In a major reversal of post-Brexit policy, the UK has agreed to rejoin the European Union's flagship Erasmus+ exchange programme, reopening vital educational and training links severed four years ago. The deal, confirmed after negotiations in London and Brussels, will see the UK formally re-enter the scheme in 2027 at a cost of approximately £570 million.
A Landmark Deal for Learners
The agreement fulfils a key Labour election manifesto pledge and forms part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer's promised 'reset' in relations with the EU. UK-EU relations minister Nick Thomas-Symonds reached the accord with European Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič. The government estimates that up to 100,000 students, apprentices, and adult learners of all ages could gain from the programme in its first year back.
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith hailed the move as a breakthrough for opportunity. "This is about breaking down barriers to opportunity, giving learners the chance to build skills, confidence and international experience that employers value," she stated. The programme will be open to participants across higher education, further education, schools, and cultural and sports organisations.
What Rejoining Erasmus+ Means in Practice
For UK university students, it means the return of the chance to spend up to a year studying at a European university as part of their degree without paying extra tuition fees. Conversely, UK institutions will once again welcome European students on the same terms. Participants will also be eligible for grants to assist with living costs abroad.
The financial terms include a significant 30% discount compared to standard membership fees, a point the government stressed delivers "value for UK taxpayers." The £570 million contribution for the 2027 programme year will be drawn from existing departmental budgets.
Reviving International Connections
The decision has been warmly welcomed by the education sector. David Hughes, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, called it "brilliant news," highlighting its importance for further education colleges. "For students, it widens their perspective on the world... and for staff, the opportunity to learn from other countries on how they deliver technical education and skills is invaluable," he said.
Alex Stanley, a Vice-President of the National Union of Students, noted the dramatic decline in exchange numbers since the UK left Erasmus+. "Since the UK left the programme, the number of UK students studying in Europe has plummeted, and so has the number of students from Europe studying in the UK," Stanley observed. "Now, the next generation of students from the UK would be able to experience it all."
The UK exited the Erasmus+ scheme following the Brexit transition, with the former Conservative government criticising its cost-effectiveness and replacing it with the more limited Turing scheme. No immediate announcement has been made regarding the future of the Turing scheme following this landmark deal to rejoin the European programme.
