UK to rejoin EU student exchange scheme in 2027 as part of Starmer’s Brexit reset
The UK is set to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange programme, six years after abandoning the program as part of its withdrawal agreement from the European Union.
Announcing plans to rejoin the scheme in 2027, EU affairs minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said it was a “huge win for our young people” and that the government estimated up to 100,000 people in the UK could benefit from the scheme in the first year.
Through the programme, the EU provides funding for individuals to study, train or volunteer in other European countries for up to a year.
As part of the agreement, it is understood that the UK has agreed to a 30 percent discount on membership fees, which are calculated based on gross domestic product (GDP), which is a measure of the size of a country’s economy.
The UK’s contribution to the 2027 plan will be around £570 million.
The UK withdrew from the Erasmus program under Boris Johnson, arguing that remaining in the EU program would mean a net cost of £2 billion over seven years, and launched the Turing program as a domestic alternative.
However, in May Sir Keir Starmer announced that the government was working on the UK rejoining Erasmus as part of a post-Brexit re-deal with Brussels.
Mr Thomas-Symonds, who held talks with the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic in Brussels last week, said: “Joining Erasmus+ is a huge win for our young people, breaking down barriers and broadening horizons to ensure everyone from all backgrounds has the opportunity to study and study abroad.
“This is about more than just travel: it’s about future skills, academic success and ensuring the next generation has access to the best possible opportunities.
“Today’s agreements prove that our new partnership with the EU is working. We focused on public priorities and delivered a deal that puts opportunities at the forefront.”
Skills minister Jacqui Smith said the program would “open the door to thousands of students and staff in universities, schools, colleges and adult education up and down the country”.
“This is about removing barriers to opportunity, giving students the chance to develop the skills, confidence and international experience that employers value,” he added.
The move to rejoin Erasmus was welcomed by Mr Sefcovic, who called it a “major step forward” and argued it would “strengthen people-to-people ties” between the EU and the UK.
Meanwhile, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen He said this would “open the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships.”
This breakthrough was also welcomed by the education sector; Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group of leading universities, said he was “delighted” by the announcement.
“With a much broader scope than previous programmes, Erasmus+ offers great opportunities for students, adult learners and young people to benefit from new experiences and learning.
“It will also renew the huge contribution EU students and staff make to life on our university campuses.”
David Hughes, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said the announcement was “fantastic news” for staff and students at further education colleges.
He added: “For students it broadens their perspective on the world, opening their eyes to different cultures and different lifestyles, and for staff the opportunity to learn how other countries deliver technical training and skills is invaluable.”
Alex Stanley, vice-president of the National Union of Students, said: “Since the UK left the programme, the number of UK students studying in Europe has fallen, and the number of European students studying in the UK has also fallen.
“But now a new generation of students from the UK will be able to experience all this, and campuses across the country will be able to benefit from the perspectives of Erasmus students coming to the UK.”
Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said the agreement was “a major step forward in our relationship with the EU and will provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of students.”
As part of Wednesday’s announcement, the UK and EU agreed to set a deadline for agreeing a food and drinks trade deal, as well as starting negotiations on electricity market integration.
The UK and EU have agreed to complete talks on a new food and drink (SPS) agreement and carbon sequestration (ETS) agreement before the next UK-EU Summit in 2026.
A carbon bonding agreement would create a single, larger carbon market, allowing companies to trade allowances across borders, reducing overall decarbonization costs.
