UK to Rejoin Erasmus+ Programme in 2027, Boosting International Education and Collaboration
The UK government announced on 16 December that the country will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme in 2027. This marks a significant return to the European student exchange initiative from which the UK had withdrawn following Brexit.
Prior to Brexit, Erasmus funded numerous cross-border student exchanges, including a notable UK-led consortium program that allowed 10 students per year from six European universities to participate in a 10-day environmental field course. This course rotated across diverse locations such as the Mediterranean, central Europe, and the far north, fostering enduring international friendships and staff collaborations.
Data from the British Council between 2014 and 2020 highlights the scale of UK involvement, with 4,846 projects, 128,000 UK participants, and over €679 million awarded to UK organisations through Erasmus.
The Erasmus+ programme now extends beyond higher education to include schools, youth groups, sports teams, vocational and adult education. The UK’s reinstatement is expected to restore activities such as eTwinning, teacher job shadowing, and in-service programmes. There have already been enquiries from schools in Spain, Denmark, and France seeking UK partner schools.
Commentators Graham Walters and Maddalaine Ansell emphasized the benefits of Erasmus+ for enriching student experiences and encouraging cross-sector learning. The move is framed as beneficial for Britain’s global workforce and will enhance its international engagement going forward.
