The UK Government has announced that it will be rejoining the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027.
The exchange programme will now allow students, apprentices and trainees in the UK to access opportunities within Europe without having to pay any extra fees, while affording European students similar opportunities in the UK.
The UK left Erasmus+ in 2021 after Brexit when Boris Johnson’s government deemed that it did not offer value for money. It was replaced with the Turing scheme.
The Turing scheme was criticised for being overly complicated and tedious, with many partner universities finding the application process difficult and students reporting problems receiving funding in time for their exchange.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Britain’s EU relations minister, said that rejoining Erasmus is a “huge win for our young people, breaking down barriers and widening horizons.”
Joining Erasmus+ will cost the government £570 million in the first year – a 30% discount from the original membership terms from the EU.
The move has been welcomed by universities and students, with UK Universities and the National Union of Students (NUS) applauding the decision.
An NUS leader shared: “Since the UK left the programme, the number of UK students studying in Europe has plummeted, as has the number of students from Europe studying in the UK. But now, the next generation of students from the UK will be able to experience it all, and campuses across the country will benefit from the perspectives of Erasmus students coming to the UK.”
Scottish Lib Dems politician Michael Turvey shared on Gettin’ Rowdy with the Gaudie: “As a former student on Erasmus, I know just how many incredible opportunities come along with it. It is no exaggeration to say those experiences made me who I am today. It allowed me to study all over Europe, to meet new people and learn different languages.”
Erasmus+ allows students to be educated in 27 EU member countries, as well as six non-EU member countries including Norway and Turkey.
Tim Bradshaw, the Chief Executive of Russell Group of universities, said: “With an even greater scope than previous programmes, Erasmus+ opens up fantastic opportunities for students, adult learners and young people to all benefit from new experiences and learning.”
However, the announcement was met with some backlash. Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary, said the latest UK-EU deal was a “betrayal” of Brexit and it will “throw away billions of pounds of hard-pressed taxpayers’ money”.
Another Conservative shadow minister, Stuart Andrew, told Sky News that he was “puzzled” as this announcement comes after Labour made clear in their manifesto that they wouldn’t go near the “European arguments.”
A University of Aberdeen student told The Gaudie: “Joining Erasmus+ seems very good, it will give people more opportunity and experience with less worry about the cost, especially with the high price of things just now.”
It is currently unclear if the Turing scheme will continue to exist alongside Erasmus+ or will be replaced entirely, with clarification expected before 2027.
It is believed that the government will give further guidance for applying to the scheme on its website by summer 2026.
