UK rejoins Erasmus+ from 2027 as 100,000 set to benefit in first year

Thousands of students, apprentices and young people across the UK are set to regain access to study and work opportunities across Europe after the government formally agreed to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027.

The legal text confirming the UK’s return was signed in Brussels on April 15, marking a major shift in post-Brexit relations and reopening one of Europe’s most established education and exchange schemes to UK participants.

More than 100,000 people are expected to benefit in the first year alone, with opportunities ranging from apprenticeships in leading European companies to school cultural exchanges and cross-border collaboration projects involving organisations across the continent.

What the return of Erasmus+ means

The programme’s return will allow UK-based students, apprentices, educators and youth organisations to once again take part in placements and exchanges across Europe, while also welcoming EU participants into UK institutions and communities.

The government says the move is designed to expand access to international experience, particularly for those from less advantaged backgrounds, citing evidence that students who study abroad tend to have stronger long-term career prospects than those who do not.

A 30% discount on the UK’s default contribution rate has also been secured as part of the agreement, a measure ministers say delivers value for taxpayers while ensuring full participation in the scheme.

Part of wider UK-EU reset

Rejoining Erasmus+ was one of the key commitments made at the first UK-EU Summit in May last year, alongside agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation on food and drink, energy, emissions trading, and security and defence.

Those wider commitments are intended to boost economic growth while reinforcing ties between the UK and EU following Brexit, with Erasmus+ seen as one of the most visible programmes affecting young people directly.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said the programme offers “transformative opportunities” for young people, adding that it allows participants to build confidence, gain work experience and develop language skills while living abroad.

She said generations had previously benefitted from studying and working in Europe, and that the agreement ensures today’s students and apprentices can once again access those opportunities.

British Council set to oversee rollout

The British Council is expected to take on the role of UK National Agency for Erasmus+, supporting organisations applying to the programme and helping participants access placements and exchanges.

Its appointment is subject to final confirmation by the European Commission later this year, but the organisation previously held the same role between 2014 and 2020.

During that period, it oversaw more than 8,000 projects involving over 580,000 participants and distributed approximately €1.1 billion in funding to UK organisations.

British Council Chief Executive Scott McDonald said the programme has a “proven track record in changing lives”, highlighting its role in broadening cultural understanding and developing skills across a wide range of participants.

He added that the organisation will work with the Department for Education, devolved governments and the European Commission to maximise the programme’s impact across the UK.

Opportunities ahead of 2027 launch

The first funding call under the renewed programme is expected in 2027, with students, educators, apprentices and organisations able to register their interest now ahead of applications opening.

Those interested can sign up for updates through the British Council website at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus to receive information on funding rounds and participation opportunities.

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the return of Erasmus+ would give young people “the very best start”, offering the chance to gain new skills, perspectives and experiences across Europe while strengthening their future career prospects.

The re-entry into Erasmus+ represents one of the most tangible changes in UK-EU cooperation since Brexit, restoring a pathway for international education and exchange that directly affects thousands of young people each year.

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At a glance

• UK to rejoin Erasmus+ programme from 2027 following agreement signed in Brussels

• More than 100,000 people expected to benefit in the first year

• Includes students, apprentices, school groups and organisations

• 30% discount secured on UK contribution rate

• British Council set to become UK National Agency, pending confirmation

• Previous scheme (2014–2020) supported 580,000 UK participants and 8,000 projects

• First funding call expected in 2027

• Registration for updates now open via British Council website