The BBC understands that UK students will soon have the opportunity to participate in the Erasmus scheme once again, marking a significant policy reversal five years after the country's exit from the programme as part of its EU departure.
According to sources, an announcement from government ministers is anticipated on Wednesday, with UK students expected to have access to the programme by January 2027.
The Erasmus scheme, which offers funding for students and young people to study, train, or volunteer across Europe, was discontinued for UK participants in December 2020, following the post-Brexit trade deal. It was replaced by the UK-led Turing scheme in 2021, named after Alan Turing, which supports similar international opportunities.
Initial reactions to the UK's return to Erasmus have been positive. Alex Stanley from the National Union of Students (NUS) applauded the move, describing it as a "huge win for the student movement," emphasizing that students have advocated for rejoining Erasmus since the UK first left.
In its last year of participation, Erasmus provided €144 million (£126 million) for approximately 55,700 student exchanges, with 9,900 UK students studying abroad. On the other hand, the Turing scheme funded 43,200 placements for the 2024/25 academic year, supporting a diverse set of beneficiaries across higher and further education, as well as school programs.
The countries most favored by UK students through Erasmus included Spain, France, and Germany, while Glasgow, Bristol, and Edinburgh were noted for sending the highest number of students abroad.
Though the exact fate of the Turing scheme post-Erasmus reintegration remains unclear, it has been noted for targeting support to underprivileged students and covering broader travel costs. The announcement has been well-received politically, with Liberal Democrat universities spokesman Ian Sollom highlighting it as an opportunity to mend some aspects of the Brexit deal.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer had hinted previously at a potential youth mobility scheme with the EU, as part of the strategic changes in educational collaboration.