Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM)

Erasmus+ International Credit Mobility (ICM)

The Erasmus+ ICM has made it possible for European Universities with an Erasmus Higher Education Charter to apply for funding for student and staff exchanges with Universities situated outside the European Union and the European Economic Area. It aims to support beneficiaries to increase the understanding of different cultures, aid both students and staff to obtain key skills and support their professional development.

It operates on the same principles as the Erasmus+ programme for EU and EEA countries, (Erasmus between third countries not associated to the Programme) also requiring the same administrative set up in terms of Inter-Institutional Agreements and mobility documents.

Participation and mobility flows are subject to the academic area of collaboration set out in the Inter-institutional agreements signed between the University of Malta (UM) and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in partner countries.

The Erasmus+ ICM provides HEI academic, administrative staff and students the opportunity to undertake a mobility in one of the universities the UM has an Erasmus+ Inter-institutional agreement with.  The UM also coordinates the incoming staff and student visits. 

Mobility for Teaching and Training

Outgoing and Incoming mobilities for teaching and training may be carried out to/from the UM partner institutions according to the Inter-institutional agreements and the yearly awarded funding. The minimum duration should be of 5 days excluding travel with the maximum determined by the awarded budget. 

Student Mobility for Studies/Traineeship 

Outgoing and Incoming mobilities for studies or traineeship may be carried out to/from the UM partner institutions according to the Inter-institutional agreements and the yearly awarded funding. Restrictions on the type of mobility flows between the UM and its partner universities may apply.  The minimum duration for a study mobility is of 3 months whilst a minimum of 2 months is required for a traineeship. 

Staff representing UM academic, administrative and technical bodies can propose collaborations with HEIs located in one of the eligible Erasmus+ third countries not associated to the Programme. 

All proposed collaborations are combined into one single central application that the UM submits each year in early February to the Maltese National Agency: European Union Programmes Agency. Administrative and financial coordination lies within the responsibility of the UM International Office whilst the mobility activities are managed by the representative who brings forward the collaboration. Bidding is specific to country and the awarded funding needs to be utilised within a time-frame of 36 months. 

The EC's budget allocation to Malta varies according to the participating regions. If the number of proposed collaborations for one region exceeds the available budget, the UM International Office may apply additional criteria as necessary.  

In order to ensure a successful bid, proposals need to be finalised each year by the deadline issued by the International Office.

The Erasmus+ ICM programme will provide you with financial support for undertaking an Erasmus+ ICM mobility. A financial contribution for travel costs and subsistence (living costs) during the mobility is awarded.  

As an HEI programme country, the UM is also responsible for coordinating the financial support for incoming participants from the HEI third countries not associated to the Programme according to mobility flows proposed and the awarded funding.  

Travel Contribution

You will receive a travel contribution based on the distance in kilometres between the University of Malta and third countries not associated to the Programme. The same rates apply for incoming participants. 

Distance is calculated by the Distance Calculator provided by the EC.

Travel allowances are allocated as follows:  

Between 100 and 499 KM: EUR 180 per participant
Between 500 and 1999 KM:  EUR 275 per participant
Between 2000 and 2999 KM:  EUR 360 per participant
Between 3000 and 3999 KM:  EUR 530 per participant
Between 4000 and 7999 KM:  EUR 820 per participant
8000 KM or more: EUR 1500 per participant 

Subsistence Contributions

In the case of teaching and training mobilities, you will be provided with a daily grant according to the average living costs.  

UM to third countries not associated to the Programme - EUR 180 per day.
Third countries not associated to the Programme to UM - EUR 160 per day. 

With regards to Erasmus+ ICM students, you will be provided with a grant calculated on a monthly-basis rate. Grants are calculated pro-rata depending on the duration of the Erasmus+ mobility period.

Third countries not associated to the Programmes to the UM - EUR 850 per month.
UM to all third countries not associated to the Programme - EUR 700 per month 

Erasmus+ ICM students are exempted from paying fees for tuition, registration, examinations and access to laboratory and library facilities at the host institution.

You are also provided with clarifications about the documents required and logistics.  Where necessary, we shall guide you on the VISA entry application and you will be required to submit:

Registration Form
Bank Identification Sheet
Mobility Agreement 
Travel Insurance 

A beneficiary grant agreement covering the mobility period is signed between you and the UM. 

In the case of student mobility, a “Learning Agreement for Studies/Traineeship” setting out the programme of studies/traineeship to be followed is agreed upon between you the sending and host institution. 

Once the mobility is completed, you are required to submit to the International Office:


Certificate of Attendance 
Mobility Tool+ Online EU Survey [you will receive a link by email on the last day of the mobility]
Transcript of results if available/applicable. 

For more information, please contact Mr Jake Grech.

https://www.um.edu.mt/studentlife/internationalopportunities/erasmus/erasmusicm/