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Britain will rejoin the EU’s Erasmus student exchange program in 2027. Read why the move is seen as a Brexit reversal and what it means for students.
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Britain to Rejoin EU’s Erasmus Program in 2027 in Major Brexit Reversal
Britain has announced it will rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, marking one of the clearest reversals of a major Brexit-era decision since leaving the bloc.
The move comes six years after the UK withdrew from Erasmus during tense Brexit negotiations and is being framed by the government as a significant step toward rebuilding ties with Europe — particularly for younger generations.
Government Calls Erasmus Return a “Huge Win” for Young People
The British government described the decision as a “huge win” for young Britons, saying it would ensure students from all backgrounds can once again study, train, and gain experience abroad.
What Erasmus Offers
Under the Erasmus scheme:
- Students can study at foreign universities for up to a year
- Tuition fees remain the same as domestic students
- Participants gain academic, cultural, and professional exposure
The return of Erasmus is also politically significant for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, allowing him to demonstrate that his efforts to reset relations with the EU are delivering tangible results.
A Costly Comeback for the UK
While the decision has been widely welcomed by universities and students, it comes at a substantial financial cost.
Price of Rejoining
- UK contribution for 2027–28: £570 million ($760 million)
- This includes a 30% discount under current trade terms
- Still nearly double what Britain paid while it was an EU member
The expense is likely to reignite debate over whether Brexit has delivered economic value — a topic that remains politically sensitive, particularly on the right.
Brexit Debate Quietly Returns
Although Brexit is rarely discussed openly in British politics today, public opinion is shifting.
Recent polls show:
- Support for closer EU ties is growing
- Few Britons can identify clear benefits of leaving the EU
- Attitudes toward Europe are softening, especially among young voters
The return to Erasmus may prompt renewed scrutiny of decisions made during the Brexit process.
Groundwork Laid at UK-EU Summit
The announcement follows a UK-EU summit held in May, where leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation and rebuild trust.
Focus on Youth and Mobility
Both sides pledged to:
- Deepen “people-to-people ties”
- Prioritize opportunities for younger generations
- Move beyond years of post-Brexit antagonism
Since taking office, Starmer has repeatedly emphasized the need for closer cooperation with the EU without formally rejoining the bloc.
Erasmus Was Scrapped in 2020 Under Boris Johnson
The Erasmus program was canceled in 2020 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who argued it did not offer value for money.
However, later analysis challenged that claim.
Economic Benefits Highlighted
A 2021 report by Chatham House found that:
- Erasmus brought well-funded international students to the UK
- These students boosted higher education, hospitality, and services
- Britain earned an estimated £243 million net profit per year
Beyond Economics: Soft Power and Global Influence
Experts argue Erasmus offered benefits that went far beyond finances.
Building Global Connections
A European Commission report found:
- Over 1 million “Erasmus babies” have been born since the 1980s
- The program fostered long-term cultural and personal ties across Europe
Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, said Erasmus strengthened Britain’s global standing:
“People love their time in the UK. Many go on to become leaders in business, government, and their own countries. That’s soft power and soft diplomacy.”
Leaders Welcome the Return of Erasmus
Britain’s Minister for EU Relations, Nick Thomas-Symonds, said the agreement is about more than travel:
“It’s about future skills, academic success, and giving the next generation access to the best possible opportunities.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who studied in Britain herself, said the move would open doors to:
“New shared experiences and lasting friendships between British and European students.”
What This Means for Britain’s Future
The decision for Britain to rejoin the Erasmus program signals:
- A softer post-Brexit approach to Europe
- Renewed focus on youth, education, and mobility
- A gradual rebuilding of trust between the UK and EU
While not a return to EU membership, the move represents a symbolic and practical shift in Britain’s relationship with Europe.
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