Prime Highlights:
- The UK will join the Erasmus+ programme in 2027, creating opportunities for students, apprentices, and education staff to study, train, and gain international experience.
- Over 100,000 young people are expected to benefit in the programme’s first year, with a focus on widening access for learners from all backgrounds.
Key Facts:
- The UK’s financial contribution for Erasmus+ in 2027 will be around £570 million, with terms negotiated to ensure value for taxpayers while providing full programme participation benefits.
- Alongside Erasmus+, the UK and EU will advance energy market integration and finalize agreements on food and drink trade and carbon markets ahead of the next UK-EU Summit in 2026.
Background:
Young people across the UK will once again be able to access study, training and work opportunities across Europe after the UK and European Union reached an agreement for the UK to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027.
The move forms part of a wider package of agreements announced as part of the ongoing reset in UK-EU relations. The deal is expected to benefit students, apprentices, adult learners and staff across education, youth and sport sectors, with government estimates suggesting more than 100,000 people in the UK are expected to benefit from the programme in its inaugural year.
Erasmus+ provides opportunities in education, training, youth, culture and sport, and is widely seen as boosting employability and academic outcomes, particularly for participants from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme will allow British apprentices and further education students to undertake work placements with leading European companies, alongside exchanges for school pupils, university students and adult learners.
The government said it will work closely with education providers to maximise participation, with a particular focus on widening access.
EU Relations Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds described the agreement as a “huge win” for young people, saying it would help break down barriers and expand future skills and opportunities. Skills Minister Baroness Jacqui Smith added that the scheme would help learners build confidence, international experience and job-ready skills valued by employers.
Under the agreed terms, the UK has secured a 30% discount compared with standard arrangements under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The UK’s contribution for 2027, covering the 2027/28 academic year, is expected to be around £570 million. Any future participation beyond this period will be subject to further negotiation.
Alongside Erasmus+, the UK and EU also announced progress in other areas of cooperation. Talks will begin on potential UK participation in the EU’s internal electricity market, a move the government says could help lower energy bills, boost investment and strengthen energy security. Both sides also agreed to conclude negotiations on a food and drink trade deal and carbon market linking before the next UK-EU Summit in 2026.
The latest agreements signal closer cooperation between the UK and EU, with ministers highlighting benefits for jobs, living costs and long-term economic stability.
