UK is rejoining the Erasmus+ exchange scheme in 2027

17 December 2025 | Other - Funding

In a highly anticipated moment for the higher education community (and beyond), the United Kingdom has agreed with the European Union to return to the European exchange programme, Erasmus+, in 2027. Following its withdrawal from the EU in 2020, the UK left the programme and introduced a national mobility initiative, the Turing Scheme.

“Today, we make further steps in our renewed EU-UK strategic partnership. We have concluded the negotiations for the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027. Bringing back Erasmus+ for our young people, opening the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships.,” said President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in a post on the social network X.

The agreement was reached by UK EU relations minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, and European Commission Vice-President, Maroš Šefčovič, as part of the UK government’s broader “reset” in relations with the EU. In a joint statement, both sides underlined the significant opportunities Erasmus+ will offer across education, training, youth and sport, noting that the agreed financial terms strike a fair balance and pave the way for UK participation from 2027.

UNICA warmly welcomes the agreement on the United Kingdom’s return to the Erasmus+ exchange programme from 2027. This development represents a significant step towards renewed European cooperation in higher education and reinforces the value of mobility, exchange and long-term partnerships.

With four member universities in the United Kingdom, UNICA has always regarded the UK’s association to both Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe as essential to the strength of European Higher Education and Research cooperation. The UK’s return to Erasmus+ therefore represents not only a practical step forward, but also a symbolic reaffirmation of shared values and long-standing academic ties. At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, this development is a timely reminder that education, research and science know no borders. Academic collaboration thrives on openness, trust and the free circulation of ideas, people and knowledge. Strengthening programmes such as Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe is vital to ensuring that Europe’s universities remain connected, resilient and globally competitive.