UK to Rejoin Erasmus Study Scheme in 2027

The UK has announced that it will rejoin the Erasmus study program in 2027, nearly six years after its participation was halted as a consequence of Brexit. This move will allow British students to study at European universities without incurring additional fees, while European students will have similar opportunities in the UK. The Erasmus program, which facilitates academic exchanges, will be expanded to include the UK once again.

Details of the Rejoining Agreement

Under the forthcoming agreement, the UK will contribute £570 million to join an enhanced Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. The government has indicated that this investment represents a 30% discount compared to previous costs. Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds emphasized that this partnership signifies positive relations with the EU, stating, “This is about more than just travel: it’s about future skills, academic success, and giving the next generation access to the best possible opportunities.”

Background on the Erasmus Scheme

The Erasmus program, named after the Dutch Renaissance scholar, was terminated in the UK in December 2020 following the announcement of a post-Brexit trade deal with the EU. The initiative allows students to study abroad at designated partner universities and institutions, offering grants to assist with living expenses. Usually, students pay tuition fees to their home universities, with the European Union covering additional costs through taxpayer funding.

The Decision to Leave Erasmus

Britain could have continued its participation in Erasmus after Brexit, but former Prime Minister Boris Johnson deemed the scheme insufficiently cost-effective. The UK’s position was that prior to Brexit, there were more than twice as many EU students in the UK compared to British students studying in Europe, leading to a net financial burden on the UK taxpayer.

Comparing Erasmus with the Turing Scheme

In 2020, the final year of the UK’s participation in Erasmus, the program received €144 million (£126 million) in EU funding, facilitating involvement for approximately 55,700 individuals. Of these, around 9,900 UK students went abroad, while 16,100 foreign students came to the UK.

In contrast, the Turing scheme, which was introduced in 2021 and named after British codebreaker Alan Turing, secured £105 million in funding during the last academic year. This program supported 43,200 placements, with 24,000 in higher education, 12,100 in further education, and 7,000 in schools. Ministers behind the Turing scheme claimed it provides wider access and better financial support for travel, particularly benefiting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Reactions and Future Prospects

Supporters of Erasmus argue that it has historically strengthened the UK economy and provided financial support to universities. Recently, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reopened discussions about youth mobility schemes as part of a potential agreement with the EU. Alex Stanley from the National Union of Students (NUS) expressed enthusiasm, noting that another generation of students will have the chance to participate in the Erasmus program: “This is a huge win for the student movement,” he remarked.

Additionally, Ian Sollom, the Liberal Democrat spokesperson for universities, welcomed the return of Erasmus, framing it as “a moment of real opportunity” to rectify the negative impacts of the conservative Brexit deal.

Conclusion

The reintroduction of the Erasmus study scheme represents a significant step for UK students seeking broader educational opportunities abroad. By 2027, the UK will once again be part of a program that aims to enhance international academic collaboration and cultivate future skills.

• The UK will officially rejoin the Erasmus program in 2027.
• Students will have the opportunity to study abroad without additional fees.
• The UK government will invest £570 million in the new Erasmus+ scheme.
• The rejoining signifies a positive shift in UK-EU relations post-Brexit.