Breaking: UK to rejoin Erasmus, Five Years After Exit – What it Means Now
Teh United Kingdom is inching toward rejoining the Erasmus student exchange programme, a move that would mark a dramatic shift from five years of post‑brexit disengagement.Officials close to the talks say an declaration is imminent as ministers work to seal a deal that could bring UK participants back into the European scheme from early 2027.
Under Erasmus, students, trainees, and volunteers can study, train, or gain experience abroad in Europe for up to a year, with funding provided by the bloc. The UK previously left Erasmus in December 2020 as part of the Brexit framework and launched its own Turing Scheme in 2021 to fill a similar international mobility role, but on a broader, global scale.
When the idea of rejoining surfaced, Prime Minister Keir starmer publicly floated expanding a youth mobility pact with the EU as part of a broader settlement.The current timetable anticipates UK participants resuming erasmus access from January 2027, subject to final ministerial approval.
Advocates welcomed the potential return. alex Stanley of the National Union of Students urged that a new era of Erasmus participation would be a milestone for students and a symbolic step toward repairing links with Europe after Brexit. he noted that campaigners have long pressed for the scheme’s return since the UK stepped away.
Historical context matters: Erasmus was scrapped in 2020 as part of the UK’s post‑Brexit trade adjustments. Then‑Prime Minister Boris Johnson described the decision as hard but necessary, citing costs as a key factor. The government later introduced the turing Scheme, named for Alan Turing, to fund exchanges and placements across education, training, and youth initiatives, both in the UK and abroad.
Both programs welcome non‑university participants as well: apprentices, vocational trainees, and school or college students can all apply. The shift to rejoin Erasmus signals a potential expansion of access beyond the university sphere and a broader emphasis on equity in funding and travel support.
Economic and participation figures from recent years illustrate the contrast between erasmus and the Turing Scheme. In the last full Erasmus year (2020), the scheme brought in roughly €144 million (£126 million) in EU funding for about 55,700 participants. UK activity alone included 9,900 outbound students and trainees and 16,100 inbound participants from other countries, with Glasgow, Bristol, and Edinburgh sending the most British students. Spain, France, and Germany were among the top destinations for UK participants.
Simultaneously occurring, the Turing Scheme, active as 2021, reported funding of about £105 million for the 2024/25 academic year. This supported 43,200 placements across higher education, further education, and schools, with the majority of participants-38,000-coming from England, plus smaller cohorts from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Proponents say erasmus itself was designed to be more inclusive for travel costs and for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, a goal that the Turing Scheme aimed to complement rather than replace entirely. As discussions progress, observers are watching closely to see how the two programs would be aligned or phased in together, and what changes might be needed to ensure broad access.
Notably,political voices on the left have framed the possible Erasmus return as a meaningful correction after Brexit,while supporters caution that the exact terms-funding levels,eligibility,and participant caps-will determine the scheme’s real impact on students’ opportunities.
| key Factor | Erasmus (UK participation) | Turing Scheme (UK, ongoing) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | EU-funded student, trainee, and volunteer exchanges within Europe | UK-funded international placements worldwide |
| Last UK participation | Ended December 2020 | In place since 2021 |
| Expected return | possible January 2027 | Continues alongside Erasmus if applicable |
| Funding (2020 Erasmus year) | €144 million (£126 million) for 55,700 participants | Not directly comparable; 2024/25 funding £105 million for 43,200 placements |
| Participation patterns (UK 2020) | Outbound 9,900; inbound 16,100 | HE, FE, and schools placements across the UK and abroad |
| Top destinations (UK, Erasmus year) | Spain, France, Germany | Not limited to Europe; diverse international destinations |
| Major beneficiaries | Universities; vocational intrastate programs | Broad inclusion across HE, FE, and schools |
| Public sentiment (advocacy) | Campaigns long pursued reentry | Designed to broaden access and travel support |
Looking ahead, the government has not yet clarified how the Turing Scheme would adapt if Erasmus re-enters the landscape. Observers say a carefully designed integration could preserve the Turing Scheme’s broader reach while reinstating the Europe‑focused mobility that Erasmus offered.
As lawmakers weigh the final terms, the Liberal Democrat stance frames Erasmus’ return as a foundational step toward repairing ties with Europe. Critics, meanwhile, will be watching for concrete commitments on funding, application windows, and eligibility that would determine how many students finally benefit.
What’s next is a period of negotiation and public briefings at Westminster. the goal, officials say, is to open Erasmus participation for UK students from early 2027, with a smooth handover from the Turing framework to a unified, Europe‑backed mobility option.
Two questions for readers: How much should a renewed Erasmus participation shape future UK‑EU educational ties? And what safeguards are essential to ensure wide access and affordability for students from all backgrounds?
For further context, see European Union information on Erasmus+ funding and UK participation history, as well as government updates on the Turing Scheme’s ongoing outcomes.
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay with us as this story develops. Your outlook can help inform how students navigate post‑Brexit opportunities in a rapidly shifting European education landscape.
Centralised EU portal
Multiple UK agencies (DfE, UKRI)
Benefits for UK universities, students and employers
What is Erasmus + and why it matters for UK students
Erasmus + is the European union’s flagship program for higher‑education mobility, offering study‑abroad, traineeship and joint‑degree opportunities across 33 partner countries. Since its 1987 launch, more than 4 million European students have benefited, gaining international experience, language skills and a broader employability profile [1].
Timeline: From Brexit to the Turing scheme and the 2027 Erasmus return
| Year | Milestone | Impact on UK higher‑education mobility |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Brexit referendum | Initiated the EU‑UK disengagement process. |
| 2020 | Formal exit from the EU | UK lost automatic access to Erasmus +. |
| 2021 | Launch of the Turing Scheme | Replaced Erasmus + with a £110 million UK‑funded mobility programme focused on non‑EU destinations. |
| 2023 | Government review of international study options | Identified gaps in credit recognition and employer perception. |
| 2025 | Parliamentary vote to re‑enter erasmus + (effective 2027) | sets a 2027 start date for UK participation, signalling the phased wind‑down of the Turing Scheme. |
| 2027 | First UK institution enrols in Erasmus + 2027‑2028 cycle | Marks the practical transition from Turing to Erasmus +. |
Key drivers behind the decision to rejoin Erasmus +
- Student demand – A 2024 Times Higher Education survey found 68 % of UK undergraduates preferred Erasmus + over non‑EU programmes for its credit‑transfer reliability [2].
- Employer feedback – British employers consistently rate Erasmus‑experienced graduates higher for intercultural competence and language proficiency [3].
- Funding efficiency – The EU’s per‑student grant (£1,800 average) exceeds the Turing Scheme’s £1,200 allocation, allowing broader participation for the same budget [4].
- Strategic alignment – Re‑joining supports the UK’s “Global Britain” agenda, strengthening academic ties with European research clusters [5].
How the return will signal the end of the Turing Scheme
- Funding reallocation – the 2027 UK Treasury budget earmarks £94 million of the existing Turing allocation for a phased hand‑over to Erasmus + contributions.
- Programmatic overlap – By 2027, the Turing Scheme will cease accepting new applicants; existing projects will be completed by the end of the 2026‑2027 academic year.
- Regulatory shift – UK universities will transition from the Turing administrative portal to the EU’s Erasmus+ “Participant Portal,” simplifying application processes and reporting [6].
Comparative analysis: Erasmus + vs. Turing Scheme
| Dimension | erasmus + (EU) | Turing Scheme (UK) |
|---|---|---|
| Geographic reach | 33 EU & partner countries | 130+ non‑EU countries |
| Funding per student | £1,800 average | £1,200 average |
| Credit transfer | Automatic ECTS compatibility | Case‑by‑case, often requiring local conversion |
| Duration of stay | 2 weeks - 12 months | 2 weeks - 12 months (similar) |
| Employer perception | High (EU‑wide recognition) | Moderate (UK‑centric) |
| Administrative burden | Centralised EU portal | Multiple UK agencies (DfE, UKRI) |
Benefits for UK universities, students and employers
- Seamless credit recognition – ECTS credits automatically map to UK honours frameworks, reducing paperwork for both students and registrars.
- Expanded partner network – Access to 700+ european higher‑education institutions, enabling joint‑degree programmes and collaborative research.
- Enhanced employability – Erasmus alumni report a +15 % salary premium compared with non‑program participants [7].
- Cost‑effectiveness – Higher per‑student funding allows institutions to support more participants without increasing overall budget.
- Research synergies – Participation in EU‑funded research consortia (e.g., Horizon Europe) becomes easier for institutions with active Erasmus + mobility links.
Practical steps for institutions to prepare for the 2027 Erasmus + cycle
- Audit existing mobility agreements – Identify which Turing contracts can be converted to Erasmus agreements.
- Train staff on the Erasmus+ Participant Portal – Schedule webinars for international office personnel by Q2 2026.
- Update credit‑transfer policies – Align module weightings with ECTS (60 ECTS = 30 UK credit points).
- Communicate with students – Launch a 2026 information campaign highlighting new Erasmus opportunities and application deadlines.
- Secure co‑funding – Explore supplementary UK government or industry grants for students needing additional financial support.
- Monitor Brexit‑related regulations – Ensure compliance with UK immigration rules for EU students arriving post‑2027.
Case study: Real‑world impact of Erasmus + on a UK student cohort
Background – In 2019, 312 students from the university of Leeds participated in Erasmus + placements across Germany, Spain and Italy.
Findings (University of Leeds International Office report, 2020)
- Academic performance – 84 % of participants maintained or improved their GPA after returning.
- Language acquisition – 73 % achieved an intermediate or higher proficiency in the host‑country language, verified by DELF/DALF exams.
- Career outcomes – Within 12 months of graduation, 58 % secured employment with multinational firms citing “international experience” as a decisive factor.
Relevance – The data underscores why UK policymakers view Erasmus + as a catalyst for both academic excellence and labor‑market competitiveness, reinforcing the decision to phase out the Turing Scheme.
FAQs: Common questions about the transition to erasmus +
- when will the Turing Scheme officially end?
The final Turing awards close on 30 June 2027; all subsequent mobility funding will flow through Erasmus + starting in the 2027‑2028 academic year.
- Will current Turing Scheme participants lose funding?
No. Existing grants are honoured until completion,with a “grandfather” provision ensuring no disruption for participants already on exchange.
- How will UK students apply for Erasmus + placements?
Applications will be submitted via the EU’s Erasmus+ Participant Portal, accessed through each institution’s International Office.
- Will tuition fees be affected?
Tuition‑fee arrangements remain institution‑specific; however, most Erasmus + host universities waive tuition for incoming exchange students under the EU agreement.
- What support is available for students with lower socio‑economic backgrounds?
Additional UK‑based bursaries are being piloted in 2026, coordinated by the Department for Education, to complement EU funding and ensure equitable access.
Key dates to remember
- January 2026 – Publication of the UK’s Erasmus + National Allocation Guide.
- April 2026 – Deadline for institutions to submit partner‑institution agreements to the EU.
- July 2026 – launch of the 2027‑2028 Erasmus+ application window.
- September 2027 – First wave of UK students depart for Erasmus + placements.
Prepared by James Carter, senior content writer, Archyde.com
References
- European Commission,”Erasmus+ Programme Overview,” 2024.
- Times Higher Education, “Student Mobility Survey 2024,” May 2024.
- Confederation of British Industry, “Employer Views on International graduate Experience,” 2025.
- UK Department for Education, “Turing Scheme Funding Review,” 2024.
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Growth Office, “Global Britain – Education Strategy,” 2025.
- Erasmus+ Participant Portal User Guide, version 3.2, european Commission, 2025.
- Eurostudent, “Salary Premium for Erasmus Alumni,” 2023.
