UK Students to Rejoin Erasmus Program, BBC Reports
UK students are set to rejoin the Erasmus program starting January 2027, according to reports from the BBC. This decision follows discussions initiated by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in May regarding a youth mobility scheme as part of a renewed relationship with the European Union.
The Return of Erasmus
The Erasmus program, named after the Dutch theologian, was discontinued in December 2020. This termination occurred alongside the post-Brexit trade deal with the EU, a move made under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson. He cited the program’s high costs as a factor in the decision to replace it with the Turing scheme.
Student Reactions
Alex Stanley, a representative from the National Union of Students (NUS), expressed enthusiasm about the reopening of the Erasmus program. He noted that students have tirelessly advocated for its reinstatement since the UK’s departure from the EU. Stanley emphasized that this development marks a significant victory for the student movement.
The Erasmus Scheme Overview
- The program previously allowed UK students to study abroad.
- In 2020, it received €144 million (£126 million) in EU funding.
- 55,700 individuals participated in various Erasmus projects that year.
- 9,900 UK students studied abroad, while 16,100 international students came to the UK.
- The most popular UK universities for sending students were Glasgow, Bristol, and Edinburgh.
- Spain, France, and Germany emerged as the preferred destinations for UK students.
The Turing Scheme
Since its launch, the Turing scheme has facilitated student mobility with a budget of £105 million for the 2024/25 academic year. This program has supported:
- 43,200 placements overall.
- 24,000 in higher education.
- 12,100 in further education.
- 7,000 in schools.
Out of the placements, 38,000 students were from England, 2,900 from Scotland, 1,000 from Wales, and 1,200 from Northern Ireland. The Turing scheme was introduced to offer greater opportunities for students from disadvantaged backgrounds than the previous Erasmus scheme.
Future Uncertainties
With the announcement of Erasmus’s return, questions remain about the future of the Turing scheme. This situation presents an opportunity to reassess the benefits and support each program provides.
Liberal Democrat universities spokesman Ian Sollom welcomed the return of Erasmus as a substantial opportunity to mend relationships affected by the Brexit process.
