UK moves to rejoin Erasmus+ scheme - opportunities ahead for EU students

Written By Paul Hebron
Image of young female student who may benefit from Erasmus+ scheme in the future

In a landmark moment following a reset in UK–EU relations, it has been announced that the UK will work towards rejoining the Erasmus+ scheme. As a result of this development, students from across the European Union could once again be eligible to study in the UK with Erasmus+ funding.

The UK left Erasmus+ in December 2020 as part of its exit from the European Union. This had a major impact on EU students, ending access to reduced tuition fees, UK student finance, and Erasmus+ exchange programmes.

A common understanding paper, published during a UK-EU summit, provides a statement on the future of the UK’s participation in the Erasmus+ scheme:

“the United Kingdom and the European Commission should work towards the association of the United Kingdom to the European Union Erasmus+ programme. The specific terms of this association, including mutually agreed financial terms, should be determined as 2 part of that process in order to ensure a fair balance as regards the contributions of and benefits to the United Kingdom.”

What Is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship programme for supporting education, training, youth, and sport across Europe. It enables students to study abroad, covering travel, living expenses, and waiving tuition fees at host institutions.

For EU students, Erasmus+ UK student exchange programmes have historically been a gateway to high-quality education in the UK, offering cultural exchange, language development, and enhanced employability.

Why this matters for EU students

The UK has long been a top destination for EU students, known for its world-class universities, globally respected degrees, and English-language instruction. Until Brexit, EU nationals could study in the UK with reduced tuition fees and access to UK student finance.

Earlier this year, Scholarship Scanner reported that many UK universities offer EU scholarships to offset rising international tuition fees for EU applicants. Some were even aligning fees with UK domestic rates.

If negotiations are successful, EU students could benefit from the UK rejoining Erasmus+ in several ways:

  • Access funded study placements in the UK through Erasmus+

  • Pay no tuition fees at participating UK universities

  • Choose from a wide range of Erasmus+ partner institutions

  • Apply for internships or traineeships in the UK under the scheme

When will the UK rejoin Erasmus+?

While the announcement marks a major step forward, the exact timeline for the UK’s return to Erasmus+ has not yet been confirmed. Details are still being negotiated as part of a broader UK–EU youth mobility agreement. This proposed scheme would give EU and UK citizens under the age of 30 time-limited opportunities to live, study, and work in each other’s countries. Further updates are expected in the coming months as discussions progress.

What does this mean for UK universities?

The potential return of the Erasmus+ scheme could be a major boost for UK higher education institutions. Universities could expect a rise in inbound EU student mobility, strengthened partnerships with European universities and enhanced cultural diversity on campus, benefiting both UK and international students.

This would also mark a symbolic shift in UK–EU cooperation, potentially paving the way for broader collaboration in research and innovation.

Frequently Asked Questions

❓ Is Erasmus+ available for EU students in the UK in 2025?

Not yet.
The UK has announced its intention to rejoin Erasmus+, but no formal agreement or start date has been confirmed. EU students interested in studying in the UK with Erasmus+ funding should monitor updates over the coming months.

❓ Which UK universities will take part in Erasmus+?

A final list will be confirmed once the UK’s participation in Erasmus+ is agreed. However, it’s expected that most Russell Group universities and many post-92 institutions will be involved, as they were prior to 2020.

❓ Will Erasmus+ cover tuition fees at UK universities?

Potentially, yes.
In previous Erasmus+ agreements, students paid no tuition fees at their host university. Similar arrangements could return, depending on the terms of the new UK–EU agreement.

❓Will Erasmus+ offer a UK bursary for EU students?

Potentially, yes.
Previously bursaries were awarded to contribute towards travel costs and daily living expenses (although the amount varied according to living cost differences between countries, the number of applicants, travel distance, and the availability of funding).

❓ Will EU students still need a visa to study in the UK?

Yes.
EU nationals will still need to apply for a UK Student Visa. However, Erasmus+ participants may benefit from simplified or fast-tracked processes, depending on how the wider UK–EU youth mobility scheme is structured.

Stay informed with Scholarship Scanner

As more information becomes available, Scholarship Scanner will be updating students on:

  • How to apply for Erasmus+ in the UK

  • Exactly when the UK rejoins Erasmus

  • UK Erasmus+ funding details

  • Additional EU scholarships at UK universities

Visit again to keep up to date and explore our database of UK scholarships for EU and international students.

 

We understand the challenges that international students face when applying to UK universities. Scholarship Scanner provides expert advice on applying to UK universities, and our scholarship blog shares latest updates on UK university funding opportunities. Our website can also help you to start your UK scholarship search and find the best financial support for your studies.