UK ‘set to rejoin EU’s Erasmus scheme’ as part of Starmer’s Brexit reset
British students could take part in the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange programme, according to new reports.
The Cabinet Office said talks on the issue were “ongoing”, but reports suggest ministers could make an announcement as soon as Wednesday. University students will be allowed to participate in the student exchange program until January 2027.
Sir Keir Starmer announced that the government was working on the UK joining Erasmus as part of its post-Brexit reset deal with Brussels in May. Negotiations included working on “mutually agreed financial terms” for joining the scheme, which the UK left to Boris Johnson’s administration.
The UK has pushed for a reduction in membership fees. TimesThese are calculated based on a country’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is a measure of the size of its economy.
The newspaper stated that it was understood that the EU offered the Government a 30 percent discount on wages in the first year of membership.
Britain withdrew from Erasmus under Mr Johnson, launching the Turing scheme as a domestic alternative, arguing that remaining in the EU program would mean a net cost of £2bn over seven years.
Guard He stated that British students can participate in university-based educational exchanges as well as vocational training placements within the scope of the Erasmus program.
Cabinet Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds held talks with the European Commission’s Maros Sefcovic in Brussels last week as the deadline for the UK to join on time in 2027 approaches.
A cabinet spokesman said: “We do not comment on ongoing discussions.”
But this apparent breakthrough has been welcomed by universities in the UK.
Tim Bradshaw, CEO of the Russell Group of leading universities, said: “We are delighted with the UK’s partnership with Erasmus+.
“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.”
Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, explained this decision as follows: Times As “great news for the UK and for students and universities here and across Europe.”
He said: “The agreement marks a major step forward in our relationship with the EU and will provide life-changing opportunities for thousands of students. The UK government and the EU deserve praise for moving forward with these complex negotiations quickly and reaching a mutually acceptable agreement.”
“We look forward to working with our universities and partners across Europe to ensure the program plays a key role in rebuilding our international partnerships and delivers the best possible outcomes for the UK.”
