The United Kingdom and the European Union have concluded negotiations that will see the UK reassociate to the Erasmus+ programme, restoring participation in the EU’s education, training, youth and sport exchange scheme in 2027. Under the agreement, UK universities, colleges, apprenticeship providers and organisations in the education and youth sectors will once again be able to participate fully in Erasmus+. This will enable students and staff to study or train abroad through the programme’s established mobility and cooperation activities. 

The UK will contribute approximately £570 million for its participation in the scheme in 2027. The figure includes a 30% discount negotiated with the EU to reflect the UK’s popularity as a destination. Projected participation rates suggest more than 100,000 people of all ages could benefit in the first year alone. For university students, the decision means they can spend a period abroad at European universities as part of their UK degree courses without paying extra fees, while UK universities will be able to welcome European students under the same terms. Those travelling to Europe under the scheme will be eligible for a grant to help with the costs of living abroad. 

The announcement accompanies wider UK-EU cooperation efforts, including the conclusion of exploratory talks on the UK participation in the EU internal electricity market and commitments to work towards the establishment of a common Sanitary and Phytosanitary Area, and the linking of UK and EU Emissions Trading Systems. 

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