‘University of Reading welcomes UK move to rejoin Erasmus’

The government has announced the UK will join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. 

Marcus Dowse, Head of Mobility, University of Reading, explains how Erasmus+ will differ to the Turing Scheme, and the benefits it could provide to students, employers and the wider world. For interviews, contact the University of Reading Press Office on 0118 378 5757 or pressoffice@reading.ac.uk.

The University of Reading welcomes today's announcement that the UK will rejoin Erasmus+ from 2027.

Marcus Dowse, Head of Mobility, University of Reading, said: "Rejoining the EU's mobility programme will create opportunities for students from all backgrounds and can help deliver real economic benefits for the UK. While students are already gaining valuable international experience, some supported through the Turing Scheme, Erasmus+ offers clear advantages. The well-established Erasmus+ framework will ease student and staff exchangeswith our existing and future European partners, helping to strengthen our collaboration with European institutions. Erasmus+ also provides opportunities for staff exchanges, joint teaching projects, university alliances, blended learning, and online collaboration – opportunities that Turing has not supported.

"For students at UK universities, regardless of nationality, Erasmus+ means the chance to study or work abroad as part of their degree, with grant support for costs. They will build confidence, develop new skills, and create international connections that open doors throughout their careers in an increasingly global world. Research shows that students from less advantaged backgrounds who study abroad have higher professional-level employment rates than those who don't.

"The Government has committed to maximising participation among disadvantaged groups, learning from experience gained within the Turing Scheme. We welcome this commitment to widening access – international experience should benefit all students, not just the most privileged.

"As an international university, the University of Reading will benefit from restored access to the Erasmus+ programme, including the opportunities that extend beyond Europe. While the Turing Scheme has benefited students since 2021, Erasmus+ offers newopportunities. At its best, Erasmus+ can be more than just funding. It provides a recognised structure that employers value and a network of partner institutions that supports sustained international collaboration.

"The University is preparing our application to regain our Erasmus Charter for Higher Education for full participation in the programme."