Start with the topic, not the destination
It is tempting to filter by country first and pick the one that sounds most fun to visit. Resist that. A BIP is an academic course with a side of travel, not the other way around — the most useful filter is the one that gets you a programme aligned with your degree and your interests. If you only get one BIP slot during your studies, spend it on a subject you will be glad you have on your transcript.
On BipHub, open the Browse all BIPs page and use the field-of- study filter or the full-text search before any geographic filter. From your short list, then narrow by everything else.
Match the dates against your real calendar
The in-person week is short, but the virtual component can stretch across several weeks before or after. Check both date ranges on the listing — not just the physical mobility dates — and make sure neither clashes with exams, internships, or other commitments.
A BIP that happens during your reading week and wraps before your finals is a much smaller life decision than one that overlaps with a paper deadline. Filter aggressively by date; the inconvenient programmes are not worth the saving on travel costs.
Be honest about the language
The listing tells you the language and the CEFR level. B2 in a working language is fine for hallway conversation; it is not fine for a week of dense lectures on a topic you barely know in your own language. If you are border-line on the language requirement, look for an English-language alternative on a similar topic instead.
Confirm the ECTS and how they map to your degree
Most BIPs award 3 to 6 ECTS, but those credits only matter if your home university recognises them. Take the listing to your Erasmus office before you apply and ask which course in your degree plan they will count against. A BIP with 6 ECTS that does not replace any of your required modules is academically less valuable than a 3-ECTS one that fits cleanly into your study plan.
Look at location practically, not romantically
Once topic, dates, language and ECTS are settled, you can choose by country and city. Two things to check:
- Travel cost from where you are. The Erasmus+ travel grant is calculated by distance band, not by real-world ticket price; a flight to Lisbon may cost the same out of pocket as a train to Vienna depending on where you live.
- Accommodation availability. Some host universities arrange student housing; others leave you to find your own. The listing should say which.
Shortlist three, apply to two
Pick three programmes that pass every check above. Talk to your home Erasmus office about all three to learn which are eligible for your grant in practice. Then apply to two of them — that buys you a backup if your first choice fills up, without spreading your attention thin across half a dozen mediocre fits.
When you are ready, browse the directory or jump straight to the application guide.