United Kingdom to Rejoin EU's Erasmus+ Program from 2027

UK Confirms Return to Erasmus+ Program

The United Kingdom has officially confirmed its re-entry into the European Union's Erasmus+ student exchange program, with participation set to commence in January 2027. This decision marks a significant development in the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU, fulfilling a key commitment made during the UK-EU summit in May. The announcement was made following discussions between EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and European Commission's Maros Sefcovic.

The move will enable British students to pursue studies in European universities, alongside offering a wide array of opportunities for further education students, apprentices, adult learners, school groups, sports coaches, and education staff.

Financial Terms and Benefits

Under the terms of the agreement, the UK will contribute approximately £570 million for the 2027/28 academic year. This figure reflects a negotiated 30% discount on fees for the first year, compared to the standard terms for non-EU countries. The government anticipates that over 100,000 Britons could benefit from the scheme in its initial year.

The Erasmus+ program is designed to foster personal and professional growth, offering participants the chance to experience new cultures, learn languages, and develop crucial skills. For university students, the rejoining means they can spend up to a year studying at European institutions as part of their UK degree courses without incurring additional tuition fees. Similarly, EU students coming to the UK under Erasmus+ are expected to pay domestic-level tuition fees.

A Reversal of Previous Policy

The UK's departure from the Erasmus program occurred in December 2020, a decision made by the government under then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of the Brexit deal. At the time, Johnson argued that the program was 'extremely expensive' and did not offer sufficient value for money, leading to its replacement with the domestic Turing Scheme.

The current government has framed its return to Erasmus+ as part of a 'pragmatic reset' in relations with Brussels, rather than a reversal of Brexit itself. While the Turing Scheme provided opportunities for study abroad, it primarily focused on outward mobility and did not facilitate the same level of reciprocal exchange as Erasmus+. The government has indicated it will provide certainty on complementary UK schemes, including Turing.

Implementation and Future Outlook

A dedicated UK national agency will be established to administer the Erasmus+ program, with applications expected to open from mid-2026 in preparation for the 2027 launch. The program's broad scope aims to maximize participation, particularly among disadvantaged groups, by working closely with educational institutions and young people.

This re-engagement with Erasmus+ is seen as a significant step in strengthening UK-EU ties, with opportunities extending beyond student exchanges to include work placements in European companies and professional development for education staff.