The United Kingdom is poised to reenter the European Union’s Erasmus+ exchange program following half a decade of absence, according to BBC reports. This strategic reversal comes after the UK terminated its participation in 2020 as part of its Brexit separation agreement with the EU.
The Erasmus initiative, named after Dutch Renaissance scholar Desiderius Erasmus, facilitates educational and cultural exchanges by providing EU funding for students, trainees, and volunteers to spend up to one year in European partner nations. The UK had previously replaced this program with its domestically developed Turing scheme in 2021, which supports similar international placements across global destinations.
Government officials have remained silent regarding ongoing negotiations, but an official announcement is anticipated from ministers this Wednesday. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had previously indicated in May that a youth mobility arrangement could constitute part of a renegotiated relationship with the European Union. If confirmed, British students would regain access to Erasmus+ beginning January 2027.
Alex Stanley of the National Union of Students welcomed the development, characterizing it as “fantastic that another generation of students will be able to be part of the Erasmus programme” and noting it would represent a “huge win for the student movement.” Student organizations have consistently advocated for reinstatement since the program’s termination.
The original decision to abandon Erasmus was made by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who described it as a “tough decision” necessitated by the program’s “extremely expensive” nature. Historical data reveals that during its final year of participation in 2020, the UK received €144 million (£126 million) in EU funding supporting 55,700 participants in Erasmus projects. That year, Britain sent 9,900 students and trainees abroad while hosting 16,100 incoming participants.
The Turing scheme, named after renowned British mathematician Alan Turing, has operated with £105 million in funding for the 2024/25 academic year, facilitating 43,200 placements across higher education, further education, and schools. Government ministers had promoted Turing as offering broader accessibility for disadvantaged backgrounds and enhanced travel cost support compared to its European counterpart. The future status of the Turing scheme remains uncertain following the potential reintroduction of Erasmus.
Liberal Democrat universities spokesman Ian Sollom applauded the anticipated return to Erasmus, describing it as a “moment of real opportunity and a clear step towards repairing the disastrous Conservative Brexit deal.”