The United Kingdom is set to rejoin the European Union's flagship Erasmus+ exchange programme in 2027, a move widely celebrated by educators and students alike. This decision reverses a key Brexit-related withdrawal and promises to reopen a vital channel for international learning and cultural exchange.
A Lifeline for International Experience
The announcement, made in December, confirms that British participation in the scheme will resume after a seven-year hiatus. Until Brexit, Erasmus+ provided diverse opportunities for UK students to study, work, and volunteer across Europe, enriching their academic and personal lives at minimal personal cost.
Graham Walters from Walthamstow, London, highlighted the programme's profound impact, citing a 12-year environmental field course he helped manage. Funded almost entirely by Erasmus, it enabled students from six European countries to collaborate on issues from the Mediterranean to the far north. "Lasting international friendships developed," he noted, "and everyone enjoyed the experience, including staff, who developed working collaborations across Europe."
Beyond University: A Programme with a 'Plus'
Experts are keen to stress that Erasmus+ is not solely for university undergraduates. Maddalaine Ansell, Director of Education at the British Council, emphasised its broad reach, stating it has "a proven track record in changing lives" across schools, vocational training, youth groups, adult education, and sport.
Ray Kirtley, Chair of the UK Global Learning Association for Schools, pointed out that the media often overlooks the "plus". He expressed anticipation for the return of schemes like eTwinning and teacher job-shadowing, which were lost in 2020. Schools in Spain, Denmark, and France are already seeking UK partners, signalling strong pent-up demand.
Building a Globally Skilled Workforce
The reinstatement is seen as crucial for the UK's future. The British Council, which was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014 to 2020, reported that during that period the programme funded 4,846 projects, engaged 128,000 UK participants, and awarded over €679 million to UK organisations.
This investment is viewed as essential for cultivating a globally minded workforce. Ansell argued that "the UK needs a globally skilled workforce to negotiate, connect and engage internationally," and that student mobility is key to achieving this goal. The return to Erasmus+ is therefore framed not just as an educational win, but as a strategic economic and diplomatic necessity.
While rejoining in 2027 won't immediately reverse broader political trends, it represents a significant and welcome step for thousands of young people and educators across the country, restoring a proven pathway to life-enhancing international experience.
