Next generation to study and work across Europe as Britain rejoins Erasmus+

Students, apprentices and young people will soon be able to study and work across Europe, as the UK and EU sign the legal text in Brussels to formally bring the UK into Erasmus+ from 2027.

Expected participation and access to opportunities

The government predicts that over 100,000 people will benefit in the first year alone. This includes apprentices on placements in leading European companies, school groups taking part in cultural exchanges, and organisations collaborating on new cross-border initiatives.

By rejoining Erasmus, the government claims it will also support its wider drive to expand opportunities for young people, regardless of background. Especially as evidence shows that less‑advantaged students who studied abroad had better long‑term career prospects than those who do not.

Programme terms and wider UK‑EU commitments

The UK also secured a 30 per cent discount on the default contribution rate, while retaining full participation in the programme.

Erasmus+ was one of the key commitments agreed at the first UK-EU Summit in May last year. The UK and EU also committed to delivering deals on food and drink, energy, and emissions trading. The Summit also strengthened cooperation with the EU on security and defence.

Skills minister, Jacqui Smith, said:

“From learning a language to building confidence and work experience, Erasmus+ offers transformative opportunities to enhance young people’s life chances.

“Generations of people have benefitted from the opportunities working and studying abroad offers, and I’m so pleased that today’s students, apprentices, educators and young people can experience all Europe has to offer.”

The government says the announcement is consistent with its stated aim of resetting relations with the European Union and increasing cooperation following Brexit. It adds that UK institutions and communities will again host EU participants as well as the skills, diversity and culture it believes they bring.

Role of the British Council and next steps

This follows the government’s announcement that it expects to appoint the British Council as the UK’s National Agency for Erasmus+, subject to final confirmation by the European Commission later this year. The government says the British Council will support organisations applying to the programme and that the appointment aims to facilitate participation by students, apprentices, educators and young people in opportunities across Europe.

The British Council’s previous role as the UK National Agency for Erasmus+ from 2014 to 2020, oversaw more than 8,000 projects, involving over 580,000 participants and awarding approximately €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Scott McDonald, chief executive, British Council, said:

“As the National Agency for Erasmus+, the British Council will work closely with the Department for Education, the Devolved Governments and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for the UK.

“Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship.

“The programme will be of enormous benefit to a range of people from different backgrounds throughout the UK, giving them a global outlook and a whole range of skills.”

EU relations minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said:

“We want to give our young people the very best start, and bringing back Erasmus+ does exactly that. 

“It offers thousands of students and apprentices the chance to learn and grow in Europe, boosting their quality of life and helping them gain a fresh perspective on the world. 

“This is what a positive UK-EU relationship looks like in practice, making a tangible difference to people’s lives and careers.”

Students, young people, educators and organisations interested in taking part can register for updates now at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus ahead of the first funding call in 2027.