Exchange and climate impact
As a student at the University of Copenhagen, you should have the opportunity to study abroad.
That's why, KU as an institution are particularly mindful of how we can offset the climate impact of your study abroad travel and work towards becoming a more sustainable university.
Sustainability at UCPH
The University has a responsibility to turn knowledge into action. Since 2008, UCPH has worked towards a sustainable transformation of the institution and will continue to strengthen these efforts.
In 2020, with contributions from staff and students, the University developed six key themes with new goals for its work on environmental sustainability towards 2030.
Collaboration and global knowledge sharing
Sustainable solutions require collaboration. UCPH will therefore seek out and draw on good practices nationally and internationally.
As a student, you can contribute by going on a study abroad stay. UCPH will also contribute to strengthening the focus within the university sector on sustainability and the unique role universities play.
Get travel funding for your study abroad stay
All students going on an Erasmus study stay – or an Erasmus Traineeship – will receive a Travel Grant as a contribution towards travel expenses to and from the host university.
If you choose to travel sustainably both to and from your host university (for example by bus or train), you will receive a higher Travel Grant.
Erasmus+ Travel Grant
The Travel Grant is a fixed one-time payment given as a supplement (in addition to the regular Erasmus grant) to cover a round trip, and the amount is determined by the distance between Copenhagen and your host university.
If you choose to travel sustainably both to and from your host university, you will receive a higher Travel Grant.to budget rules in the Erasmus programme.
FAQ about Erasmus + Travel Grant
The European Commission defines sustainable travel as:
“Sustainable means of transport (green travel) is defined as the travel that uses low-emissions means of transport for the main part of the travel, such as bus, train or car-pooling.”
Travel by plane and ferry* is not considered sustainable.
* If travel by boat or ferry is necessary for a short part of your journey, you can still receive the grant. For example, if you travel by bus from Copenhagen to Amsterdam and the bus goes on a ferry between Denmark and Germany.
All students going on a study stay through the Erasmus programme can be considered.
Conditions
- Your study stay must be through the Erasmus programme.
- Your destination must be in Europe (including Norway, Turkey and the University of Edinburgh in the UK).
- For the additional sustainable travel supplement: you must travel by train, bus, carpooling, or other climate-friendly transport to and from your study destination.
The amount is calculated based on the distance between Copenhagen and your study destination.
International Education at UCPH uses a distance calculator approved by the European Commission.
Rates
- 10–99 km: €56 green / €28 standard
- 100–499 km: €285 / €211
- 500–1,999 km: €417 / €309
- 2,000–2,999 km: €535 / €395
- 3,000–3,999 km: €785 / €580
- 4,000 km or more: €1,188–1,735 (same for all trips)
Green travel applies when you choose sustainable means of transport such as train, bus or carpooling.
In the semester before your stay, you must inform UCPH which Travel Grant you wish to receive. You will receive an email in your KUmail account and will be asked to indicate in the application system (Mobility-Online) whether you would like the Travel Grant for sustainable or non-sustainable travel.
To receive the higher Travel Grant, you must:
- Travel sustainably to and from your host institution at the beginning and end of your stay.
- Upload documentation for sustainable travel (e.g. train ticket with your name and travel dates) in Mobility-Online when reporting your Erasmus grant after completing your stay.
If you end up not travelling sustainably, the additional amount for sustainable travel will be deducted when your final grant is calculated in connection with the reporting of your Erasmus grant after your stay.
Tips for sustainable travel
If you want to travel sustainably, we recommend:
- Use climate-friendly transport to your study destination whenever possible.
- Fly directly – or choose routes with the fewest stopovers.
- Avoid travelling home during your stay.
- Stay in your study destination for the full duration and immerse yourself in the local culture.