EU Erasmus scheme to reopen to UK students for first time since Brexit

"Young people across the UK will be able to study or gain work experience through the EU's Erasmus scheme for the first time since Brexit, after the government announced an agreement to rejoin at a cost of 570m. The scheme officially known as Erasmus+ will be reopened to those involved in education, training, culture and sport from 2027, after discussions in London and Brussels to fulfil a Labour election manifesto pledge."

"Jacqui Smith, the skills minister, said: This is about breaking down barriers to opportunity, giving learners the chance to build skills, confidence and international experience that employers value. Erasmus+ will open doors for thousands of students and staff right across the country in universities, schools, colleges and adult education. David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said the announcement was brilliant news for staff and students of all ages in further education colleges."

The UK will rejoin the EU's Erasmus+ programme from 2027, restoring study and work-experience exchanges across education, training, culture and sport. The government allocated a contribution of 570m from existing departmental budgets and negotiated terms described as providing a 30% discount compared with default arrangements. Up to 100,000 people of all ages could benefit in the first year, including apprentices, further education students, adult learners and higher education participants. The programme aims to build skills, confidence and international experience valued by employers and to allow staff to learn international approaches to technical education and skills delivery.

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