The United Kingdom is preparing to rejoin the European Union's Erasmus student exchange program, with an official announcement expected this week. This move signals a significant policy shift five years after the UK's departure from the popular scheme, which facilitates study and work placements across Europe for students and trainees.
Under the new arrangement, UK students could begin participating in Erasmus from January 2027. The decision has been met with enthusiasm from student organizations, who have consistently campaigned for the UK's return since its exit following the post-Brexit trade deal in 2020.
Key Takeaways
- The UK is expected to announce its return to the EU's Erasmus program.
- UK students will likely be able to participate starting in January 2027.
- The move reverses a decision made in 2020 as part of the post-Brexit agreement.
- The fate of the UK's replacement Turing scheme remains unclear.
- Student unions and political figures have welcomed the anticipated return.
A Return to European Mobility
The decision marks a reversal of the UK's 2020 withdrawal from Erasmus, a program that has been a cornerstone of European educational and cultural exchange for decades. The UK's participation ended when the government, led by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, cited the program's high costs as a key reason for leaving.
At the time, the government introduced its own alternative, the Turing scheme, named after mathematician Alan Turing. This program was designed to offer similar placements but on a global scale, not just within Europe. It also aimed to provide greater support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The return to Erasmus follows discussions between the UK government and the EU. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously indicated in May that a youth mobility scheme could be part of a new, broader agreement with the European Union.
What is the Erasmus Program?
Named after the Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Erasmus program provides EU funding for individuals to study, train, or volunteer in other participating countries. It covers university students, vocational trainees, apprentices, and even school pupils, offering placements for up to one year.
The Impact on Students and Institutions
Student groups have been among the most vocal advocates for rejoining the program. The National Union of Students (NUS) celebrated the news as a major victory for the student movement.
"It is fantastic that another generation of students will be able to be part of the Erasmus programme," said Alex Stanley from the NUS, calling it a "huge win for the student movement." He added, "Students have been campaigning to rejoin Erasmus from the day we left."
The program has historically facilitated a significant two-way flow of students. In 2020, the final year of the UK's full participation, the scheme supported a total of 55,700 individuals involved in UK-related projects, backed by €144 million in EU funding.
That year, 9,900 students and trainees from the UK travelled abroad for placements, while 16,100 came to the UK from other European countries. This exchange is seen by many in higher education as vital for fostering international collaboration and enriching the campus environment.
Erasmus by the Numbers (2020)
- Total Participants in UK projects: 55,700
- EU Funding for UK: €144 million (£126 million)
- UK Students Sent Abroad: 9,900
- EU Students Hosted in UK: 16,100
- Top UK Sending Universities: Glasgow, Bristol, Edinburgh
- Top Destinations for UK Students: Spain, France, Germany
The Turing Scheme and its Future
With the return of Erasmus on the horizon, questions now arise about the future of the Turing scheme. Launched in 2021, the UK's domestic alternative has operated with a different model and scope.
Comparing the Schemes
The Turing scheme was established with a global focus, funding placements worldwide, not just in Europe. For the 2024/25 academic year, it was allocated £105 million to fund 43,200 placements across higher education, further education, and schools. A key objective was to widen participation, with ministers stating it was designed to better support travel costs for those from less privileged backgrounds.
Of the placements funded for the current academic year, the breakdown is as follows:
- Higher Education: 24,000 placements
- Further Education: 12,100 placements
- Schools: 7,000 placements
The majority of these participants (38,000) were from England. It is not yet clear whether the Turing scheme will continue to operate alongside Erasmus, be phased out, or be integrated into a new hybrid model. Government officials have not yet commented on the specifics of the transition.
Political Reactions and Next Steps
The anticipated announcement has drawn positive reactions from opposition parties, who view it as a step toward mending relations with the EU post-Brexit.
Ian Sollom, the Liberal Democrat universities spokesman, described the news as a "moment of real opportunity." He stated it was a "clear step towards repairing the disastrous Conservative Brexit deal."
The government is expected to provide full details of the agreement on Wednesday. The focus will be on the financial arrangements for the UK's re-entry, the timeline for implementation, and the long-term plan for the Turing scheme. For thousands of students hoping to study abroad, the decision represents the reopening of a valuable and cherished opportunity for personal and academic growth.
