The UK is set to rejoin the EU's Erasmus student exchange scheme from the 2027–28 academic year, a move that will cost taxpayers £570 million ($762.4 million) in its first year, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer presses ahead with plans to reset post-Brexit relations with Brussels.
The decision has sparked a backlash from critics who argue the agreement undermines Brexit and opens Britain to students from non-EU associate nations, including Turkey and potentially Algeria and Egypt. Ministers insist the deal expands educational opportunities for young people, with a formal review scheduled after 10 months.
