After several years away from Erasmus+ due to Brexit, the United Kingdom is set to re-join the European Union’s flagship education and mobility programme. This decision marks a significant shift in post-Brexit UK-EU relations and opens the door to thousands of new opportunities for UK students and educators. The formal changeover is expected to begin in the 2027/2028 academic year, following an agreement reached in December 2025 between the UK government and EU negotiators.
Why the UK Left Erasmus+ and Why It’s Returning
Following exiting the European Union in 2020, the UK left the Erasmus+ programme, stating it was too costly and not sufficiently beneficial at the time. During the intervening years, the UK operated its own Turing Scheme, a programme similar to Erasmus+ aimed at funding international learning experiences globally, therefore stretching beyond Europe. However, public opinion and educational stakeholders continued to advocate strongly for renewed participation in Erasmus+, noting the programme’s deep impact on cultural exchange, educational opportunities and international cooperation.
When Reentry Takes Effect
The UK’s re-entry into Erasmus+ will take effect in January 2027, with participation planned from the academic year 2027/28 onwards. In practical terms this means the following:
A UK National Agency dedicated to Erasmus+ will be established, with guidance and information expected to launch by Summer 2026.
What This Means for Students and Participants
Rejoining Erasmus+ will allow UK learners and educators to participate in mobility and cooperation opportunities under the same framework as other Erasmus+ countries. These opportunities include higher education exchanges and traineeships, vocational education and training placements, school group exchanges and staff training, youth & adult education activities and sports & cultural mobility opportunities. It’s estimated that the first year of participation could mean that over 100,000 UK participants will benefit from Erasmus+ opportunities.
Beyond Borders
The re-entry is expected to produce broad benefits, both for UK and EU students. For example, for UK students, Erasmus+ will bring expanded opportunities to study, train or intern abroad without additional tuition fees as well as bringing access to grants supporting travel and living costs.
For EU students, the reintroduction of the UK brings easier exchange access to UK universities and institutions under fair tuition terms and stronger academic and cultural links with UK partners.
For schools and universities, it will renew partnerships with European institutions, increase
collaboration in joint education and research projects and give access to Erasmus+ priorities (digital skills, sustainability, inclusion) through programming.
How the Scheme Will Work in Practice
While specific application details will be clarified closer to the 2027 calls, the framework will likely mirror current Erasmus+ rules which means that institutions must apply for accreditation to participate, students and staff will take part through accredited entities and funding calls for mobility and partnerships will be open in spring 2027. Furthermore, National Agencies will administer applications and grants. This means UK schools, universities and organisations should start preparing now — building partnerships, reviewing Erasmus+ priorities and planning mobilities in line with 2027 deadlines.
UK and EU Collaboration Beyond Erasmus+
The UK’s re-entry into Erasmus+ does not stand alone. It forms part of broader UK–EU cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening ties in education, research, trade and mobility following Brexit. This includes ongoing discussions on youth mobility schemes, education policy alignment and cultural cooperation, all of which enhance the context in which Erasmus+ will operate.
Erasmus+ UK Rejoining FAQs
Q: When does the UK officially rejoin Erasmus+?
A: Participation begins in the academic year 2027/28, with implementation starting in early 2027.
Q: Can UK students start applying now?
A: Not yet. UK institutions need to complete accreditation and wait for 2027 funding calls.
Q: Will UK students pay international fees in EU universities?
A: Under the Erasmus+ framework, UK students will be treated in line with EU participants for tuition terms, which reduces additional costs.
To Sum Up
The UK’s return to Erasmus+ marks a major turning point in international education mobility after years outside the programme. For students, educators and institutions, it restores a familiar and powerful pathway to study, train and exchange across Europe. It also signals a renewed commitment to building educational and cultural bridges between the UK and EU — enriching academic experiences and broadening horizons for future generations.
If your school or institution is preparing for Erasmus+ 2027 participation, TravelEdventures can help you plan, apply and make the most of this historic opportunity. Contact our team here to talk about what we can do for you and your school.