The Department for Education, alongside the Cabinet Office and European Union, has signed legal text to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, enabling over 100,000 UK participants to study and work across Europe in the first year.
The agreement was finalised in Brussels on 15 April 2026, formally confirming the UK’s return to the Erasmus+ programme after its departure following Brexit. The programme will reopen access for students, apprentices and organisations to participate in cross-border exchanges across Europe.
The initiative is expected to support a wide range of participants, including school groups, educators and institutions collaborating on international projects. It also restores structured mobility opportunities that had previously been unavailable to UK participants since 2020.
UK and EU sign Erasmus+ agreement
The agreement confirms UK participation in Erasmus+ from 2027, re-establishing education and training links with European partners.
The signing follows commitments made at the first UK-EU Summit, where both sides agreed to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors. The Erasmus+ agreement forms part of a broader set of arrangements covering economic and policy collaboration.
Programme scope and participation numbers
The programme is expected to benefit more than 100,000 individuals in its first year, covering a broad spectrum of educational and professional pathways. Participants will include students undertaking study placements, apprentices gaining work experience, and organisations involved in collaborative projects.
- Students: access to study placements across European universities
- Apprentices: opportunities for work-based training in European companies
- Schools: participation in cultural and educational exchange programmes
- Organisations: collaboration on cross-border initiatives
Access, inclusion and opportunity expansion
The programme includes a focus on expanding access to participants from a wide range of backgrounds, including those with fewer opportunities. Evidence referenced by the government indicates improved long-term outcomes for individuals who take part in international study or work placements.
The return to Erasmus+ is intended to support broader participation in mobility programmes and increase exposure to international learning environments. This includes enhancing skills development and broadening cultural understanding.
Financial terms and taxpayer value
The UK secured a 30% reduction on the default contribution rate as part of the agreement, ensuring participation under revised financial terms. This arrangement is intended to balance access to the full programme with cost considerations.
- Contribution rate: reduced by 30% compared to default terms
- Participation: full access to Erasmus+ programme activities
- Value: structured to deliver benefits for UK participants and institutions
Role of the British Council as National Agency
The British Council is expected to act as the UK National Agency for Erasmus+, subject to final confirmation by the European Commission. Its role will include supporting applications and providing guidance to participants and organisations.
The organisation previously managed Erasmus+ delivery in the UK between 2014 and 2020, overseeing thousands of projects and participants. Its experience is expected to support programme implementation ahead of the first funding call in 2027.
Erasmus+ Participation Overview
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| First-year participants | Over 100,000 | Government estimate for initial programme engagement |
| Programme start | 2027 | Confirmed re-entry timeline following agreement |
| Participant types | Expanded | Includes students, apprentices and organisations |
UK-EU cooperation and policy context
The Erasmus+ agreement forms part of a wider framework of cooperation between the UK and EU, including discussions on trade, energy and emissions. Both sides have also committed to increased collaboration in areas such as security and defence.
These agreements reflect ongoing efforts to establish structured cooperation following Brexit. The education programme represents one element of a broader set of arrangements designed to support economic and social links.
Programme Delivery and Governance
| Indicator | Recent Movement | Context |
|---|---|---|
| National Agency | British Council | Pending final confirmation by European Commission |
| Previous delivery | 2014–2020 | Managed over 8,000 projects in the UK |
| Funding call | 2027 | Expected launch of first programme applications |
Ministerial Comments
Jacqui Smith, 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.”
Nick Thomas-Symonds, 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.”
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 UK’s return to Erasmus+ from 2027 restores structured access to European education, training and exchange opportunities. The agreement sets out participation terms and delivery responsibilities, providing a framework for cross-border engagement that supports mobility and collaboration across multiple sectors.
Sources: Department for Education, British Council, UK Government press release.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News, an independent news organisation delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analysed research with human-edited accuracy and context.
