In December, the government confirmed that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus+ student exchange programme from 2027, marking a significant shift in post-Brexit education policy. For parents of secondary school pupils, sixth formers, and university students, this decision could reopen doors that have been closed for nearly a decade.
But what exactly is Erasmus, why does it matter, and how might it affect your child’s future?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is a long-established European programme that allows students to study, train, or gain work experience abroad as part of their UK qualification.
Before the UK left the scheme in 2020:
- Students could spend a semester or a full academic year at a European university
- Tuition fees were paid to their home university, avoiding extra international fees
- Grants helped cover living costs, travel, and accommodation
From 2027, these benefits will return for at least the 2027–28 academic year.
Why This Matters for Parents
For many families, studying abroad can feel like an unrealistic luxury. Erasmus helped change that.
1. Reduced Financial Barriers
Under Erasmus, students don’t pay overseas tuition fees, and grants help with day-to-day costs. This makes international study far more accessible than arranging placements independently.
2. Academic and Career Advantages
Research consistently shows that students who study abroad:
- Develop stronger language and communication skills
- Become more independent and adaptable
- Often perform better academically on their return
- Are more attractive to employers in a global job market
3. Simpler, More Reliable Support
Many students have found the current Turing Scheme unpredictable, with limited funding and complex paperwork. Erasmus is well-established, widely recognised by universities, and easier for institutions to manage – which ultimately benefits students.
How Is This Different from the Turing Scheme?
The Turing Scheme, introduced in 2021, allows UK students to study globally, not just in Europe. While this has strengths, students and universities have raised concerns about:
- Funding shortfalls
- Inconsistent access
- Limited support for incoming students
Erasmus, by contrast, is a two-way exchange, meaning European students also come to the UK. This helps universities financially and culturally, creating more diverse learning environments for everyone.
Will This Affect Younger Children Too?
Potentially, yes.
Erasmus+ has expanded since the UK left, now covering:
- Schools
- Further education
- Adult learning
- Youth and sports programmes
That means future opportunities may not be limited to university students alone. Over time, this could support:
- School partnerships
- Language exchanges
- Teacher development
- Cultural projects
All of which enrich education well before university age.
The Bigger Picture: Skills for a Changing World
Education today is about more than exam results. Parents increasingly want their children to develop:
- Confidence
- Cultural awareness
- Independence
- Adaptability
Living and studying abroad builds exactly these skills. As technology and AI reshape the workforce, human skills – communication, collaboration, resilience – are becoming just as important as academic knowledge.
What Happens Next?
- Erasmus will return from 2027, initially for one academic year
- Future participation will depend on further negotiations
- Universities are likely to begin planning well in advance
If your child is currently in secondary school or sixth form, this change could align perfectly with their future university years.
Final Thoughts for Parents
Rejoining Erasmus won’t solve every challenge in education, but it restores choice, opportunity, and stability for students who want to explore learning beyond the UK.
For many families, it means international study is no longer something “only other people’s children do” – but a realistic, supported option once again.
At Walnut Learning, we’ll continue to follow developments like this closely and explain what they mean for parents navigating an increasingly complex education landscape.