The UK is expected to rejoin the EU’s Erasmus+ exchange scheme from January 2027, with British students set to be able to study short-term at European universities without paying extra fees, it has been reported.
The parties are reportedly set to announce the terms of the new deal on 17 December. It has been agreed as part of efforts by the UK government to reset relations with the EU five years after the country exited.
As well as traditional university exchanges, British students will also be able to participate in vocational training placements, sports exchanges and further education exchanges under the new agreement, .
The newspaper reported that students from the EU, who will be eligible to study at UK universities under the Erasmus scheme, will be charged the same fee as domestic students.Experts have previously estimated that UK providers received about £1.2 billion in tuition fee income from EU-domiciled students in 2023-24.
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British students will also pay the same fee as they do at their home university when studying in Europe for up to one year as part of the programme.
Tim Bradshaw, chief executive of the Russell Group, said the organisation was “delighted” by the news.
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“With an even greater scope than previous programmes, Erasmus+ opens up fantastic opportunities for students, adult learners and young people to all benefit from new experiences and learning.
“It will also renew the huge contributions that EU students and staff make to life on our university campuses.”
Many in the higher education sector were left disappointed when the UK departed the exchange scheme as part of Brexit, despite reassurances from the government at the time that this would not happen.
Erasmus+ was instead replaced by the Turing programme, the UK’s own scheme for providing funding for students to take part in short-term study programmes abroad.
While some have lauded the scheme’s focus on widening participation, it has been heavily criticised for the complicated and lengthy paperwork requirements. It is also not reciprocal, so does not support inward mobility to the UK.
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It is unclear what will happen to the Turing programme now.
Alex Stanley, vice-president for higher education at the National Union of Students, said the decision was “fantastic”.
“Students have been campaigning to rejoin Erasmus from the day we left, so if announced tomorrow, it will represent a huge win for the student movement.”
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He added that it was “brilliant to see that ministers are looking at expanding the programme beyond universities and into vocational training”.
“No matter the pathway a young person chooses, exciting opportunities like this should be accessible to all.”
Bradshaw added that “there’s a lot of work to be done to make sure the sector is ready” ahead of the agreement coming into force in 2027.
“Our universities are set to work with government to ensure the UK makes the most of this important step.”
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