Studying, training or working with an education, youth or sports organisation can sometimes open doors to opportunities abroad. Erasmus+ is one of the programmes that supports these experiences, bringing people and organisations together for learning, work placements and international projects.
The UK’s return to Erasmus+ in 2027 means new opportunities for people to study, train, gain work experience and take part in international projects. This guide explains what the UK Erasmus+ 2027 programme means, who may be able to benefit and how organisations and individuals can get involved.
Change at a glance
The UK returns to the Erasmus+ programme for 2027.
When
1st January 2027
Where
Across the UK
Who is affected?
Eligible education, training, youth and sports organisations, and the learners, students and staff taking part in their projects.
What do you need to do?
Individuals should ask their school, college, university or organisation about opportunities. Organisations should check the 2027 funding guidance.
Last checked: 8th November 2026.
What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme for education, training, youth and sport. It provides funding for international learning opportunities and projects that bring organisations in different countries together.
UK organisations have had limited access to the programme since the UK left the EU. From 2027, the UK will be an associated country in Erasmus+. In practical terms, this means eligible UK organisations can apply to take part in the programme on similar terms to organisations in EU member states and other participating countries. They must still meet the rules for the type of project they want to run. The agreement applies across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
What opportunities will be available?
The programme supports several types of activity. The exact opportunities and eligibility rules depend on the type of project and the organisation applying.
Study and learning exchanges
Students, apprentices and adult learners may be able to take part in study placements, work experience, traineeships and other learning activities abroad.
Staff development
Teachers, trainers, youth workers and other staff may be able to take part in training, job shadowing, teaching and professional development activities.
International projects
Schools, colleges, universities, youth groups and sports organisations can work with overseas partners on cooperation projects and shared activities.
The programme covers higher education, schools, vocational education and training, adult education, youth and sport. It is not limited to university students.
Who will be able to take part?
Eligible organisations across the UK will be able to apply for funding. These include universities and other higher education providers, schools, further education and training providers, adult education organisations, youth organisations and sports bodies.
Students, apprentices, school pupils, adult learners, teachers, trainers, youth workers and sports staff may benefit where their organisation has an approved project that includes the activity they want to take part in.
Being part of one of these groups does not guarantee a funded place. Each project will have its own eligibility requirements, selection process and available places. Some types of application also have specific requirements for the organisation, such as accreditation or an eligible international partner.
The British Council has been appointed as the UK National Agency for Erasmus+. It will provide information, support organisations with applications and manage many of the UK funding calls. Some actions are managed directly by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency, so organisations should check which application route applies to their project.
Can individuals apply for an Erasmus+ grant?
No. Individuals cannot apply directly for Erasmus+ funding. An eligible organisation applies for a project, and participants access opportunities through a project that receives funding.
If you want to take part, contact the organisation connected to your studies, training or work:
University students
Ask your university’s international office or study abroad team.
College students and apprentices
Speak to your college, training provider or apprenticeship coordinator.
School pupils and adult learners
Ask your school or adult education provider whether it plans to take part.
Teachers, youth workers and sports staff
Contact your employer, youth organisation, sports club or relevant professional team.
Ask whether the organisation intends to apply for 2027 funding and how it will advertise any places if its application is successful. A place is not guaranteed simply because the UK is rejoining the programme.
When can organisations apply?
The 2027 funding call is expected to open in November 2026. Application deadlines will vary by type of project, with current guidance indicating that many will fall between February and April 2027. The timetable below gives the expected key stages.
Expected 2027 timetable
These are expected dates, not guaranteed start dates for every participant. The exact deadline, funding decision and start date depend on the type of project. Individual opportunities will only become available once the relevant funded project begins operating.
How can organisations prepare?
Organisations do not need to wait for the funding call to open before planning. Erasmus+ UK recommends taking a few practical steps now:
1. Decide what you want to achieve
Consider whether a mobility project, such as overseas placements or staff development, or a partnership project is the best fit.
2. Identify potential partners
Start looking for suitable organisations in EU countries and elsewhere that you could work with, where the funding rules allow.
3. Get ready for the application
Sign up for Erasmus+ UK updates, attend sector webinars and check the 2027 Programme Guide when it is published for the detailed eligibility and application requirements.
Organisations can find application guidance, webinars and updates through the Erasmus+ UK website.
Where can you go through Erasmus+?
Participants may be able to travel to any of the 27 EU member states, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. The activity must be part of an approved project and follow the rules for that type of project.
There may also be some opportunities beyond these countries. Higher education and youth organisations holding Erasmus+ grants can allocate up to 20% of project funding to certain activities in countries that are not associated with the programme. This is not a general entitlement for every participant or project.
EU destinations
All 27 EU member states, including Ireland, France, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands.
Other participating countries
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye.
What can Erasmus+ funding cover?
Erasmus+ funding is intended to contribute towards the costs of approved activities. Depending on the project, it may help with:
Travel
Getting to and from the placement or activity.
Living costs
Accommodation and day-to-day costs while away.
Learning and project costs
Course fees, preparation and support for the organisation running the project.
Additional needs
Extra costs linked to accessibility, inclusion or individual support needs.
Funding is a contribution towards costs and may not cover every expense. The amount available and the costs that can be claimed depend on the type of project and the 2027 Programme Guide.
Can disabled participants get extra support?
Yes. Erasmus+ includes additional inclusion and needs support for participants who face barriers to taking part. This can include people with disabilities, additional learning needs and people with fewer opportunities. Support may help meet accessibility requirements or other additional costs linked to participation. The organisation running the project should discuss individual requirements when planning the activity. The detailed funding rules will be set out in the 2027 Programme Guide.
Can an organisation apply if it has never used Erasmus+ before?
Yes. Organisations do not need previous Erasmus+ experience to apply. They must still meet the eligibility rules for the type of project they choose. Some activities have extra requirements. For example, higher education institutions taking part in Erasmus+ mobility and cooperation projects need a valid Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE). Erasmus+ UK says 163 UK higher education providers have been awarded ECHE accreditation for the 2027 funding call.
For most applications managed by the UK National Agency, organisations will need to register and obtain an Organisation ID (OID). Applications for projects managed directly by the European Education and Culture Executive Agency use a different EU registration system and require a Participant Identification Code (PIC). The application route depends on the type of project.
Can organisations use Erasmus+ alongside other funding?
The Turing Scheme will not run in the 2027 to 2028 academic year. UK education and training providers will instead be able to apply for Erasmus+ funding for eligible international placements. Organisations may use other funding alongside Erasmus+, but they must not claim funding twice for the same activity. Check the rules of each funding scheme before combining support.
Will Erasmus+ students have to pay tuition fees?
Students taking part in an Erasmus+ placement are exempt from tuition and registration fees charged by the host institution for that placement. Their home institution may still charge its own fees, so students should check this with their university or college before accepting a place.
How long do Erasmus+ projects and placements last?
There is no single duration that applies to every Erasmus+ opportunity. The length depends on the type of activity and type of project. Some projects may run for more than one academic year. The organisation arranging a placement should be able to explain the expected dates and duration once its project has been approved.
Will the UK remain in Erasmus+ after 2027?
That has not been agreed. The current decision covers the remaining period of the 2021 to 2027 Erasmus+ programme, starting on 1st January 2027. It does not confirm UK participation in a successor programme from 2028.
Any future participation would need to be agreed separately between the UK and the EU. The decision says that future terms should take account of the experience of UK participation during 2027.
Erasmus+ 2027
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about the UK’s return to Erasmus+, funding and who can take part.
When does the UK rejoin Erasmus+?
UK participation begins on 1st January 2027. The agreement covers the remaining year of the current 2021 to 2027 programme.
Can students apply directly for Erasmus+ funding?
No. Students apply for a place through their university, college, school or another participating organisation. That organisation applies for the project funding.
Can apprentices and adult learners take part?
Yes, potentially. Erasmus+ includes vocational education and training and adult education, as well as higher education, schools, youth and sport. Places depend on the organisation’s approved project and the relevant eligibility rules.
When will the first opportunities be available?
The 2027 funding call is expected to open in November 2026. Most funded projects are expected to start in autumn 2027, although some university and college placements may begin from June.
Does Erasmus+ cover Scotland?
Yes. The UK agreement covers Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Organisations must still meet the requirements for the particular type of project.
Is the UK staying in Erasmus+ after 2027?
That is not confirmed. Participation in a successor programme from 2028 would require a separate agreement between the UK and the EU.
Erasmus+ 2027
Official information and sources
The agreement and official programme guidance used to check this article.
01 · European Union and United Kingdom
Decision No. 1/2026 amending Protocol I to the Trade and Cooperation Agreement
The legal decision confirming UK participation in Erasmus+ from 1st January 2027 and setting its time limit.
02 · Erasmus+ UK
Getting ready to apply for Erasmus+
Information from the UK National Agency about eligible organisations, the funding call and expected application dates.
Read the application guidance →
Read the GOV.UK overview, including eligible destinations and organisations →
Read the Erasmus+ UK FAQs on funding, inclusion support and eligibility →
03 · UK Government
UK and EU finalise agreement to bring UK into Erasmus+ in 2027
The government announcement confirming the agreement and the UK’s return to the programme.