Key Points:
- UK Erasmus programme returns in 2027, enabling students to study and train across Europe.
- Students pay domestic fees and can get grants for living costs.
- Programme boosts skills, employability, and international collaboration for students and staff.
British students are set to regain access to the UK Erasmus programme, with participation expected to resume from January 2027. Sources familiar with the plans say the move will allow students in the UK to once again take part in study, training, and exchange opportunities across Europe through the Erasmus+ scheme.
The programme will reopen pathways for university students, further education learners, and those in vocational training. It is designed to support learning through international experience and has long been seen as a key driver of academic growth and cultural understanding.
How the Erasmus Programme Will Work for UK Students
Under the UK Erasmus programme, UK students will continue to pay their usual domestic tuition fees to their home universities. They will not face additional academic charges while studying abroad as part of their degree.
Students will also be eligible for grants to help manage the extra costs of living in another country. These grants are intended to make participation more accessible, especially for students from diverse economic backgrounds. Exchange options are expected to include university study, work placements, and training programmes across EU member states.
European students studying in the UK through the UK Erasmus programme will pay fees equivalent to domestic student rates. This would lower the financial barrier for exchange students and help maintain balanced academic mobility between institutions.
What Erasmus Means for Schools, Colleges, and Universities
Erasmus has been running since 1987 and has expanded far beyond traditional university exchanges. It now includes further education colleges, vocational providers, sports programmes, and adult learning initiatives. This broader scope allows more learners to benefit from international exposure.
Universities and colleges often report that students who take part in Erasmus return with stronger language skills, higher confidence, and improved employability. Many institutions have maintained partnerships with European counterparts and are expected to scale up exchanges once the programme resumes.
Staff exchanges are also part of the UK Erasmus programme. Teachers and lecturers can teach or train abroad, supporting professional development and knowledge sharing across education systems. This helps institutions refresh teaching practices and strengthen international collaboration.
Preparing Students and Teachers for 2027 Exchanges
Most Erasmus placements last between three months and a full academic year. Credits earned during exchanges are usually recognised by home institutions, allowing students to stay on track academically. Support services often include language preparation and cultural orientation.
Universities and colleges are expected to begin preparing students during the 2026 academic year for exchanges starting in 2027. Guidance on eligibility, destinations, and application timelines is likely to follow.
For students and teachers, the UK Erasmus programme restores a well established route to international learning. It opens doors to shared classrooms, new perspectives, and educational experiences that extend well beyond national borders.