From 2027, the UK is expected to rejoin Erasmus+, the EU’s flagship education and mobility programme, reopening funded opportunities for students, researchers, staff, and apprentices to study, train, and gain work experience across Europe.

The programme is more than a traditional exchange scheme. Alongside student mobility, Erasmus+ supports research collaboration, partnerships, and international projects that, in some cases, extend beyond Europe. For UK students, this means international recognition and experience, minus the high cost of relocating permanently overseas. 

Back in 2020, the UK left the original Erasmus programme following Brexit and introduced domestic alternatives, such as the Turing Scheme and, in Wales, Taith. Both schemes are expected to continue running alongside Erasmus+ for at least the 2026/27 academic year, creating a period of overlap as the UK re-establishes its participation in Erasmus+.

Under the current framework, UK institutions will be able to bid into a funding pot of approximately €1 billion held by the European Commission. Sector representatives have stressed that the programme’s success in the UK will depend on how effectively universities utilise this funding.

It’s worth noting that EU students who previously studied at UK universities helped strengthen peer learning and intercultural understanding. They also encouraged domestic students to study languages and raised awareness of the benefits of studying abroad.

However, sector leaders have raised concerns that declining numbers of language students in the UK could reduce demand for European exchanges. Therefore, promoting the value of Erasmus+ will be key to maximising participation.

Strong engagement in 2027 could further strengthen the case for expanding the next iteration of Erasmus+, with discussions already pointing toward a possible €40 billion budget in the following cycle.

In light of this, European partners, including representatives from Germany and the Netherlands, have already begun organising matchmaking events to help universities rebuild partnerships and deepen collaboration. This underscores the importance for UK institutions to move quickly and take full advantage of the opportunity.

For students watching closely, 2027 could mark the beginning of a renewed chapter in UK–Europe study opportunities.