The UK government plans to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange program, allowing British students to participate again from January 2027. This announcement marks a significant shift following the UK’s departure from the EU, which resulted in thousands of students missing out on the opportunities offered by the £23 billion program.
Students and recent graduates have expressed mixed feelings about the news, celebrating the chance for future generations while reflecting on their own experiences during the time of exclusion. Political science student Joe Cogan, who spent two semesters studying in Germany after Brexit, shared that his year abroad transformed him but was marred by funding challenges after the UK’s exit from Erasmus. He remarked, “Some of my closest friends remain the people I met during that year,” acknowledging that financial stress overshadowed much of his experience.
Instead of Erasmus, the UK government introduced the Turing Scheme, which aimed to facilitate international study opportunities. Yet, a 2024 analysis indicated that 79% of universities encountered difficulties with the Turing Scheme’s application process. Current Erasmus student Will Milne, studying in Paris, expressed his concern that funding inadequacies may have barred many students from participating. He stated, “I think the opportunity to live somewhere else and appreciate how other people live has been really eye-opening.”
For recent graduates like James Bamford, the absence of Erasmus meant missed opportunities for exploration and cultural exchange. Bamford noted that, while he would have loved to study abroad, visa requirements and costs made it unfeasible. He emphasized the importance of rejoining the program for future students, saying, “It’s great that they’re rejoining to give students the opportunity to choose to see more of the world.”
Rejoining Erasmus is not merely beneficial for students; the program also promotes staff exchanges and partnerships among educational institutions across Europe. The agreement to rejoin was reportedly reached during a meeting between Nick Thomas-Symonds, the UK’s relations minister, and his EU counterpart, Maroš Šefčovič, in Brussels.
Political leaders have weighed in on this development. Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, indicated that the UK needs to strengthen ties with the EU. Conversely, former communications director for Boris Johnson, Guto Harri, criticized the move as a “desperate attempt” to reconnect with the EU, suggesting that the government should focus on global opportunities beyond Europe.
Concerns about the impact of Erasmus on domestic youth opportunities were also voiced. John Redwood, a prominent Brexiteer, warned that resources should prioritize British youth facing challenges in securing jobs and homes. In contrast, Brendan Donnelley, a former Conservative Member of the European Parliament and current leader of the Rejoin EU party, argued that the UK’s withdrawal from Erasmus had detrimental effects on international academic relationships. He remarked, “It was a ridiculous thing that we opted out of Erasmus, and I am glad we will be rejoining it.”
The decision to re-enter the program has drawn praise from youth advocates as well. Leigh Middleton, OBE, CEO of the National Youth Agency, stated that leaving Erasmus “closed off vital opportunities for many, especially those from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds.” She added that this new deal represents a commitment to equitable access to life-changing experiences for all young people in the UK.
As the UK prepares to reintegrate into Erasmus, students and educational institutions alike look forward to the renewed opportunities for cultural exchange and personal growth that the program promises to deliver.
