The government has confirmed that the United Kingdom will rejoin the Erasmus student exchange program, giving British students the opportunity to participate in exchanges with universities across the EU.
This move is part of the Labour Party’s efforts to strengthen ties with the European bloc post-Brexit, Sky News reports, via Rks News.
The UK had left Erasmus during Boris Johnson’s government. While not a major development in itself, it signals potential progress under Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister leading Brussels relations on behalf of Sir Keir Starmer.
Thomas-Symonds said this morning:
“Joining Erasmus is a major win for our young people, breaking down barriers and broadening horizons to ensure that everyone, from any 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 demonstrate that our renewed partnership with the EU is working. We are focused on public priorities and have secured an agreement that puts opportunities first.”
The UK has negotiated a 30% discount on the fees it pays for the Erasmus program, allocating £570 million in 2027 for the 2027/28 academic year.
However, it remains unclear whether this discount will continue, as the announcement notes that “any participation in Erasmus under the next multiannual financial framework will need to be agreed in the future and based on a fair and balanced contribution.”
