Students abroad may lose Erasmus funding

Students studying abroad under the Erasmus programme could be stranded without their EU monthly grant from January if a row over funding between member states is not resolved quickly.

Education Minister Rory Quinn admitted it could become a serious problem, with around 2,500 Irish students spending an academic year abroad, mostly in France, Spain, or Germany.

Such students receive a small grant, averaging €250 a month, but rely on the scheme to set up the arrangements. The Erasmus programme also organises placements with companies abroad and opportunities for teachers.