Students will be able to spend a year at European universities as part of their UK degree courses without paying additional tuition fees, while EU students will have reciprocal access to study in the UK.
Background and Negotiations
The announcement follows talks last week between the UK’s Europe Minister, Nick Thomas-Symonds, and his EU counterpart, Maros Sefcovic. Both sides needed to reach an agreement before the new year to allow participation from 2027.
The UK will contribute £570 million to the scheme for the 2027-28 academic year. Ministers had requested a 50% discount on the contribution but secured a 30% discount for the first year. Further agreements beyond that will require separate negotiations.
Scope and Eligibility
The Erasmus scheme will not be restricted to university students. It will also include:
- Apprentices and further education students
- Adult learners
- Sports exchanges and certain work placements
Students will pay tuition fees to their home university and receive a grant to help cover living costs while studying abroad.
Ministers estimate that over 100,000 people could benefit in the first year, with particular emphasis on students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Government and Ministerial Comments
Nick Thomas-Symonds said:
“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. 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.”
Erasmus and Its Benefits
Before Brexit, EU students outnumbered British students studying in Europe, with a net cost of over £200 million a year to the UK. In 2018-19, 18,300 British students studied in the EU, while 30,000 EU students came to the UK.
Supporters argue that Erasmus contributed a quarter of a billion pounds annually to the British economy, even after membership costs, and financially supported universities while boosting international student engagement.
