UK-EU negotiations on association to Erasmus+ concluded; UK set to join the programme in 2027

The United Kingdom and the European Union have concluded their negotiations on the UK's association to the EU mobility scheme Erasmus+, they announced on 17/12/2025. They will now "proceed swiftly on the United Kingdom’s association to Erasmus+", which is set to be formalised in 2027.

After negotiations that began in May 2025, the country will become an associated partner to the Erasmus+ programme, similar to Switzerland and Norway, rather than a full member, as it initially was.

"The United Kingdom association to Erasmus+ in 2027 would offer significant opportunities across the education, training, sport and youth sectors for individuals in the UK and the European Union, particularly for those in the younger generation," the European Commission and the UK government said.

The two parties "are pleased about the specific terms of this association, including mutually agreed financial terms, representing a fair balance between the UK’s contributions and the benefits the programme offers".

The UK left the European student mobility programme in 2020, following the implementation of Brexit…