When will the UK rejoin the Erasmus+ Programme to expand study and training opportunities abroad?

The UK's return to Erasmus+ is now a confirmed, dated agreement rather than a proposal still being negotiated, which changes how students planning study abroad for 2027 to 2028 should actually be preparing.

The Confirmed Timeline

The UK and EU formally finalized the agreement to bring the UK into Erasmus+ in April 2026, with UK participation beginning on 1 January 2027. Because projects need to be selected before opportunities open, the earliest individual placements are expected to become available from the second half of 2027.

How an Indian Student Fits Into This

You cannot apply to Erasmus+ directly as an individual. Opportunities are accessed through a participating education or training organisation, most often your UK university if it has an Erasmus+ partnership. Your Indian nationality does not automatically exclude you, but eligibility depends on the specific activity and on whether your UK institution actually participates in that particular Erasmus+ project.

What Happens to the Turing Scheme

The UK's existing Turing Scheme, its current replacement for Erasmus+ funding, will continue to operate through the 2026-27 academic year, but it is scheduled not to run in 2027-28 as Erasmus+ placements begin. If you are planning a UK master's starting in 2026, Turing Scheme opportunities remain the more immediately available option, while Erasmus+ becomes relevant mainly for the following academic year.

This Information Is Also Available On

UK Government, GOV.UK announcement on UK association to Erasmus+ and overview of the Turing Scheme.

My Advice

If your UK master's spans the 2027-28 academic year, ask your chosen university directly whether it already has Erasmus+ partnerships lined up, rather than assuming access will exist automatically once the programme opens. Universities that were active in the Turing Scheme are the most likely early adopters of new Erasmus+ partnerships.