By Salma El-Sakka
Young people in the UK will be able to apply from next month to study, train or gain work experience in the European Union under the country's return to the Erasmus+ programme.
Applications open in November
Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer told MPs that applications open in November 2026, with the UK formally rejoining the scheme on 1 January 2027. He said the opportunities are not limited to university undergraduates but extend to educational institutions of all kinds.
Scheme covers wide range of participants
Further education students, apprentices, adult learners, school groups and sports coaches will have access to exchanges. Education staff can also undertake job shadowing and training abroad.
Government expects over 100,000 beneficiaries
The government has previously said it expects more than 100,000 people to benefit, with disadvantaged students gaining particularly high value from participation.
Reversal of 2020 exit
The UK left Erasmus+ under Boris Johnson's Brexit deal in 2020, replacing it with the Turing Scheme. That scheme was ended when the new Erasmus+ agreement was announced as part of Sir Keir Starmer's post-Brexit reset with Brussels in 2025.
Parliamentary reaction
Labour MP Dr Rosena Allin-Khan said young people had been deprived of opportunity since Brexit. Falconer urged members across the House to work with the British Council to engage their institutions.
