UK and EU sign deal to bring Britain back into Erasmus+ programme from 2027

The United Kingdom and European Union have signed the legal text in Brussels to formally bring the UK back into the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, reopening one of Europe's most celebrated educational exchange schemes to British participants for the first time since Brexit.

More than 100,000 people are expected to benefit in the first year alone, according to the government, including apprentices taking up placements at leading European companies, school groups participating in cultural exchanges, and organisations collaborating on cross-border initiatives.

The UK secured a 30 per cent discount on the default contribution rate as part of the agreement, which the government said delivers a fair deal for taxpayers whilst guaranteeing full participation in the programme. Erasmus+ was one of the key commitments agreed at the first UK-EU Summit in May last year, alongside deals on food and drink, energy, and emissions trading.

British Council to lead delivery

The government confirmed that the British Council is set to become the National Agency for Erasmus+ in the UK, subject to final confirmation by the European Commission later this year. The organisation will support institutions applying to the programme and help students, apprentices, educators and young people access opportunities across Europe.

The British Council previously served as the Erasmus+ UK National Agency between 2014 and 2020, during which time it oversaw more than 8,000 projects, engaged more than 580,000 participants and awarded around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.

Scott McDonald, chief executive of the British Council, said the organisation would "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". He added that Erasmus+ "has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship".

Ministers hail 'transformative opportunities'

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith described the programme as offering "transformative opportunities to enhance young people's life chances", citing benefits ranging from language learning to building confidence and work experience. She said the announcement "delivers on our commitment to reset relations with the European Union and reflects our ambition to strengthen cooperation following Brexit".

EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said the agreement demonstrated "what a positive UK-EU relationship looks like in practice, making a tangible difference to people's lives and careers". He added: "We want to give our young people the very best start, and bringing back Erasmus+ does exactly that."

The government cited evidence that less advantaged students who studied abroad had better long-term career prospects than those who did not, framing the reopening as part of its wider drive to expand opportunities for young people regardless of background.

Students, young people, educators and organisations interested in participating can register for updates at the British Council's website ahead of the first funding call in 2027.