UK confirms return to Erasmus+ with over 100,000 participants expected from 2027

Agreement with the EU reopens student mobility and skills pathways, with funding, policy, and delivery structures now set ahead of the first intake.

UK–EU map illustration highlighting cross-border links in AI, education, and workforce skills development

The UK government, European Union, and British Council have confirmed that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ program from 2027, reopening access to study, training, and work opportunities across Europe for students, apprentices, and educators.

The legal agreement, signed in Brussels, is expected to support over 100,000 participants in its first year. The move brings back a structured mobility pathway into the UK education system, with implications for skills development, workforce readiness, and institutional collaboration at scale.

Institutions prepare for return as mobility pathways reopen

Erasmus+ will allow UK students and apprentices to study and work across Europe, while EU students and staff will return to UK institutions.

The program includes placements with European employers, school exchange activity, and cross-border collaboration between education providers. It also links directly to skills policy, with government data indicating that students who study abroad, particularly those from less advantaged backgrounds, see improved long-term career outcomes.

Separately, the Russell Group of Universities, which represents 24 research-intensive universities, said in a LinkedIn post that its members are preparing to re-engage as mobility resumes: “We’re delighted that the UK’s association to Erasmus+ from 2027 has been finalised today.”

It added: “Erasmus+ opens up fantastic opportunities for students, adult learners and young people to benefit from new experiences and learning. Just as importantly, it will also allow more EU students and staff to contribute to campus life in the UK.”

The statement signals that universities are already positioning for inbound and outbound mobility, with a focus on both student experience and staff exchange.

Delivery model and funding structure set ahead of 2027

The UK has secured a 30 percent discount on its contribution rate while retaining full participation in the program. The British Council is expected to take on the role of National Agency for Erasmus+ in the UK, supporting applications and delivery across institutions. Final confirmation is pending from the European Commission.

Previous delivery provides a baseline for scale. Between 2014 and 2020, the British Council oversaw more than 8,000 projects, involving over 580,000 participants and distributing around €1.1 billion in funding.

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith says: “From learning a language to building confidence and work experience, Erasmus+ offers transformative opportunities to enhance young people’s life chances.”

She adds: “Generations of people have benefitted from the opportunities working and studying abroad offers, and I’m so pleased that today’s students, apprentices, educators and young people can experience all Europe has to offer.”

Policy reset reconnects UK education with European systems

The return to Erasmus+ follows commitments made at the UK–EU Summit and forms part of a broader reset in cooperation across sectors including energy, trade, and security.

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds says: “We want to give our young people the very best start, and bringing back Erasmus+ does exactly that.

“It offers thousands of students and apprentices the chance to learn and grow in Europe, boosting their quality of life and helping them gain a fresh perspective on the world.”

Scott McDonald, Chief Executive of the British Council, says: “As the National Agency for Erasmus+, the British Council will work closely with the Department for Education, the Devolved Governments and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for the UK.”

He adds: “Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship.”

The first funding call is expected in 2027, with institutions, students, and organizations able to register interest in advance.