After a hiatus of several years, the UK government has confirmed that the United Kingdom will officially rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027.
This major development marks a significant shift in the UK’s post-Brexit educational landscape. It reopens doors for students, apprentices, and educators to study and train across Europe.
This development signifies a broader reset in UK-EU relations, signaling a new era of cooperation across various sectors, from education to energy. The return to the programme promises to unlock funding and placement opportunities for a diverse range of learners. Importantly, this extends well beyond the traditional university student demographic. Whether you are an apprentice, a youth worker, or an adult learner, this agreement is set to change how international training is accessed in the UK.
This blog post explores the details of the new agreement, who stands to benefit, and how this move fits into the wider context of the UK’s relationship with Europe.
What is the Erasmus+ scheme?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme to support education, training and youth in Europe. Originally focused primarily on university student exchanges, the current version of the scheme is far more comprehensive. It offers opportunities for millions of Europeans to study, train, gain work experience, and volunteer abroad.
The programme is designed to modernise education, training, and youth work across Europe. It does this by funding projects that allow organizations to exchange best practices and build partnerships. For the individual participant, it provides a funded framework to live in another country, learn a new language, and develop key professional and personal skills.
Prior to Brexit, the UK was a longstanding participant in the programme. Its return in 2027 signals a reintegration into a vast network of educational institutions and businesses, facilitating seamless mobility between the UK and EU member states.
Key details of the new agreement
The agreement reached between the UK and the EU outlines the specific terms under which the UK will re-associate with the programme. The deal covers the 2027/28 academic year, with future participation subject to further negotiation.
Financial contribution and value
The UK has negotiated specific financial terms to ensure the programme delivers value for money for British taxpayers. The government has secured a 30% discount compared to the default terms usually applied under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
For the 2027 participation year, the UK has allocated approximately £570 million to cover the expenses of its participants traveling abroad. It also contributes to the operational costs of the wider scheme. The government argues that this strikes a fair balance between the cost of entry and the economic and social benefits that the programme generates.
Timeline for implementation
While the agreement was announced in late 2025, the actual implementation is set for 2027. This lead time allows for the necessary administrative structures to be put in place. A UK National Agency will be appointed to manage the programme. Also, a dedicated website and guidance will be launched well ahead of the 2027 funding call. This preparation period ensures that universities, colleges, and schools can plan their curricula and partnerships confidently.
Who will benefit from the scheme?
One of the most common misconceptions about Erasmus+ is that it is solely for university undergraduates. In reality, the scope of the new agreement is broad, covering various sectors of education and training. The government estimates that over 100,000 people in the UK could benefit in the first year.
Higher education students and staff
University students remain a core beneficiary group. They will once again be able to undertake study periods at partner universities across Europe or complete work placements. This includes students at all levels, from bachelor’s degrees to doctorates. Furthermore, university staff will have opportunities for job shadowing and teaching exchanges. These activities foster stronger academic ties between UK and EU institutions.
Further education and apprentices
A key focus of the 2027 return is inclusivity. Further education (FE) students and apprentices will have access to work placements in leading European companies. This vocational element is crucial for developing practical skills and increasing employability. By gaining experience in international workplaces, apprentices can bring diverse perspectives and new techniques back to UK industries.
Schools and youth groups
The programme also extends to the school and youth sectors. School groups will be able to engage in exchanges and projects focused on cultural learning, leadership, and teamwork. Similarly, youth workers and youth groups can participate in non-formal learning activities. This helps to build confidence and soft skills outside the traditional classroom environment.
Adult education learners
The deal includes provisions for adult learners, supporting the concept of lifelong learning. Adult education organizations can apply for funding to send learners on individual or group mobility periods. This ensures the benefits of international exchange are not limited by age, allowing older students to upskill and retrain in a global context.
Why international experience matters?
The push to rejoin Erasmus+ is driven by data regarding social mobility and employment outcomes. Studying or training abroad is often viewed as a luxury. However, the statistics suggest it is a powerful tool for career advancement, particularly for those from less advantaged backgrounds.
A 2025 report by Universities UK International (UUKI) provided compelling evidence for this. According to the report, students from less advantaged backgrounds who studied abroad achieved a 70.2% professional-level employment rate on average over five years, slightly higher than the 68.3% rate of their peers who did not travel.
By facilitating these experiences, the programme aims to break down barriers to opportunity. Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, noted that international experience builds skills and confidence that employers value. The goal is to make these “transformative experiences” accessible to everyone, not just a select few. Rather, they should be accessible to apprentices, adult learners, and students from every corner of the UK.
What happens next?
For educational providers and students, the immediate next step is preparation. The appointment of the UK National Agency will be a critical milestone. This body will be responsible for distributing funds and providing the technical support needed to run the programme in the UK.
Institutions are now encouraged to rebuild their European partnerships. For universities that sustained unofficial ties during the hiatus, this simply marks the formalisation of existing relationships.For others, it will be a time to forge new connections.
Students and learners interested in participating in 2027 should begin speaking with their institutions international offices or careers advisors. While the specific application processes will be defined closer to the launch date, understanding the types of opportunities available can help in early academic and career planning.
A new chapter for UK education
The return to Erasmus+ in 2027 represents a significant moment for UK education and training. By reintegrating into this established European framework, the UK is securing valuable opportunities for its young people and learners of all ages.
The focus on inclusivity and vocational training suggests that this participation will be broader than in the past, reaching apprentices and adult learners alongside university students. As the UK and EU continue to rebuild their partnership, the free exchange of ideas, skills, and people through Erasmus+ promises to be a cornerstone of a more connected and skilled future.
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