- Thousands across the UK set to benefit from re-opening of the
historic Erasmus+ programme
- Enhanced learning and work opportunities back on track for
British young people from next year
- UK and EU finalise agreement to bring the UK formally
into Erasmus+ in 2027.
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 today to formally bring the UK into Erasmus+ in 2027.
Over 100,000 people are expected to benefit in the first year
alone, including apprentices on placements in leading European
companies, school groups taking part in cultural exchanges, and
organisations collaborating on new cross-border initiatives.
Less advantaged students who studied abroad had better long-term
career prospects than those who did not – and so the reopening
supports the government's wider drive to expand young people's
opportunities, regardless of background.
On top of this, the UK secured a 30% discount on the default
contribution rate, delivering a fair deal for taxpayers while
guaranteeing full participation in the programme.
Erasmus+ is 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 on emissions
trading, providing a significant boost for growth. The Summit
also cooperation with the EU on security and defence – helping to
making people across the UK safer, more secure and more
prosperous.
Skills Minister 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.”
Today's announcement delivers on our commitment to reset
relations with the European Union and reflects our ambition to
strengthen cooperation following Brexit.
UK institutions and communities will also once again welcome EU
participants and the skills, diversity and culture they bring.
This comes as the government announces the British Council is set
to become the National Agency for Erasmus+ in the UK. It will
support organisations applying to the programme and help
students, apprentices, educators and young people make the most
of opportunities across Europe, ahead of final confirmation of
its appointment by the European Commission later this year.
This follows British Council's work as the Erasmus+ UK National
Agency, between 2014 and 2020, where they oversaw more than 8,000
projects, engaging more than 580,000 participants and awarding
around €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.”
This milestone is the latest step in the government's reset of
our relations with the European Union and ambition to improve our
cooperation following Brexit.
EU Relations Minister, , 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.
Notes to Editors:
- Today officials sign the legal text bringing the UK formally
into Erasmus+ in 2027.
- A 2025 UUKI report found that students from less advantaged
backgrounds who had studied abroad had a higher five-year average
professional-level employment rate (70.2%) than those who didn't
(68.3%).
- UK organisations and institutions can find out more and
register for updates on Erasmus+ opportunities at www.britishcouncil.org/erasmusplus
