Major issues it’s essential to know as UK rejoins Erasmus scheme – from prices to Brexit

The Government has announced the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, which is the EU’s student exchange programme – here’s everything you need to know about the scheme

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Major things you need to know as UK rejoins Erasmus+ exchange programme

• What has happened: The Government has announced the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme, which is the EU’s student exchange programme. It will mean British students will be able to study abroad at universities in Europe for the first time since Brexit. More than 100,000 people in the UK could benefit from the scheme in 2027 alone, the first year the scheme will be up and running.
• Will students have to pay: Both British youngsters – and EU students – will not have to pay extra fees. It means UK students will continue to pay their standard domestic fees – which are capped at £9,535 a year – to their home university when they are abroad.
• Will it just apply to university: Opportunities available on Erasmus+ include further education students and apprentices going on work placements in leading European companies. The government said it will work closely with institutions and young people to maximise take-up – particularly among disadvantaged groups.
• Will it cost the UK: Under the new deal, the UK is expected to get a 30% discount on the programme for the first year. The UK contribution for the 2027/28 academic year will be approximately £570million, with a multiyear framework to be agreed in future.
• When did the UK leave Erasmus+: The UK left the Erasmus scheme in 2020 after a Brexit deal was agreed with the EU. Boris Johnson complained the programme was “extremely expensive”. At the time, Universities UK slammed the “disappointing” decision.
• What has changed under Labour: Keir Starmer has been pressing ahead with improving relations with the EU since he was elected. In a major foreign policy speech at the start of the month, the PM was clear that Britain must make its relationship with the EU work for British people, saying that while Brexit was a “fair, democratic expression”, the way it was sold and delivered was “simply wrong”.
• What have education experts said: Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, hailed the announcement, particularly the “focus upon ensuring all young people, including those from more disadvantaged backgrounds can benefit”.
• What comes next: Pro-EU voices, including the Liberal Democrats and campaign group Best for Britain, have urged the government to build on the momentum of the Erasmus agreement for closer relations with the EU. The Lib Dems called for negotiations on a youth mobility scheme.
• READ THE FULL STORY HERE: Major Brexit change to be reversed by Keir Starmer in huge boost to young people