How will Britain’s exit from the Erasmus scheme affect students ?

We have prepared for you a detailed explanation of how the U.K.’s exit from the Erasmus scheme will affect students.

How will Brexit being finalized affect students on the Erasmus scheme ?

On 31 December 2020, the U.K. transition period ended and new trading and political arrangements between Britain and the European Union (EU) came into force. One effect of this was the end of the U.K.’s participation in the Erasmus+ student exchange program that allowed thousands of students from universities across the EU and other participating countries to complete a portion of their studies at institutions in other member states.

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How will this affect EU students currently completing courses in the U.K.?

The U.K. will continue to participate fully in the current (2014-2020) Erasmus+ and European Solidarity Corps (ESC) programs, meaning those who study, train, volunteer, or spend time abroad through Erasmus exchanges that were confirmed during that period can participate fully and for the full duration of their exchange - even after the U.K.’s exit from the scheme on 1 January 2021.

Will I now have to pay fees to study in the U.K. under the Erasmus+ scheme?

Those who are completing a course entered into under the Erasmus+ scheme will be able to continue their studies but may need to obtain a student visa from the country they are planning to study in. The end of “home fee status” means European universities are also free to charge British students as they would those coming to study from other non-EU countries.

Will it still be possible to study in the U.K. after the end of the Erasmus+ scheme?

Yes, but fees will no longer be covered as part of an exchange program unless this is done via Britain’s replacement - the Turing Scheme. U.K. universities will also be free to charge EU students as they would other overseas students, rather than the same amount as tuition fees for U.K. students, as Brexit has resulted in the end of “home fee status” for EU students.

Students wishing to receive funding to study in the U.K. in the academic year starting from September 2021 will need to check if their institution is partnering with a U.K. one that they are planning to attend, and if this means funding will be available as part of a reciprocal arrangement enabled by the Turing Scheme. Details of the scheme are yet to be fully announced, with institutions invited to bid for funding from March. This will help U.K. universities embark on exchange programs across the world - there are not yet any details about which institutions have arranged student exchanges as part of the program and whether these will be within the EU.

EU citizens already studying at a U.K. university from September 2021 will be able to access the Turing Scheme if they want to study in a third country as it is open to non-U.K. nationals. You should, however, check to ensure all your visas are up to date.

Do EU students need to apply for a student visa to remain in the U.K. to study on the Erasmus+ scheme?

If you arrived in the U.K. before 1 January 2021, you will not need a visa if your studies will only last six additional months or less, but you’ll need to apply online for Britain’s EU Settlement Scheme, which is free of charge. You should apply as soon as possible when you arrive in the U.K. and before 30 June 2021. If you plan to arrive in the U.K. from 1 January 2021 onwards, and/or you are studying a course that is longer than six months in length, you will need to apply for a student visa.

Will I now have to pay fees to complete my studies in the U.K. under the Erasmus scheme?

As stated, those whose studies were arranged under the previous program will be able to complete their studies without paying additional fees. However, if you are planning to stay on to study longer than six months or are applying to study in the U.K. after the U.K. departed from Erasmus+, you will need to pay for a student visa and health surcharge. These cost €391 (£348) and €528 (£470) per year, respectively.

How will this affect U.K. students currently completing Erasmus+ courses in the EU?

U.K. students will be able to complete their courses awarded under the Erasmus+ scheme before Britain’s exit from it, and can receive funding up until the end of the 2021-22 academic year, but will have to deal with new immigration regulations.

British students will only be able to stay in an EU country for 90 out of every 180 days without a visa or will have to apply for a student visa via the country they are studying in, with the exception of Ireland, which will still have free movement with the U.K. Immigration rules vary from country to country, and you will need to check the specific rules and process to apply for the country you are studying in. To obtain your student visa you will need travel and medical insurance.

Will British students be able to study in the EU after the U.K. has exited the Erasmus+ Scheme?

Yes, although places will no longer be funded as part of the scheme, so you will have to pay your own fees as an international student. Funding may be available as part of the Turing Scheme should EU institutions agree to partner with U.K. ones on exchange programs - however, these are yet to be announced, with bids opening in March. Northern Irish students will still be able to partake in Erasmus+ as the Republic of Ireland’s government is continuing its participation.

Could the British government rejoin the Erasmus scheme?

A U.K. government could decide to rejoin Erasmus+ in the future, should it decide it was beneficial to the country and value for money.

Related topics on Brexit and the Schengen zone

• How to apply for a Schengen Visa from the U.K. ?
• Schengen travel insurance for U.K nationals
• Brexit : is the European Health Insurance Card still valid ?
• What does Brexit change for U.K nationals living in Europe ?

Frequently asked questions about Brexit and the end of the U.K.’s involvement in the Erasmus scheme