‘Big step forward’: UK to rejoin EU’s Erasmus program after Brexit

The UK is set to join the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange programme.

According to the British government, the UK will make its re-entry into the Erasmus scheme for students from 2027, six years after ending its participation as part of Brexit.

Under this highly anticipated rejoicing, the UK students will be entitled to spend a year in Europe as part of their degree courses without paying extra fees.

The programme will allow the UK to pay £570m in the 2027/28 academic year, which is 30% less than the default price for non-EU states as per the government.

After exiting Brexit, the UK launched the Turing scheme in 2021, replacing the Erasmus scheme for their students. Despite the Turing scheme’s global reach, its future now hangs in the balance.

According to Jacqui Smith, the skills minister, “This is about breaking down barriers to opportunity, giving learners the chance to build skills, confidence and international experience that employers value.”

EU trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič, hailed the UK’s decision to rejoin Erasmus as a “big step forward” emphasizing it will “boost people-to-people ties between the EU and the UK.”

Moreover, the European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen also praised the recent move, saying the Erasmus programme will “open the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships.”

Who can apply for the 2027 Erasmus scheme?

• Students belonging to university or college
• School pupils
• Apprentices in vocational training
• Adult learners with an adult learning organisation
• Staff working in education
• Volunteers at youth organisations for training or workshops

Expenses covered under Erasmus

• Travel costs
• Living expenditures
• Course fees
• Visa and entry costs
• Organisational costs
• Preparatory visits

The government has announced that it will further publish the details by the end of 2026 summer.