The UK has formally reached an agreement with the European Union to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, restoring access to one of the world’s largest education‑exchange schemes from 2027. The decision marks a major shift in UK‑EU relations and reopens opportunities for students, apprentices, and young people to study, train, and gain work experience across Europe.
Under the new arrangement, the UK will once again participate fully in Erasmus+, a programme that supports education, training, youth, and sport across the EU. The move reverses the country’s 2020 withdrawal and is part of a broader “UK‑EU reset” announced in December 2025. The government has pledged to widen access, with a particular focus on ensuring that disadvantaged students benefit from international mobility schemes.
The return to Erasmus+ has been met with strong enthusiasm from Gen Z students, many of whom view the programme as a gateway to cultural exchange, language learning, and broader career prospects. Youth organisations across Europe have also welcomed the renewed partnership, highlighting its potential to strengthen cross‑border collaboration and multicultural learning.
With participation set to begin in the 2027–28 academic year, universities and colleges are preparing to rebuild exchange networks that were disrupted after Brexit. The agreement is expected to boost academic innovation and skills development while reinforcing the UK’s ties with European institutions.
Erasmus+ programme Picture on Wikimedia by AnneBurinDesRoziersChabot
