Britain plans to rejoin the European Union’s Erasmus student exchange program in 2027, six years after exiting it during Brexit. The government sees this move as a significant benefit for British youth, providing access to study abroad at domestic tuition rates.
However, the UK will contribute £570 million ($760 million) for the 2027/28 academic year—double what it previously paid while an EU member but a 30% discount compared to current EU terms. This decision raises questions about the benefits of Brexit, as public sentiment towards the EU has softened.
The foundation for this announcement was laid at a May UK-EU summit focused on enhancing ties for young people. The Erasmus program was initially scrapped in 2020 by Boris Johnson, who deemed it not cost-effective. Contradicting this claim, a think tank reported that the UK gained a net benefit of £243 million annually from the program, contributing positively to various sectors and in soft power.
Oxford University and other officials emphasized the program’s broader cultural and diplomatic benefits, promoting future skills and opportunities for young people. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the potential for new connections between British and European students.
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