandatory |
| Master’s Degree Diploma Supplement/MA Diploma Supplement (transcript of records)
If the grading system of the academic program is different from the 100-point grading scale, it must be converted accordingly |
– | – | Mandatory |
| Preliminary confirmation letter from the host university, if required /Preliminary Confirmation Letter
Email confirmation is sufficient |
– | – | As required by specific host university |
Documents to download:
During call for applications:
Before mobility:
After mobility:
Results of the Call for 2026-2027 Autumn Semester will be published in late March
What stages does the application go through before the final selection?
Detailed information about the stages of the competition, the criteria, and the deadlines can be found in the document: Regulations and Procedures for Administering Exchange Educational Programs for Students of Ilia State University.
How do I confirm acceptance of the scholarship?
After receiving the very first positive answer from the host university, the student must confirm or decline the awarded scholarship within 3 working days. The student must notify the Office of International Relations of their decision in writing. Failure to meet the 3-day deadline will result in the student being automatically removed from the competition, and the scholarship will be transferred to the next candidate on the ranking list.
Is it possible to decline the scholarship after already confirming acceptance?
If, for any reason, the student must decline the scholarship after confirming acceptance, they must notify both the home and host university’s Offices of International Relations in writing at: erasmusplus@iliauni.edu.ge.
What type of activities will be organized for selected students?
The Office of International Relations of Ilia State University organizes a pre-departure orientation meeting (PDO) for students selected under the ERASMUS+ exchange program. The meeting aims to provide participants with practical advice, share experiences, and inform them about internal university procedures. ERASMUS+ alumni also attend the meeting and share information about the relevant country and host university.
Which procedures must be completed at the home university before the mobility starts?
Before starting the mobility, the student must finalize the Learning Agreement (Before the Mobility) with the curriculum expert and have it approved by the Faculty Dean.
Additionally, no earlier than one month and no later than two weeks before departure, the student must notify the university administration.
To do this, the student submits an application addressed to the Rector requesting the status of an exchange student and attaches a notarized Georgian translation of the acceptance letter received from the host university.
Will my active student status at Iliauni be maintained during mobility?
According to recent amendments introduced by the Ministry of Education and Science, students participating in an exchange program cannot take academic leave at their home university.
Therefore, during the mobility period, a student’s academic status at Ilia State University remains active.
During mobility, the student is assigned the status of an exchange student, meaning that in the ARGUS system, the course selection function is passive, while the application-submission function remains active.
Within what timeframe will I be granted exchange student status at Iliauni?
There is no fixed timeframe for assigning exchange student status. Updating the status may take up to 30 calendar days. If the student receives a fine before the status is updated—due to missing the tuition payment deadline—the fine will be removed during the status change process.
When do I have to pay tuition fees at Iliauni?
A student who participates in a university-administered, funded exchange program must continue paying tuition at the home university according to the schedule and deadlines defined in their existing contract (see Article 6 of university procedures for exchange students).
Tuition payment schedules can be viewed in the ARGUS system. Note that the payment deadlines for the semester following mobility may coincide with the student’s period abroad; however, this does not grant an extension of the payment deadline.
Can I make changes to the Learning Agreement? What documents do I need?
Changes to the Learning Agreement are permitted within approximately one month from the start of mobility. After arriving at the host university, if any changes are made to the initially selected courses, the student must coordinate the During the Mobility section of the Learning Agreement with the curriculum expert, have it approved by the Dean, and then send the confirmed document to erasmusplus@iliauni.edu.ge.
When will I receive the scholarship at the host university?
Scholarship disbursement conditions and timelines vary depending on the host university. The student must carefully review the Grant Agreement, which contains detailed information regarding the scholarship. For additional questions, students should contact the host university’s Office of International Relations/ERASMUS+ coordinator. Note that the scholarship does not cover visa-related expenses; these must be paid by the student. Also, in most cases, the scholarship is disbursed after the start of mobility. Therefore, students should be prepared to cover some mobility-related costs before receiving the scholarship.
Am I allowed to leave the host country during mobility?
Erasmus+ does not have a universal rule regarding temporary departure from the host country; policies are determined by each host university. If needed, first carefully review the terms in the Grant Agreement. Additionally, you must obtain written approval from the host university coordinator before traveling.
Can I extend my mobility at the host university?
Students who participate in one-semester mobility may extend their studies at the host university only under a Zero Grant. A Zero Grant means mobility without a scholarship; however, the student retains exchange student status and is exempt from tuition fees both at the host and home universities during the extended period.
How will my active student status be restored at Iliauni?
The active student status will be restored automatically at the beginning of the semester.
What documents must I submit to Iliauni after completing mobility?
After completing mobility, the student must submit: a) the final version of the Learning Agreement, with all three parts fully completed and signed by all parties; and b) the official transcript of records issued by the host university.
How will the courses I completed at the host university be recognized at Iliauni?
There is no fixed timeframe for credit recognition. Credits are recognized based on the official transcript issued by the host university. The recognition process includes several steps:
- Translation of the official transcript into Georgian and notarization
- Application to the Rector of Ilia State University requesting recognition of education obtained abroad
- Submission of the faculty’s evaluation to the National Center for Educational Quality Enhancement (NCEQE) requesting recognition of studies completed abroad
- After receiving the evaluation from NCEQE, submission of a request (addressed to the Rector) to have the recognized credits entered into the ARGUS system
When will I be able to select courses?
Course selection will be possible once the course selection period is activated in the ARGUS system. If the student cannot complete credit recognition before the semester begins, they must contact their faculty and program’s curriculum expert to ensure correct course selection within the appropriate module.
What happens if I fail to obtain the credits/courses agreed on in the Learning Agreement?
If a student cannot obtain or recognise the credits listed in the Learning Agreement (30 credits per semester or 60 per academic year) due to reasons attributable to the host university, the student will not be required to pay additional tuition or credit fees after returning. However, if the student fails to obtain credits due to unsatisfactory academic performance, they must pay the additional credit or semester tuition fees in accordance with university regulations.
For details, see the link (Article 6).
Within what timeframe and how is the master’s thesis defended at Iliauni?
For students whose mobility period overlaps with their final semester at the home university, the requirements for completing and defending the research component are determined individually, based on the Master’s Project and Thesis Concept of the relevant faculty/school. The student must follow the thesis defense deadlines established by the faculty/school.nRemote (online) defense of the master’s thesis is not permitted.
