What the UK’s Return to the Erasmus Scheme Means for Students
If you’ve ever wanted to study in Europe but found yourself limited by current regulations or financial paperwork, the news that broke in December 2025 matters.
The UK has struck an agreement with the European Union (EU) for the country to officially re-join the Erasmus Scheme in 2027. The government says that more than 100,000 people in the UK could benefit in the first year.
This is some very interesting news, but what will change for you and when?
What is Erasmus+ and How Does it Work?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme that supports education, training, youth, and sport across Europe.
For students, Erasmus+ is best known for two things:
- Study exchanges: Spending time at an overseas university as part of your degree.
- Work placements: Working in another country for a short time, supporting your studies.
Erasmus+ usually runs through your university. In the UK, official guidance explains that higher education institutions need the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education before applying for mobility funding, and they apply through the Erasmus+ National Agency.
The Timeline
Here is the clearest way to tell if these changes will impact you:
- 2025/26: Most students will still be dealing with current mobility options, often the Turing Scheme for outward placements, depending on what your university offers and funds.
- 2027: The UK joins Erasmus+, and the government says a UK National Agency will be appointed, with a dedicated website and guidance ahead of the 2027 funding call.
- 2027/28: This is the first year repeatedly referenced in reporting, including the claim that over 100,000 people in the UK could benefit.
If you are starting university in 2026 or 2027, you might be among the first cohort of students to feel the full impact.
Why the Erasmus Scheme is Different to What we Have Now
Erasmus+ is not just a travel grant. It is a system. It sets up repeatable routes between universities, with agreed ways to handle credits, learning agreements, and support.
A big difference that is often mentioned is that Erasmus previously allowed students to spend a year at a European university as part of their degree without paying additional tuition fees to the host. The scheme also supported incoming European students to the UK.
Erasmus Scheme vs Turing Scheme
| Feature | Erasmus+ (from 2027) | Turing Scheme (current UK funding route) |
|---|---|---|
| Where it focuses | Europe-wide programme across education, training, youth, and sport | Global placements funded by the UK government |
| How do you access it | Usually via your institution, with formal Erasmus structures | Usually via your institution, using UK grant rules |
| What it is known for | Established exchange routes, credit arrangements, and grants | Grant support for outbound placements, with published destination groups and rates |
| Current funding signals | UK contribution reported at about £570m for 2027-28, with future terms to be negotiated. | Funding has varied by year. |
It is important to note that funding levels and agreements can change each academic year, so always make sure to check the latest guidance on the UK government’s Erasmus+ webpage.
What Changes for You as a Student
Planning is easier for those with EU links.
If your university has plenty of overseas partners, Erasmus+ gives them a shared framework for setting up programmes for their students. The UK government says it will work with institutions to maximise take-up, particularly among people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
There will be more placements of less than a year.
Shorter times overseas can be better for many students. The current scheme focuses on placements of at least a year in length, but with Erasmus, that could change.
This can be a huge advantage for anyone wanting the full European experience without the commitment of multiple years in another country.
Universities will take the lead on applications.
The new guidance published in 2025 is clear that applications for Erasmus+ funding will be made via your university, not you as an individual. This takes away much of the heavy lifting for already busy students.
How to Apply for the Erasmus Scheme
It is not yet confirmed how UK students will apply for the Erasmus+ Programme, but there is plenty you can do to prepare if you’re eligible for the 2027 intake:
- Search for your university’s study abroad options on their website or your course handbook.
- Ask questions such as ‘Which modules are pre-approved for credit transfer?
- Line up your academic agreements before booking travel. Imagine things fell through after booking your flights.
- Expect more official guidance as 2027 gets closer.
Reddit Reveals: Erasmus Concerns
Official sources are great for rules. Student spaces are better for understanding reactions and worries.
A common thread in student forums is that the stress is rarely “Can I study abroad?” It is more like: “Will my course still be there when I come back?”
Students on Reddit frequently mention:
- Credit Transfer Anxiety: People share stories of modules not matching, or needing extra paperwork to prove learning outcomes. The fix is boring but real: get written approval before you go.
- Housing Chaos: A lot of threads boil down to timing: tenancy dates, deposits, guarantors, and the panic of finding somewhere when you return.
- The Social Gap: Students often say the hardest part is not language. It is walking into a new seminar where everyone else already has friends.
What to do as a 2026/27 Starter
- This Week: Research university study abroad options.
- This Month: Talk to your teachers or lecturers about your placement options will come from Turing or Erasmus.
- Before You Apply: Choose a few places you’d like to go so you aren’t disappointed if your first choice is gone.
If you’re looking for guidance on the current offerings. This page has all the details for the Turing Scheme.
A Note on the Politics
You will see big numbers in headlines. The UK contribution reported for the first year is about £570m for 2027-28, and future participation will be negotiated down the line.
For students, try to detach from the politics of studying abroad and focus on what you personally want to achieve from the various schemes available. Whether it be practical skills, language practice, or travel opportunities.
If you are mapping out your plans and want things to feel easier, take a look at exploring our choices for student accommodation in the UK.
The Wrap-Up
Studying abroad is not a poster. It is a series of tiny decisions made well. The UK joining Erasmus+ in 2027 should make those decisions simpler and potentially change lives around the country.
If you’re looking at joining us in the UK from Europe or further afield, read our international student blog for more helpful guidance and ways to prepare.