UK to Rejoin Erasmus Programme After Brexit, Applications Open Mid-2026
The UK is set to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme five years after leaving the EU, with applications opening in mid-2026 and full re-entry expected by the 2027–28 academic year. A newly established UK national agency will oversee the administration of Erasmus+, marking what the government describes as a significant win for young people.
Eligible participants include individuals from schools, youth groups, colleges, and workplaces. The programmes vary in duration from two days to one year and involve countries such as EU member states, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Serbia, Turkey, and North Macedonia. Grants are provided to cover travel, accommodation, living costs, and course fees, while participants continue to pay tuition fees to their home institutions.
During the 2018–19 academic year, over 8,000 UK trainees and just under 10,000 UK university students took part in Erasmus. The UK's first-year financial contribution to the programme is £570 million, reflecting a 30% discount that accounts for the UK's historically disproportionate share of EU participants. Universities UK estimated a net economic benefit of £243 million to the UK economy from Erasmus after costs.
Political reactions have been mixed: the Liberal Democrats have expressed support, Conservatives have been critical, some commentators have labeled the £570 million cost as excessive, and Labour has accused the government of dragging Britain back under Brussels. Meanwhile, students at Northern Ireland universities have continued to participate through support from the Irish government.
The current Erasmus+ framework is due to end in 2028. Afterwards, the UK will renegotiate its membership under a new framework while retaining the 30% discount and evaluating the programme's success before fully adopting the updated agreement.
