The European Commission has confirmed that the European Union and the United Kingdom have taken a decisive step towards the UK rejoining the Erasmus+ programme from 2027.
As the Commission noted in a statement, the UK’s association with Erasmus+ will place UK students, educators and institutions on equal footing with participants from EU Member States and other associated countries, restoring access to one of Europe’s flagship education and exchange initiatives.
The announcement follows comments made at the EU-UK Summit 2025 and has been formalised through an amendment to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
‘Mutually beneficial’
“Europe and the UK have enjoyed mutually beneficial educational ties for centuries,” commented Ursula von der Leyen, European Commission president.
“Strengthening those ties further makes perfect sense on both sides – for our students, teachers, educational systems, economies and societies as a whole. I look forward to seeing the immense potential of this development being realised as soon as possible.”
The renewed participation is expected to create opportunities for thousands of students, educational staff and youth to study, train and work abroad, while also helping to ‘create and deepen partnerships’ between EU and UK academic institutions, the Commission noted.
It will also support broader cooperation in education, training and youth engagement, reinforcing Europe’s position as a global education hub.
‘Invest in young people’
“For a strong EU–UK partnership tomorrow, we have to invest in young people today,” commented Roxana Mînzatu, executive vice-president for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness. “The UK joining Erasmus+ in 2027 is a win-win, opening doors for young people on both sides of the Channel. We are rebuilding opportunities for the next generation to study, work and grow together, giving access to a far bigger pool of possibilities and diversity.”
The European Commission will now work with UK partners to ensure the programme is fully operational by 2027, with the UK set to appoint a national agency to manage its participation.
The UK will join other non-EU countries already associated with Erasmus+, including Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Read more here.
