What the UK’s Return to the Erasmus Scheme Means for Students

Six years after the UK left, Erasmus+ is coming back. A semester in Alicante, a placement in Dublin, a year studying in L’Aquila. For UK students, these are back on the table. The deal is now signed, the start date is fixed, and the first funding round for universities is opening. Here’s what’s been confirmed, what hasn’t, and what you can do this year to give yourself the best chance of a place.

What Is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme for study, training, work placements and exchanges across Europe. For university students, that means studying at a partner university abroad or completing a traineeship with an employer, as part of your degree.

It reaches well beyond universities. The programme also covers vocational training, apprenticeships, schools, adult learning, youth work and sport, so colleges and training providers can take part too.

When Does the UK Rejoin?

The UK joins on 1st January 2027. The UK and the EU finalised the agreement on 15th April 2026, following the announcement in December 2025 that the UK would return.

This first agreement covers 2027, with a review after ten months. Taking part beyond 2027 will need a further agreement between the UK and the EU, so keep an eye on news about the years after.

When Could You Go?

Not straight away. The legal start date is 1st January 2027, but universities first have to apply for funding and set up their exchanges. The European Commission expects individual opportunities from 2027 projects to open up in the second half of 2027 at the earliest.

In practice, that points to the 2027/28 academic year as the first realistic chance for most university students. Your university will confirm exactly when its own Erasmus+ places begin.

How Do You Apply?

Through your university, not directly. Universities and other organisations apply for Erasmus+ funding, and students then apply for places through their own university.

Funding applications for organisations open in November 2026, so your university may already be working on its bid. The British Council has been announced as the UK’s national agency for Erasmus+, the body that supports UK organisations applying to the programme. It held the same role from 2014 until the UK left.

How Much Funding Will You Get?

Grant amounts for UK students haven’t been published yet. Neither have the arrangements for tuition fees while you’re studying abroad. Both should become clearer once universities know what their bids have won, so ask your study abroad team when they expect to have the details.

Overall numbers give a sense of scale. The government expects more than 100,000 people to benefit in the first year alone, across universities, colleges, schools and youth organisations. Between 2014 and 2020, the last time the UK took part, Erasmus+ supported 583,757 UK participants.

What Happens to the Turing Scheme?

The 2026/27 academic year is the final year of Turing Scheme funding. Turing is the UK government’s own scheme, set up after the UK left Erasmus+, and it funds placements anywhere in the world, not just Europe.

If you’re planning to go abroad this academic year, Turing is still your route. Placements must fall between 1st September 2026 and 31st August 2027, and last from 14 days to 12 months. At Imperial College London, for example, daily rates for 2026/27 range from £12 to £23, depending on how long you go for, where you go, and whether you qualify for the enhanced rate. Your own university will set out the rates that apply to you.

How Is Erasmus+ Different From Turing?

The biggest difference is direction. Turing only funds UK students going out. Erasmus+ is a two-way exchange, so European students come to UK universities too.

Erasmus+ also focuses on Europe rather than the whole world.

Does It Apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland?

Yes. The agreement covers the whole UK, and the British Council will work with the devolved governments on how the programme operates in each nation. Detailed arrangements for each nation haven’t been set out yet, so your university remains the best place to check.

What Can You Do Now?

Quite a lot, even before the grants are known.

Start with your university’s study abroad or international office. Ask whether it’s applying for Erasmus+ funding, which partner universities it expects to work with, and when students will be able to apply.

Next, check your course. Some degrees have a built-in year abroad or placement year, while others allow a single semester. Find out whether time abroad would count towards your degree, and how the credits would transfer.

Then think about timing. If a semester or year abroad is likely in 2027/28, factor it in before you book next year’s accommodation. Check your contract length and dates, and talk to your accommodation provider early about what your options are if you’ll be away for part of the year.

Finally, if a language is involved, start now. Even a few months of practice makes a big difference to settling in, and some host universities teach in their own language.

What Do Students Who’ve Been Abroad Wish They’d Known?

• Erasmus+ isn’t only for degree courses. Apprentices and college students can take part too, so younger siblings or friends in further education may also benefit.
• Visiting EU students will come to the UK under the scheme from 2027, so even if you stay put, there’ll be new exchange students on campus to meet.
• The Turing Scheme is closed to new applications for future years, so if you want a placement funded in 2026/27, don’t wait for Erasmus+ to arrive.

Erasmus+ coming back is good news for anyone who’s ever fancied studying or working abroad. The details will keep filling in over the next few months, and we’ll keep this guide up to date as they do. In the meantime, a conversation with your study abroad team is the best first step, and we can help you sort out where you’ll live in the years you’re here.