Erasmus exchange agreements include Leuphana University of Lüneburg (Germany), Tilburg University (the Netherlands), NHTV Breda University of Applied Sciences (the Netherlands), and Corvinus University of Budapest.
Outside Europe, there are bilateral exchange agreements with 55 universities. These include Iowa State University, College of Design (USA), Carnegie Mellon University (USA), the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (Australia), Nagoya University (Japan), and the Korea National University of Arts (Korea).
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General Information about Bilkent COMD Erasmus Exchange Applications
When do Erasmus applications start and end?
Applications usually open in November each year and remain open for about 10 days. Applications are accepted only once a year; there is no second application period for the spring semester.
How are the applications made?
The platform to be used, the step-by-step instructions, and all necessary links will be provided in an email sent to you by your Departmental Exchange Coordinator.
Is an e-Government (e-Devlet) password required?
Yes. You need an e-Government password to log in to the system and complete your application.
Do I need to be a Turkish citizen to apply for Erasmus?
No. You do not need to be a Turkish citizen to participate in Erasmus through Bilkent. A valid passport is sufficient for application.
Application Documents and Evaluation
Which application documents are required?
You will see the list of required documents once you log into the system and click “Apply.” Typically, a CV, a statement of purpose (motivation letter), and a signed form are required.
How long should my statement of purpose be?
It should not exceed one page. Three or four short paragraphs are sufficient.
What should I include in my statement of purpose?
Explain why you want to participate in the Erasmus exchange, how it will benefit you academically and professionally, and introduce yourself briefly.
Does my CV have to include work experience?
No, work experience is not required. However, it is recommended to include your computer and language skills, as well as any certificates you may have received.
How is the application score calculated?
Your score is calculated based on 50% of your CGPA and 50% of your grades from English 101 and 102. The statement of purpose is not scored, but it is a required part of your application.
Requirements and Courses
What is the minimum CGPA requirement to apply?
You must have a minimum CGPA of 2.50 at the time of application and maintain it until the exchange period. If your CGPA drops below 2.50 before your departure, you will not be allowed to participate, even if you have already been placed.
When can COMD students go on Erasmus?
You can go on exchange during the fall or spring semester of your third year. In your fourth year, you must be at Bilkent to take the COMD 481 Visual Communication Project I course.
Which students are eligible to apply?
If you are a second-year student at the time of application (currently taking COMD 281), you are eligible to apply for Erasmus for your third year.
Can I go for more than one semester?
No, the program lasts for only one semester for all students.
Can irregular students apply?
Yes, they can. The most important consideration is that you must be able to take equivalent studio courses at the host university during your exchange period.
How are the courses I take during Erasmus transferred?
Courses taken during Erasmus are considered equivalent to COMD 381 (Fall) or COMD 382 (Spring). When you return, your studies continue as normal. If a course does not match any in the COMD curriculum, it can be counted as a free elective or an additional course, depending on your available credits.
Can I do my internship during Erasmus?
No, you cannot complete your internship course while on exchange. However, you can apply for an Erasmus Traineeship grant each April with an acceptance letter from an institution where you plan to do your internship.
Can students in a Minor program also go on Erasmus?
Yes. COMD students enrolled in a Minor program can take one course related to their minor while on Erasmus, provided they obtain approval and a signature from their Minor Program Erasmus Coordinator.
Financial Information and Partner Institutions
Are Erasmus grants sufficient to cover living expenses?
No. Grants are not enough to fully cover your living costs. You should have additional funds equal to at least the amount of the grant or ensure that your family can financially support you.
How are the grants paid?
The grant is not paid in full at the beginning. A portion is paid before departure, and the remainder is paid upon return, after completing the program requirements.
How are tuition and accommodation costs handled?
You do not pay any tuition fees to the host university. However, you must continue paying your Bilkent tuition. Accommodation expenses are your responsibility, as most universities do not offer free housing for exchange students.
Which universities are partnered with COMD, and how many students can go to each?
There are six partner institutions in total:
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Leuphana University Lüneburg (Germany): 4 students
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Breda University of Applied Sciences (Netherlands): 2 students
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Tilburg University (Netherlands): 1 student
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Corvinus University (Hungary): 4 students
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New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria): 2 students
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Universitat Jaume I (Spain) (only for Catalan or Spanish speakers): 1 student
Which universities accept students in which semesters?
Leuphana and Tilburg only accept students for the spring semester. The other universities accept students for either the fall or spring semester.
Questions About the Process
How should I choose the university I want to apply to?
You should visit each university’s website and review their programs and offered courses. Each school focuses on different areas: Leuphana on digital design, Breda on creative industries, Tilburg on media and journalism, and Corvinus on media studies.
Do I have to list all universities on the application form?
No. You should only list the universities you are interested in. It is not mandatory to fill in all preference slots.
Can I withdraw after being placed at a university?
Yes. You can withdraw your placement if you have a valid reason such as family, health, or other personal circumstances, by submitting a written petition before the specified deadline.
Can I apply to another country through a different program in addition to Erasmus?
Yes. Bilkent also has bilateral exchange agreements with other universities. These programs generally have different application timelines and requirements (such as CGPA thresholds, portfolios, or interviews). If you are interested, you should check the Bilkent Exchange Office website and confirm whether the agreement is still active before applying.
Are there exchange agreements with universities in East Asia?
Yes. There are agreements with institutions in countries such as Singapore and Taiwan. Although no COMD students have attended these schools yet, you can contact the Exchange Office to learn about the requirements if you are interested.
For any further questions, you can contact the Department of Communication and Design Erasmus Coordinator, Egemen Kırkağaç at egemen.kirkagac@bilkent.edu.tr.