The European Union and the United Kingdom have reached a landmark agreement to bring the UK back into the Erasmus+ programme starting in 2027, signalling a renewed commitment to
educational and cultural exchange across Europe.
Under the agreement, UK students, educators, institutions, and organisations will once again participate in Erasmus+ on equal terms with their counterparts in EU member states and other associated countries. The move places people-to-people connections at the centre of a broader effort to reset relations between the EU and the UK following years of post-Brexit adjustments.
The decision follows commitments made during the first EU–UK Summit in May 2025 and is formalised through an amendment to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. It reflects a shared recognition of the long-standing academic and cultural ties between the UK and the rest of Europe.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the development, highlighting the historic depth of educational cooperation between the two sides and the benefits of strengthening those links for future generations.
Erasmus+ is the EU’s flagship programme supporting education, training, youth, and sport. It funds opportunities for students to study abroad, for teachers to gain international experience, and for institutions to collaborate on innovative educational projects. Since its launch in 1987, the programme has enabled millions of Europeans to live and learn in another country, helping to build skills, confidence, and cross-cultural understanding.
The UK’s return is expected to significantly expand these opportunities. Thousands of students and staff will gain access to international exchanges, while institutions will benefit from deeper partnerships and shared expertise. The programme also emphasises inclusivity, aiming to ensure that participants from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds can take part.
In addition to mobility, Erasmus+ supports cooperation projects that drive innovation in teaching and learning. These include the use of digital tools, development of modern curricula, and promotion of non-formal education methods. By rejoining, the UK will once again be part of these collaborative efforts, strengthening Europe’s role as a global leader in education.
To manage its participation, the UK will appoint a National Agency responsible for overseeing Erasmus+ activities from 2027 onwards. Meanwhile, EU and UK authorities will work closely to ensure a smooth implementation and maximise the programme’s impact.
Beyond the EU’s 27 member states, Erasmus+ already includes several partner countries such as Norway, Serbia, and Türkiye. From January 2027, both the UK and Switzerland will join this network, further expanding the programme’s reach.
The agreement is widely seen as a positive step toward rebuilding trust and cooperation, with education once again acting as a bridge between nations. Photo by Kamil Czaiński, Wikimedia commons.
