Under the renewed participation, UK students will once again be able to spend up to a year studying in Europe as part of their degree programmes without paying additional tuition fees. The move marks a significant shift after the UK exited the Erasmus Programme as part of Brexit.
According to the government, the UK will contribute £570 million to the programme in the 2027–28 academic year. This amount is around 30 percent less than the standard fee usually paid by non-EU countries.
After leaving the EU, the UK introduced the Turing Scheme in 2021 as a replacement for Erasmus. While the Turing scheme offered global study opportunities, its future is now uncertain following the decision to return to Erasmus.
Skills minister Jacqui Smith said the move was aimed at expanding opportunities for learners. “This is about breaking down barriers to opportunity, giving learners the chance to build skills, confidence and international experience that employers value,” she said.
The decision was welcomed in Brussels. Maroš Šefčovič described the UK’s return as a “big step forward” that would strengthen people-to-people ties between the UK and the European Union.
Ursula von der Leyen also praised the move, saying the Erasmus programme would “open the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships,” according to a statement from the European Commission.
Eligibility for the Erasmus scheme from 2027 will include university and college students, school pupils, apprentices in vocational training, adult learners, education staff and volunteers involved in youth organisations.
The programme is expected to cover travel costs, living expenses, course fees, visa and entry charges, organisational costs and preparatory visits. The government said detailed guidelines and application procedures will be published by the summer of 2026.
