UK to rejoin Erasmus+ programme in January
The UK will officially rejoin the Erasmus+ scheme in January, enabling students and young people to study, train or gain work experience across the European Union, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has stated, reports BritPanorama.
Ms Nandy highlighted that the initiative’s return after a six-year absence would help rebuild closer ties with European neighbours. Britain withdrew from the programme in 2020 under Boris Johnson’s Brexit agreement, which claimed the initiative did not provide value for money.
The Erasmus+ scheme was replaced by the Turing Scheme, which has now ended, following the Government’s announcement of a new agreement on Erasmus+. Preparations for the UK to re-enter the programme were part of the post-Brexit reset outlined by former prime minister Sir Keir Starmer in 2025.
Ms Nandy expressed, “After six years away, the UK rejoining the Erasmus+ programme is a clear symbol of our ambition and intent. This time round, we want Erasmus+ to provide every young person, from all backgrounds and all regions, the opportunity to take part and have the enriching, life-altering experience of international exchange.”
To support this initiative, up to £400 million will be available via the British Council for schools, youth groups, and sports teams. Additionally, the Government secured a 30% reduction on participation fees for 2027, expected to save taxpayers approximately £240 million.
More than £30 million is designated for youth initiatives, particularly in areas with historically lower participation levels, such as the North East, East Midlands, and Yorkshire. Young individuals can participate in short exchanges lasting several weeks, and 18-year-olds from disadvantaged backgrounds could be eligible for free rail travel across EU nations.
Applications for the programme are anticipated to open later this month, with expectations that over 100,000 individuals will benefit from the arrangements. Beyond university study programmes, Erasmus+ will facilitate further education students and apprentices undertaking work placements at European firms, alongside adult learners and education staff accessing overseas job shadowing and training opportunities.
Ms Nandy noted the significance of supporting the next generation through collaboration with allies, coinciding with Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph. In response, Conservative Party Chairman Kevin Hollinrake criticized her statements, stating, “Remembrance Sunday is a day for the nation to stand together in silence and honour those who gave everything for our country. It is not a day for a Labour minister to try to make an EU membership pitch.”
He further argued that leveraging veterans’ sacrifices for a student exchange scheme was inappropriate and called for Ms Nandy to retract her statements and apologise.
