Thousands of young people from the UK will be able to study and work across Europe from 2027 – here’s who can take part & how to apply

For decades, British students benefited from the Erasmus programme that offered incredible opportunities to study, train, or work abroad across Europe. Just one of many casualties of Brexit, the UK hasn’t taken part in the scheme since 2020, but that’s about to change with its long-awaited return next year. 

An agreement with the EU to bring the UK back into Erasmus+ in 2027 has been finalised. Originally announced last year, students, apprentices and young people will soon be able to study and work across the European continent now that the documents were officially signed in Brussels yesterday (Wednesday, April 15).

“From learning a language to building confidence and work experience, Erasmus+ offers transformative opportunities to enhance young people’s life chances,” said Jacqui Smith, Skills Minister. “I’m so pleased that today’s students, apprentices, educators and young people can experience all Europe has to offer.”

Who will the Erasmus+ benefit?

There are more than 100,000 people who are expected to benefit in the first year alone. This might mean anyone from apprentices on placements in leading European companies to school groups taking part in cultural exchanges, and organisations collaborating on new cross-border initiatives.

While to some, Erasmus+ may seem like a jolly old holiday, it has a proven record in opening up opportunities that many would’ve otherwise never had. It has been shown that those from less advantaged backgrounds had better long-term career prospects when they studied abroad, compared with those who didn’t.

The programme will be open to a range of people from different backgrounds throughout the UK. But UK institutions and communities will also welcome EU participants to these shores soon—with the British Council becoming the National Agency for Erasmus+ in the UK. 

Between 2014 and 2020, the Erasmus+ UK National Agency oversaw more than 8,000 projects, engaging more than 580,000 participants and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations. It will support both organisations applying to the programme and young people in making the most of opportunities across Europe.

Who can take part in the programme?

Erasmus+ will provide grant funding for international placements and partnership projects for organisations in higher education, further education, vocational education and training, schools, adult education, youth and sport. Examples of who can apply include:

• School pupils spending time studying abroad, either as part of a class or group, or individually. 
• Students and apprentices in HE, FE and VET studying, training, volunteering or doing a work placement abroad. 
• Adult learners at an adult learning organisation abroad or studying abroad as part of a group. 
• Young people who work or volunteer for youth organisations travelling for training or a youth exchange
• Youth workers and staff working in schools, FE, HE or adult education training or teaching abroad and taking part in professional development activities.
• Grassroots sports staff abroad job-shadowing or on a coaching assignment.

Students, young people, educators and organisations interested in taking part can register ahead of the first funding call by heading here.

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