Young people across the UK will once again be able to study or gain work experience through the EU’s Erasmus+ program, following the government’s announcement of a £570 million agreement to rejoin the scheme after Brexit.
The program, which covers education, training, culture, and sport, will reopen to participants from 2027. This move fulfills a Labour election pledge and comes after discussions between London and Brussels. The government estimates up to 100,000 people of all ages could benefit in the first year, creating opportunities for apprentices, further education students, adult learners, and university students.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith expressed her delight, stating the agreement opens significant chances for young people and demonstrates the benefits of the government’s reset in relations with the EU. The £570 million is new Treasury funding, separate from the Department for Education’s existing budget, and includes a 30% discount negotiated with the EU, reflecting the UK’s popularity as a destination. Smith emphasized this discount ensures a fairer deal than the UK’s previous membership, creating a better balance between opportunities for UK learners and EU participants coming to the UK.
Smith also stressed that Erasmus+ is not just for university students but also for apprentices, further education groups, youth groups, and adult learners.
David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, welcomed the announcement as “brilliant news” for further education staff and students of all ages. He highlighted the value for students in gaining a wider global perspective and for staff in learning from other countries’ approaches to technical education.
The agreement was reached by EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds after talks with EU counterpart Maroš Šefčovič, as part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s reset with the EU. A joint statement noted that UK association with Erasmus+ from 2027 would offer significant opportunities across sectors, particularly for younger generations, and that the mutually agreed financial terms represent a fair balance.
However, Shadow Foreign Secretary Priti Patel criticized the government, accusing it of spending billions on rejoining Erasmus instead of using Brexit freedoms to boost global trade, investment, and economic growth.
For university students, the decision means they can spend up to a year studying at European universities as part of their UK degrees without paying extra fees, and UK universities can accept European students on the same terms. Participants traveling to Europe will be eligible for grants to help with living costs, including those in further education or on work placements.
Alex Stanley, a Vice-President of the National Union of Students, also commented on the announcement.Since the UK left the Erasmus program, the number of UK students studying in Europe has dropped sharply, as has the number of European students coming to study in the UK.
Now, however, a new generation of UK students could once again have the chance to take part, and universities across the country could benefit from welcoming Erasmus students to their campuses.
The Erasmus program began in 1987 as a university exchange initiative but has since grown to include work and training placements, along with funding for school trips and cultural events.
The UK withdrew from Erasmus after Brexit in 2020, with then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson arguing the program was not cost-effective. Since then, university students in Northern Ireland have been able to participate with support from the Irish government.
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs UK Students Returning to the EUs Erasmus Program
Q What is the Erasmus program
A Erasmus is the European Unions flagship program for education training youth and sport It primarily supports student and staff exchanges between participating countries allowing participants to study train or gain work experience abroad
Q Is it true UK students can join Erasmus again
A Yes After a hiatus following Brexit UK students will once again be able to participate in the Erasmus program starting in the 20252026 academic year under a new financial agreement
Q Why did UK students leave the program
A The UKs participation in Erasmus ended after Brexit in 2020 The UK government initially replaced it with its own Turing Scheme for outbound student mobility
Q What changed to allow UK students back in
A The UK and EU have negotiated a new association agreement The UK will contribute approximately 570 million to the Erasmus budget for the 20252027 period regaining access for its students and institutions
Q Is the UK fully back in Erasmus like before Brexit
A Not exactly The UK is now an associated country rather than a full EU member state participant This means it contributes financially and its organizations can participate in most parts of the program but it doesnt have a direct say in the programs governance
Q What are the main benefits for a UK student
A Key benefits include access to study or work placements across Europe potential tuition fee waivers at host universities eligibility for a monthly Erasmus grant to help with living costs and the cultural and academic experience of living abroad
Q Will UK students get the same funding as EU students
A They will be eligible for the standard Erasmus grant which is a monthly stipend to offset living costs The exact amount can vary by destination country and the cost of living Additional support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds is also part of the program
Q How does this differ from the UKs Turing Scheme
A The Turing Scheme funds only outbound mobility from the UK to destinations worldwide Erasmus is a reciprocal exchange program with a strong focus on Europe often involving deeper institutional partnerships tuition fee waivers and integrated language support
