In a significant policy shift, the UK is set to rejoin the European Union's flagship Erasmus+ student exchange programme, marking a major reversal of a key Brexit change.
Deal Secured for Post-Brexit Educational Links
Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds is expected to announce the details of the agreement today. He is believed to have finalised the deal last week during meetings in Brussels with EU counterpart Maroš Šefčovič.
The agreement will mean British students can once again study at universities across Europe for the first time since the UK left the Erasmus scheme in 2020. The new arrangement is scheduled to begin from 2027.
Financial Boost for Young People
A central pillar of the deal is the financial protection for participants. UK students studying abroad under the scheme will continue to pay their standard domestic tuition fees to their home university.
These fees are capped at £9,535 per year, meaning students will not face inflated international rates while on exchange. This mirrors the previous system and removes a major financial barrier that arose after Brexit.
Reports also indicate the UK has negotiated a 30% discount on the programme cost for the first year of renewed membership, representing a favourable financial entry point.
Broader Ambitions and Political Reaction
The government is reportedly looking at ways to extend the benefits of the exchange programme beyond traditional university courses. This could allow apprentices, college students, and others to participate, broadening the scheme's impact.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has made improving relations with the EU a priority since taking office. In a recent foreign policy speech, he stated that while the Brexit vote was a "fair, democratic expression," the way it was "sold and delivered was simply wrong."
"Wild promises were made to the British people and not fulfilled. We are still dealing with the consequences today," Starmer remarked, framing the Erasmus return as a step to rectify past failures.
The move has been welcomed by opposition parties. Liberal Democrat spokesperson Ian Sollom called it a "welcome breakthrough" and a step towards repairing the "disastrous Conservative Brexit deal." He urged the government to view it as a first step towards a closer UK-EU relationship, including a potential youth mobility scheme.
