🌍 Call for Applications: Erasmus+ Student Exchange Opportunity at Middle East Technical University (METU), Turkey (Fall 2026)
External Relations and Partnership Directorate,
Vice President for Information and Strategic Communication, Bahir Dar University
 
Date of Publication: July 13, 2026
 
Bahir Dar University (BDU) is proud to announce a renewed call for student applications for our ongoing institutional partnership with Middle East Technical University (METU) in Ankara, Turkey. Funded under the European Union’s Erasmus+ KA171 International Credit Mobility (ICM) student program, this collaboration bridges BDU’s academic talent with one of Turkey's leading research institutions, fostering international exposure, shared academic resources, and cross-cultural development.
We are currently inviting applications from highly qualified BDU students to spend the Fall Semester of the 2026–2027 Academic Year studying at METU.
💰 Scholarship Benefits
Monthly Stipend: €800 per month to cover living expenses.
Travel Allowance: A fixed, one-time payment between €211 and €1,735 (calculated via the EU distance calculator based on the distance between Ethiopia and Ankara).
Tuition: Fully waived at the host institution.
📊 Available Quotas
Main Fully Funded Nominees: 2 slots (with full Erasmus+ scholarship).
Zero-Grant / Self-Funded Nominees: Eligible students who pass the selection criteria but wish to participate using personal funds (waived tuition, but no monthly stipend).
📋 Eligibility & Academic Requirements
METU is an English-medium, highly competitive research university. Applicants must meet the following strict criteria:
Þ    Undergraduate Students: Must have completed a minimum of one full year of study at BDU at the time of application.
Þ    MSc / PhD Students: Eligible if they plan to take courses OR have already independently secured a Research Supervisor at METU who has provided a signed acceptance letter. Note: Graduate students cannot graduate from METU; they return to BDU to defend their thesis.
Þ    English Language Proficiency: A minimum of B1 level according to the CEFR framework is strictly required.
Þ    Academic Load: Selected students are required to take a full workload of at least 30 ECTS credits at METU.
⏱️ Selection & Internal Application Deadlines
To comply with international transparency rules, this call will remain open for student submissions for a full 15 days.
BDU Student Internal Application Deadline: July 28, 2026 (5:00 PM)
Review & Interview Period: July 29 – August 2, 2026
Official BDU Institutional Nomination to METU: August 5, 2026
Final Online Application Portal Deadline for Students: August 10, 2026
📂 How to Apply (Internal BDU Process)
Interested and eligible students should submit their application along with all required digital uploads directly through the online application portal.
👉 Apply here: https://forms.gle/MyNHZpPsDJaDtZ5B8
 
⚠️ Important Financial Notice: Erasmus+ grants are distributed in two installments (70% upon physical arrival in Turkey, 30% at the end of the semester). Because processing takes 2 to 3 weeks after arrival, selected students must be financially prepared to cover their own initial accommodation and living costs for the first month. On-campus dormitories are available but subject to strict quotas and are not guaranteed.
 
📧 Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email. There is no need to submit application documents in person unless requested. 

📩 Should you require further information, please reach out to the External Relations and Partnership Directorate via bduexternalrelations@gmail.com. 
 
📍 External Relations and Partnership Directorate,
Vice President for Information and Strategic Communication
Bahir Dar University