The United Kingdom has agreed a deal with the European Union to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, restoring access to one of Europe’s largest study, training and youth mobility schemes after several years outside the programme.
The agreement follows commitments made at the UK-EU Summit in May and confirms that the UK will once again participate fully in Erasmus+, opening up opportunities for young people, learners, educators and staff across education, youth, culture and sport. The original reporting was published by University World News.
Under the deal, more than 100,000 people in the UK could benefit from Erasmus+ in its first year alone. The programme supports students, apprentices, further education learners, adult learners and staff to study, train or work abroad, and research has consistently shown that international study can improve employability, particularly for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds.
In a joint statement, EU Trade and Economic Security Commissioner Maroš Šefovič and the UK’s EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds MP said the agreed financial terms “represent a fair balance between the UK’s contributions and the benefits the programme offers” and clear the way for UK participation from 2027.
Nick Thomas-Symonds described the move as a major step for young people across the country. He said rejoining Erasmus+ would break down barriers and widen horizons, adding that the programme is about more than travel. According to the minister, it is about future skills, academic success and ensuring the next generation can access the best possible opportunities.
The announcement was welcomed by universities and education groups on both sides of the Channel. Vivienne Stern MBE, chief executive of Universities UK, called the decision “fantastic news for the UK, and for students and universities here and across Europe,” saying it marks a significant step forward in rebuilding academic links with the EU.
Josep M Garrell, president of the European University Association, said the organisation had worked closely with UK member institutions to advocate for a return to Erasmus+. He noted that restoring these links would support student and staff mobility, strengthen cooperation between universities and promote shared values such as mutual understanding and academic freedom.
Improving EU-UK education ties after Brexit
The decision comes as part of a broader effort by the Labour government to improve EU-UK relations through a new strategic partnership. While the previous Conservative government agreed to associate with Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research programme, it chose not to rejoin Erasmus+, arguing that it did not represent value for money.
Instead, the UK introduced the Turing Scheme in 2021. While designed to widen access to overseas experiences, Turing supports only outbound mobility and typically funds short placements of three to four weeks. In contrast, Erasmus+ funds both incoming and outgoing mobility and supports longer-term study, training and institutional partnerships.
Before Brexit, Erasmus+ enabled tens of thousands of students and staff to move between the UK and Europe each year. In 2018 alone, funding supported around 49,000 students and more than 7,000 staff, according to figures cited by University World News.
The government has emphasised that the renewed Erasmus+ participation will benefit not only university students, but also apprentices, further education learners and adults in training. Opportunities include work placements with European employers, study exchanges and staff development programmes.
UK Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith said the programme would open doors for learners and staff across universities, schools, colleges and adult education, helping participants build skills, confidence and international experience valued by employers. Youth and sport minister Stephanie Peacock added that Erasmus+ would play an important role in ensuring young people from all backgrounds can access transformative experiences.
Financial terms and next steps
According to the government, the financial agreement includes a 30% discount compared with the default terms set out in the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The UK’s contribution for 2027 is expected to be around £570 million, covering the 2027 and 2028 academic years.
Any participation beyond that period will be subject to future negotiations under the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework and will need to be based on a fair and balanced contribution.
Universities UK said both the UK government and the EU deserve credit for moving complex negotiations forward quickly and reaching a mutually acceptable deal. Stern said the organisation looks forward to working with universities and European partners to ensure Erasmus+ plays a central role in rebuilding international partnerships and delivering strong outcomes for students and staff.
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