Erasmus+ in the United Kingdom from 2027: An Opportunity for Students and Schools
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The United Kingdom to Rejoin the Erasmus+ Program in 2027
An Official Agreement Between the United Kingdom and the European Union
After several years of absence following Brexit, the United Kingdom will officially rejoin the Erasmus+ program starting in January 2027. On December 17, 2025, the British government and the European Commission announced that they had reached an agreement on the UK’s association with the EU’s Erasmus+ program from 2027 onwards.
This return marks a major milestone for schools, universities, and European students, offering unprecedented opportunities for academic exchanges, internships, and cultural immersion.
According to the British government, both UK and European students will be able to participate in the program while benefiting from favorable financial conditions and Erasmus+ scholarships. To rejoin Erasmus+, the British government has committed to contributing approximately £570 million for the 2027/28 academic year. This amount covers the fees associated with participation in the program, with a negotiated 30% discount compared to the standard conditions set for non-EU third countries.
Why Was the United Kingdom No Longer Part of the Erasmus+ Program?
The United Kingdom left Erasmus at the time of its exit from the European Union at the end of 2020, following Brexit. The British government at the time, led by Boris Johnson, decided not to continue participating in Erasmus+ after Brexit, although association as a third country (non-EU member) remained possible. It cited cost-effectiveness as the reason for refusing to join the program as an associate member.
What This Return Actually Means
This reintegration will allow UK nationals to participate in Erasmus+ across the European Union starting in January 2027. UK institutions will once again be able to send and receive students, interns, apprentices, and educational staff throughout Europe as part of the program.
UK and European participants will now be able to:
- Study or complete a professional internship at a European university or company
- Take part in collaborative Erasmus+ projects
- Benefit from mobility opportunities for young people, teachers, and educational staff
Erasmus+: A Key Program for Schools and Students
For Schools and Universities
The Erasmus+ program allows them to:
- Strengthen international partnerships
Schools can establish agreements with UK universities to send their students abroad and host European students. - Increase academic appeal
Offering Erasmus+ opportunities in the UK enhances the institution’s reputation and attracts more students. - Facilitate funding and logistics
Schools can support their students through Erasmus+ scholarships and grants.
For Students
Erasmus+ plays a key role in their academic and professional development through:
- Cultural and linguistic immersion: Living and studying in the UK helps students master English and experience new cultures.
- Access to prestigious programs: UK universities are globally recognized for the quality of their courses.
- Internships, research projects, and international experiences that enrich their CVs.
Élargissement des opportunités
UK participants, whether students, apprentices, or interns will be able to:
- Study at a European school as part of their curriculum without additional fees during their mobility period;
- Complete professional internships or practical training in a European company;
- Take part in traditional Erasmus+ mobility programs or in educational and social cooperation projects.
These opportunities will also extend to broader groups, such as apprentices, adult learners, youth associations, and educational staff, marking a key evolution of the program compared to the pre-Brexit period.
Erasmus+ Today: Much More Than an Academic Exchange Program
Erasmus+ has evolved significantly over the years. It is no longer limited to long-term university exchanges but now addresses the practical needs of institutions and learners, particularly through professional mobility. The aim of the UK’s return is to reopen mobility opportunities for a wide audience.
The program now allows funding and structuring for:
- Professional internships and apprenticeships abroad
- Short-term mobility, perfectly suited to the school calendar
- Collaborative educational projects and inter-institutional cooperation
- Mobility for teachers and educational staff
- Youth, sports, and cultural initiatives
The return of the United Kingdom expands these opportunities once again, but Spain remains a strategic destination for Erasmus+ mobility, particularly for short internships lasting 2 weeks to 1 month.
Choosing Your Erasmus+ Destination: Participating Countries
Among the destinations participating in the program are:
- Spain: The sunny, multicultural destination where you can practice Spanish, English, and French!
- United Kingdom: Relaunching its Erasmus+ mobility opportunities in 2027!
- Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, and Turkey: Six key partners.
- The 27 European Union member countries.
Spain: A Strategic Erasmus+ Destination
For many years, Spain has established itself as one of the most popular destinations for Erasmus+ internships and for good reasons.
It combines:
- A diverse professional environment: tourism, hospitality, commerce, communication, healthcare, automotive, construction, culinary arts, tertiary sector, hygiene.
- A strong intercultural dimension: offering deep linguistic and cultural immersion.
- An attractive lifestyle and climate: promoting engagement and the success of mobility programs.
For schools and training organizations, Spain represents a reliable, educational, and appealing solution, particularly for internships lasting 2 weeks to 1 month formats that are increasingly in demand.
Our Top Destinations phares at Espamob
Barcelona
A cosmopolitan city, economically and culturally dynamic, ideal for internships in all sectors: IT, construction, hotel & catering, automotive, beauty, healthcare, human services, agriculture, culinary arts, hygiene, and the tertiary.
Valencia
Balances quality of life with professional activity, well-suited for short and structured mobility. Ideal for internships in construction, beauty, hotel & catering, automotive, culinary arts, and the tertiary sector.
Balearic Islands
The perfect destination for internships related to hospitality, hotel & catering, tourism, beauty, the tertiary sector, and human services.
Canary Islands
A unique island setting for interns in the tourism sector, offering a rich and distinctive experience in hospitality and catering.
Espamob: A Specialist Partner for Erasmus+ Internships in Spain
For several years, Espamob has been supporting schools, high schools, training centers, and European institutions in implementing safe and high-quality Erasmus+ mobility programs.
Our role goes far beyond simple matchmaking.
We offer:
- Comprehensive support for institutions
- Targeted research of host companies aligned with the students’ programs
- Full logistical management (accommodation, welcome, integration)
- On-site support throughout the entire internship
- Recognition of acquired skills, notably through the Europass.
This approach allows institutions to offer short-term internships (2 weeks or 1 month) while ensuring a solid educational, administrative, and supervisory framework.
Erasmus+: An Opportunity for Everyone
The United Kingdom’s return to Erasmus+ in 2027 is excellent news for schools, universities, and European students. It enables the development of academic, professional, and intercultural skills while strengthening relationships between European and UK institutions.
With careful planning and support from Erasmus+ programs, this new phase represents a unique opportunity to increase student mobility and international academic cooperation.
Are you preparing for an Erasmus+ mobility? Contact our Erasmus+ mobility experts, who will guide you through the entire process and help you find the best solution: destination selection, internship sector, and more.
