British students will be able to participate in EU-wide Erasmus+ scheme in 2027 following an announcement from Government.
Deeply involved in negotiations to bring this opportunity back to young people were Leigh Middleton OBE, NYA Chief Executive Officer and Maurizio Cuttin, Chief International Spokesperson on the British Youth Council.
”Today is a significant moment for young people across the UK. With Erasmus+ officially back, we are reopening doors to global learning, cultural exchange, and opportunities that shape futures.
A regrettable consequence of Brexit was the loss of Erasmus+, which closed off vital opportunities for many, especially those from vulnerable and disadvantaged backgrounds. The decision to rejoin is significant.
Young people of the UK deserve access to the same life-changing opportunities as their peers across the globe, whether through education, youth exchanges, or international collaboration on issues that matter to them.
This new deal is a commitment to equity and ambition. Every young person, regardless of background, now has access to experiences that inspire confidence, build skills, and connect them to the world. At the National Youth Agency, we are proud to have championed this return and will work tirelessly to ensure these opportunities reach those who need them most.
Leigh Middleton OBEChief Executive, National Youth Agency
”This deal is a victory for young people.
Since Brexit, a wave of young people and youth organisations have been deprived of vital intercultural learning opportunities.
Rejoining Erasmus+ is in the national interest. It restores global ties and opens doors for young people, giving them the chance to learn and volunteer abroad. The scheme, put simply, is transformative and has the potential to uplift those on the margins of our society.
Today’s news sends a clear message that the UK believes in creating opportunity for its youth and we are proud that our efforts over the past four years have led to it being reinstated. Now, our attention shifts to making the scheme a success once implemented in 2027.”
Maurizio CuttinChief International Spokesperson on the British Youth Council
