UK-EU reset moves ahead as UK rejoins student exchange scheme

The UK has rejoined the European Union’s Erasmus+ student exchange scheme, which allows British students to spend a year studying abroad in Europe.

The scheme also allows European students to spend a year studying in the United Kingdom, with students in neither case paying extra fees.

The UK was part of the EU programme from 2014 until 2020, when it left the scheme along with the European Union as a result of Brexit.

Now, as part of the government’s promised reset of relations between the UK and EU, the United Kingdom has rejoined the Erasmus+ scheme, with students able to participate from 2027.

The government said it has negotiated fair terms for rejoining the scheme, namely a 30% discount compared to the default terms under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement.

For the 2027/28 academic year, membership of the scheme will cost UK taxpayers a total of £570 million.

The government said joining this scheme fulfils a key commitment made at the UK-EU Summit in May and will open up important opportunities for young people in the country.

More than 100,000 people could benefit from the first year of the scheme alone, and data shows that studying abroad can help to boost the career prospects of students.

The government also announced that it has taken a step forwards towards reducing electricity costs for UK consumers by opening talks around participating in the EU’s internal electricity market, strengthening energy security while building closer ties with the EU.

“Joining Erasmus+ is a huge win for our young people, breaking down barriers and widening horizons to ensure everyone, from every background, has the opportunity to study and train abroad,” said EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds.

“This is about more than just travel: it’s about future skills, academic success, and giving the next generation access to the best possible opportunities.”

“Today’s agreements prove that our new partnership with the EU is working. We have focused on the public’s priorities and secured a deal that puts opportunity first,” he said.

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