UK to rejoin Europe’s Erasmus+ programme from 2027

UK and EU negotiators have agreed that the UK will be rejoining the European student mobility programme Erasmus+ in 2027, according to a 17 December press release.

Erasmus+ is a programme aimed at providing opportunities for students to enrich their education through study or work in any of its member countries. Erasmus+ provides the funding for these international placements and works to bring participants together.

Erasmus+ would aid the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity

The programme is available to students, trainees, and staff in education, including higher education, further education, vocational education and training, and sport.

Confirmation of UK participation in the programme fulfils a major commitment from the UK-EU summit in May, the first since the UK diverged from the EU.

According to the government, discussions aimed to balance UK contributions with the benefits of the programme. A 30% discount from the default terms under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement has been negotiated.

The UK financial contribution for 2027 is projected at £570 million, covering the 2027/28 academic year. Further financial contributions will be agreed in the future.

Erasmus+ would aid the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity by allowing people of all backgrounds to participate.

Both the UK and the EU are committed to strengthening their partnership

Sports, Civil Society, Youth and Tourism Minister Stephanie Peacock said: “Erasmus+ will play an important role in ensuring young people from all backgrounds can access transformative experiences.”

Extra support and provisions are in place for people with disabilities, special learning needs, and people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Negotiations for UK Erasmus+ participation came alongside talks on the participation of the UK in the EU’s internal electricity market, according to a UK-EU joint statement.

Both the UK and the EU are committed to strengthening their partnership, as UK Erasmus+ participation comes amidst a wider UK-EU reset.

Soon to come by summer 2026 is a website detailing information on Erasmus+, launched by a new National Agency charged with delivering the programme for the UK.