Britain and the European Union have agreed to allow UK students to rejoin the bloc's popular student exchange program Erasmus+ from 2027, a small but symbolic sign of improved relations after Brexit.

London

The United Kingdom is set to rejoin the European Union's Erasmus+ exchange program in 2027, allowing British students and professionals to study, work, and train in EU countries without incurring additional fees. The agreement includes a 30% discount on the UK's contribution, amounting to 650 million euros for the 2027-2028 period, and is expected to benefit up to 100,000 participants in its first year.

The program will also enable EU students to study in the UK, fostering educational and cultural exchanges in both directions. EU officials, including Ursula von der Leyen, have welcomed the move as a positive step in renewing the EU-UK partnership, following the UK's departure from Erasmus after Brexit in 2020.

UK to rejoins EU's Erasmus exchange program

Young Britons will once again be able to study in the European Union without paying extra fees, with the United Kingdom set to rejoin the bloc's Erasmus exchange program in 2027. It's a prospect welcomed by students at Manchester University. It would give me an advantage against other students also being able to explore and also learn different cultures and different ways of working. I think it's important to have closer ties to the EU because you have more opportunity there. It would be so much easier to move abroad and experience a different life outside of England. Under the scheme, which is to be known as Erasmus+, the UK will receive a 30% discount on the EU's current deal, meaning it will contribute the equivalent of 650 million euros to the program for 2027 to 2028. The government says up to 100,000 people could benefit in the first year. It will open up world-class opportunities for students, teachers, youth workers, sports sector professionals and communities of all ages. In turn, students in the European Union will also be able to study in the United Kingdom under the program. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen hailed the deal as another step forward in renewing the EU-UK partnership. Bringing back Erasmus+, for our young people. Opening the door to new shared experiences and lasting friendships. Britain left Erasmus after Brexit in 2020, with the former conservative government claiming it did not offer good value for money. Since then, European leaders have long viewed the UK rejoining the scheme as crucial to improving relations.

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Breakdown