API

An application programming interface (API) is a computing interface to a software component or a system that defines how other components or systems can use it. It defines the kinds of calls or requests that can be made, how to make them, the data formats that should be used, the conventions to follow, etc.

Card Management System (CMS)

System issuing the student cards and managing the access to rights and services, usually connected to the HEI information system.

Cardholder

A student who is in possession of a fully active European Student Card.

eduGAIN

eduGAIN is an interfederation service that connects identity federations in the field of research and education. End users benefit from eduGAIN by using a local institutional login to access services from other participating federations.

Erasmus Dashboard

The Erasmus Dashboard or EWP dashboard is a free web-based solution designed to support HEIs with the administration of mobility. The Erasmus Dashboard can be used by all universities, including those that have no tool to manage their Erasmus mobilities.

Erasmus Without Paper (EWP)

Erasmus Without Paper (EWP) initiative aim to pave the way for Erasmus coordinators to manage mobilities more efficiently by replacing paper exchanges by data exchanges between IT-systems. Erasmus Without Paper has two components, a network and the Erasmus Dashboard.

Erasmus+ App

The Erasmus+ App is the gateway for students to interact with the Erasmus Programme. 

ESC Hologram

Logo on the European Student Card that serves as an identifier to recognise the authenticity of the card at European level.

ESC QR Code

Two-dimensional barcode printed on the ESC to ensure compatibility with any type ofcard and to automatically verify the data of the student's status.

ESC Router

The European Student Card Router is a centralised database to manage the ESCs, store the European Student Card Number (ESCN) and provide mechanisms to validate student cards. It plays a critical role in facilitating processes related to card issuing, card validation and ensuring data protection for students. It also interacts with a variety of 3rd party systems so that higher education institutions can ensure student status verification and card management.

ESC Users

The technical and functional administrators registered in the ESC-Router.

European Student Card

Result of the set of standards that establishes a common digital and graphic identity for higher education students in Europe. In practice, the ESC system consists of a router (ESC-R) that allows HEIs - that decide to join it - to centralise specific student card related data, in order to facilitate students’ access to services, in particular mobility students when they are in their host institutions.

European Student Card Number

Unique card identifier of 16 bytes containing the HEI PIC code using a specific algorithm that guarantees its uniqueness. It serves to link a specific card to the specific higher education institution who produced it and to identify a card. Also important because it is the only information presented when the QR code is read.

European Student Identifier (ESI)

A digital identifier enabling students to uniquely identify themselves when they access student mobility services online. The ESI supports and eases international student mobility and trans-national cooperation between higher education institutions.

EWP Registry

The EWP registry can be compared with a phone book for IT systems (servers). The IT system from one university consults the phone book (network) to find out which processes (APIs) are supported by which system. Get an overview of the processes covered by institutions.

Mobility student

A mobility student can be defined as an individual who participates in an organised exchange for a specific amount of time, usually as part of an exchange programme.

MyAcademicID

MyAcademicID aims at developing a European Student eID scheme for Higher Education. This will allow students to easily identify and authenticate to access electronic student services through a single sign-on. This eID scheme will be the result of the integration of eIDAS, eduGAIN and the European Student Identifier.

Network Node

In networking, a node is either a connection point, a redistribution point, or a communication endpoint. In general, a node has a programmed or engineered capability that enables it to recognise, process, or forward transmissions to other nodes.

Off-campus Services

Services offered outside of higher education institution facilities at local, regional, national or/and European level to registered. These can include opportunities and promotions at museums, cinemas and other cultural institutions, phone and internet companies, public and private transportation, festivals and other events, selected shops and restaurants, electronic wallet and payment services, etc.

On-campus Services

Services offered within the buildings and facilities of a higher education institution campus. These services include verification of student identity, access control to computer centres and library services, parking, payment functionalities for canteens, cafeterias, vending machines, and printing services, etc.

Online Learning Agreement (OLA)

OLA is a standalone web-based tool that Erasmus+ students can use to create their learning agreement online. International Relation Officers can manage these learning agreements via the EWP dashboard. Efforts are on its way to connect OLA to EWP in order to exchange learning agreements with other IT solutions which support learning agreement functionality.

Online Student Services

Services delivered in a virtual environment by the Student Service Provider, and which may require online authentication (e.g., accommodation booking, e-library).

Open Source University Alliance (OSUA)

The Open Source University Alliance is an open repository of source code and software for tools used by the Higher Education Community.

Student Card Issuers

Legitimate data providers certifying the student status.

Student Card Manufacturer

Card printing and graphic design companies that are contracted by the card issuers to develop the physical and/or digital cards.

Student Card Providers

Entities involved in the provision process of the physical and/or digital student cards.

Student Information System (SIS)

A student Information System is an IT system which manages all student-related information. The functionality and processes depend from university to university but they typically include information on student data, course/programme registrations, grading, transcripts, diplomas and other student-related information. Some institutions also have a module for managing student mobility.

Student Service Provider (SSP)

Service providers are public and private organisations that offer on- and off- student services. These may include institutions of higher education themselves, clusters of institutions, student organisations, university libraries, public transport operators, central purchasing organisations, etc.