After six years outside the programme, the United Kingdom is back in Erasmus+. The agreement was signed in Brussels on 15 April 2026, and the first funding call is expected to open in November 2026. For coordinators planning a project that includes the UK, preparation starts now.
Key Takeaways
- The UK rejoining Erasmus+ in 2027 reopens one of Europe’s largest mobility destinations for education and training projects.
- All major Erasmus+ formats are included, from school visits and work placements to job shadowing and KA2 partnerships.
- Institutions must start preparation early as the first funding call is expected in November 2026.
- The UK brings strong infrastructure, experienced hosts, and established employer networks for placements and mobility.
- This return creates new opportunities for both EU organisations sending participants and UK institutions hosting them.
What has been agreed?
From January 2027, UK organisations can take part in Erasmus+ again, while EU member states and associated countries can once more send participants to the UK. This includes KA1 mobility for learners and staff, KA2 cooperation partnerships, and joint university programmes.
The programme’s 2021–27 budget is €26.2 billion, nearly double the previous cycle. The UK rejoins a larger and more complex programme than before. Its contribution for 2027–28 is approximately £570 million, negotiated at a 30% discount on the standard rate. Participation is currently confirmed for one year, covering the 2027–28 academic cycle.
What it means if you send participants to the UK
For institutions across Europe, the UK’s return to Erasmus+ reopens a major destination for work placements, school visits, group mobilities, and staff mobility projects. Erasmus+ funds VET learners, apprentices, recent graduates, school pupils, teachers, and education staff to travel for traineeships, study visits, exchanges, job shadowing, teaching assignments, and training courses. Short-term placements usually last 10 days to 3 months, while ErasmusPro mobilities can extend from 3 to 12 months. School groups can also take part in collaborative visits and structured learning activities with UK partner schools.
The process remains the same as for other Erasmus+ programme countries. Organisations apply through their National Agency, select participants, confirm a UK hosting partner, and complete mobility agreements before departure.
Finding the right UK partner takes time. A reliable hosting organisation manages placements, accommodation, activities, language support, and participant welfare throughout the stay. IBD Partnership has delivered international mobility projects since 2005, working with participants from over 25 EU countries across more than 30 sectors in cities including London, Portsmouth, Brighton, and Southampton. Get in touch to discuss your 2027 Erasmus+ project.
What it means if you are in the UK
UK institutions will again be able to apply for Erasmus+ funding as sending or hosting organisations. Eligible bodies include schools, colleges, vocational providers, and apprenticeship organisations.
This is a clear shift from the Turing Scheme, which supported outward mobility but did not enable inbound Erasmus+ exchanges. UK providers can now both send learners abroad and host European participants.
The British Council is expected to resume its role as the UK National Agency, previously responsible for managing over 8,000 projects, 580,000 participants, and around €1.1 billion in funding between 2014 and 2020.
Key dates for the UK’s return
- 15 April 2026 – Agreement signed in Brussels
- Summer 2026 – Guidance and official information published
- November 2026 – Erasmus+ funding call opens
- January 2027 – UK participation begins
- February 2027 – Funding call expected to close
- Second half 2027 – First mobilities start
What should you do now?
Three priorities matter before the November call opens. Confirm your UK hosting partner early, as applications with established partners perform better. Check your Organisation ID (OID) is active and up to date. Most importantly, start planning early to secure strong placements, schools, and accommodation options before demand increases.
