UK to Rejoin Erasmus in 2027: What It Means for Students
The United Kingdom is set to rejoin Europe’s flagship student mobility programme, Erasmus+, from January 2027.
The announcement marks a notable shift in the UK’s post-Brexit relationship with Europe and restores a scheme that, for decades, enabled students, apprentices and educators to study, train and work abroad with relative ease.
The decision follows an agreement between the UK government and the European Commission, after several years of discussion across universities, student organisations and the wider education sector. For many young people, Erasmus has long been regarded as one of the most tangible benefits of European cooperation.
What Is Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is a European mobility programme that supports international exchanges across higher education, vocational training, schools and youth initiatives. It allows participants to spend several months, or even a full academic year, studying or training abroad while having their credits recognised by their home institution.
Prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the programme following Brexit, tens of thousands of British students took part each year. Likewise, students from across the European Union came to the UK under the same framework, benefiting from simplified administration and structured financial support.
Why the UK Is Rejoining Erasmus
When the UK withdrew from Erasmus in 2021, it introduced the Turing Scheme as a domestic alternative. While Turing expanded opportunities beyond Europe, many universities argued that it lacked the reciprocity, long-term institutional partnerships and administrative simplicity that Erasmus provided.
Rejoining Erasmus is widely viewed as a pragmatic step. It restores structured cooperation between UK and European institutions and removes barriers that had made exchanges more complex and, in some cases, less accessible, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds.
What This Means for EU Students Coming to the UK
One of the most significant aspects of the agreement is its impact on tuition fees. EU students coming to the UK through Erasmus will not be charged full international tuition fees.
Instead, as under previous arrangements, students will continue to pay tuition fees in their home country while studying in the UK. This change is expected to make UK universities more accessible once again for European students and to revitalise academic and cultural exchange across campuses nationwide.
Will Students Need Translated Documents?
In practice, many students applying for Erasmus exchanges will need to provide official translations of their academic documents, depending on the language requirements of the host institution.
If a student’s academic transcript, diploma or certificate is not already in English, or another language accepted by the receiving university, a certified translation is usually required. Host institutions often request translated documents during the application or enrolment stage and typically require both the original document and its translation to be submitted together.
Students may also need to provide proof of language proficiency, such as an English language certificate, if the course is taught in a language other than their native one. As requirements vary between institutions, checking documentation rules early is strongly recommended to avoid delays once Erasmus applications open.
What Happens Next
Although the UK’s re-entry into Erasmus will not take effect until 2027, universities and students are already preparing for its return. Further technical details, including funding arrangements and administrative processes, are expected to be confirmed closer to the start date.
Beyond its practical implications, the move is also symbolic. Rejoining Erasmus signals a renewed willingness to cooperate with European partners in areas where collaboration directly benefits students and educators. For those considering studying abroad in the coming years, Erasmus’ return reopens a well-established and trusted pathway to international education.
