The EU and the UK have enabled the UK’s association to Erasmus+ in 2027, placing UK learners, staff and education institutions on the same footing as those in EU states and other third countries associated to the programme.
The agreement puts people-to-people exchanges at the core of the renewed EU-UK agenda and strengthens cooperation between both sides. This important step delivers on the commitment made at the first EU-UK Summit in May 2025, by adopting an amendment to Protocol I of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.#
“The UK joining Erasmus+ in 2027 is a win-win, opening doors for young people on both sides of the Channel”, said EC executive vice-president Roxana Minzatu: “We are rebuilding opportunities for the next generation to study, work and grow together, giving access to a far bigger pool of possibilities and diversity.”
Beyond the 27 EU Member States, the following third countries currently participate in the Erasmus+ programme: Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Both UK and Switzerland will take part in Erasmus+ as of 1 January 2027.
This eagerly-anticipated development will create opportunities for thousands of students, educational staff and youth, and provide them with future-proof skills and competencies sought after by employers. It will ensure that more people from diverse backgrounds can study, teach or train abroad.
The agreement will also help create and deepen partnerships between EU and UK academic institutions. It will foster cooperation and exchange of practices, allowing actors to make better use of new technologies, develop innovative teaching, training and learning methods, promote non-formal learning, and develop common tools and activities. This will help strengthen Europe’s position as a global education hub.
The European Commission says it will work closely with UK partners to ensure Erasmus+ delivers maximum benefits for students and institutions on both sides of the Channel. The UK will designate a National Agency to oversee its participation in the programme as of 2027.
