UK to rejoin Erasmus: what this means for scholarships and EU student fees
Erasmus returns to the UK in 2027
The UK Government has confirmed that Britain will rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, restoring opportunities for UK students to study abroad and opening the door for EU students to regain affordability and stronger access to UK universities.
On 17 December 2025, the UK Government confirmed that Britain will associate with the Erasmus+ programme from January 2027. This marks the first time since Brexit that UK students will regain access to the EU’s flagship exchange scheme.
The deal is part of Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s post‑Brexit reset with Brussels. The UK has negotiated financial terms that include a 30% discount on membership fees in the first year, with a contribution of around £570 million in 2027.
What Erasmus+ offers
Erasmus+ is the EU’s programme for education, training, youth, and sport. It provides grant funding for:
Study periods abroad (2–12 months).
Traineeships and work placements.
Doctoral mobility for PhD students.
Staff exchanges for teaching and training.
Funding covers tuition, travel, living costs, visas, and language learning, with extra support for disadvantaged students and those with disabilities.
The UK’s participation in Erasmus+ from 2027 raises questions about the future of the Turing Scheme. While funding is confirmed for 2025–26, it is widely expected that Erasmus+ will replace Turing, though this has not yet been officially announced.
EU student numbers have declined since Brexit
Since Brexit, EU students lost their “home fee” status and were reclassified as international students. This meant they faced tuition fees that were often three times higher than before, alongside the loss of access to UK student loans. The financial barrier has been the single biggest factor behind the sharp decline in EU enrolments.
HESA data illustrates the scale of the change:
EU enrolments fell by over 50% between 2020/21 and 2023/24.
In 2023/24, just 75,490 EU students studied in the UK, compared to more than 650,000 non‑EU international students.
Before Brexit, EU students made up a significant share of the international student population; now they represent only a small fraction.
This decline has had several consequences:
Reduced diversity: UK campuses have lost much of the cultural and linguistic mix that EU students brought.
Weaker academic ties: Fewer EU students means fewer collaborative research links and exchange partnerships.
Shift in international student demographics: Non‑EU students, particularly from Asia and Africa, now dominate the international student body.
Rejoining Erasmus could help reverse this trend. By restoring funded exchange opportunities, the UK signals a willingness to rebuild accessibility for EU students. If this trajectory continues, it could lead to lower fees or new scholarship schemes for EU nationals, making the UK a more attractive destination once again.
For international students outside the EU, the benefits are indirect but significant. A renewed influx of EU students would:
Create a more balanced and diverse classroom environment.
Strengthen the UK’s reputation as a truly global education hub.
Encourage universities to expand scholarship offerings to remain competitive in attracting talent worldwide.
Why Erasmus benefits international students too
A more diverse student body benefits everyone:
UK students gain funded placements abroad.
EU students may see improved affordability.
International students outside the EU enjoy a richer classroom experience.
This strengthens the UK’s reputation as a world-class education hub.
FAQs: Erasmus and scholarships
Q: When will Erasmus restart in the UK?
A: From 2027, UK students will be eligible to apply for Erasmus+ placements.
Q: Will EU students pay lower fees again?
A: Not yet — but rejoining Erasmus could signal a shift toward affordability.
Q: What scholarships are available for EU students now?
A: EU students can apply for international scholarships, but new funding linked to Erasmus may emerge. Scholarship Scanner will publish updated scholarship information for September 2026 in the new year, and the high‑value awards offered in 2025 already highlight just how important EU students are to UK universities.
Conclusion
The UK’s Erasmus comeback is positive news for scholarships, fees, and diversity. It restores opportunities for UK students abroad, strengthens cultural exchange, and could pave the way for lower EU student fees in the future.
For Scholarship Scanner readers, this is a development to follow closely — because where Erasmus funding goes, scholarship opportunities often follow.