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Erasmus+

Erasmus+: opportunities for English UK member centres 

The UK and the EU have agreed that the UK will take part in Erasmus+ from 2027. This means UK organisations will once again be able to participate in Erasmus+ projects and apply for funding through the programme.

For English UK member centres, this could create opportunities to host funded groups, deliver short training courses and build stronger partnerships with organisations in Europe. This page explains what Erasmus+ could mean for members and what you may want to do now.

What is Erasmus+? 

Erasmus+ is the EU programme for education, training, youth and sport. It provides funding and opportunities for people and organisations to study, train, gain work experience or collaborate internationally. From 2027, UK organisations will be able to take part again.

Funding opportunities are organised by sector: 

  • higher education (including university exchange) 
  • school education (primary and secondary) 
  • adult education 
  • vocational education and training (VET) 
  • youth work 
  • sport 

In practice, Erasmus+ usually funds the organisation running the project. That organisation then works with partners or providers to deliver the learning activity.

There is no specific ELT strand; rather, language learning is an important part of every mobility project. Depending on their course and programme offer, English UK member centres may deliver activities for funded participants or submit project applications through one or more of these six sector routes.

Erasmus+ has a total budget of more than 26 billion euros for 2021 to 2027. Funding grants typically cover course or project costs, travel and subsistence. 

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Why Erasmus+ matters for English UK members 

Erasmus+ may create funded opportunities and support longer-term relationships with European partners. This could lead to:

  • more demand for teacher training and staff development
  • new opportunities to host funded groups or individuals
  • growth in short courses and study visits (typically from two to 30 days)
  • stronger partnerships with schools, colleges and training providers in Europe

Opportunities are likely to be strongest for centres that offer clear, well-structured programmes with defined learning goals.

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How English UK members may be involved 

In many cases, funding will be awarded to a school, college or other organisation in Europe. That organisation then chooses partners or providers to help deliver the activity.

English UK members are most likely to be involved in three ways:

  • hosting students or staff on funded study or exchange programmes (via Key Action 1)
  • delivering short structured training courses aligned to Erasmus+ priorities (via Key Action 1)
    or
  • joining wider partnership projects with organisations in other countries (via Key Action 2)
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Key actions most relevant to members

The main parts of the programme for English UK members are likely to be Key Action 1 (KA1) and Key Action 2 (KA2).

Key Action 1 (KA1): learning mobility

Funds projects where European organisations send individuals or groups abroad for structured learning visits or professional development. This is likely to be the most relevant Erasmus+ strand for many member centres. Funded participants may include: 

  • teachers and education staff attending CPD courses 
  • primary or secondary school pupils on study programmes 
  • vocational learners on placements 

Funding levels are set at the EU level, and the final arrangements for 2027 have not yet been confirmed. For 2026, eligible courses have been 2–30 days long, with funding set at 80 euros per day per participant, capped at 800 euros per course block. Plus, additional funding available for travel and subsistence.  

Key Action 2 (KA2): cooperation partnerships

KA2 supports partnership projects between organisations in different countries. This may be relevant where member centres work with European schools, colleges, training providers, or other partners on shared projects, resources, or new approaches. There are two formats: 

  • Small-scale Partnerships (6 months to 2 years, typically two organisations; fixed grants of 30,000 or 60,000 EUR in 2026)
  • Cooperation Partnerships (1 to 3 years; at least three organisations; larger grants of 120,000 to 400,000 EUR)

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What types of ELT activity may be eligible?

English UK members may be able to contribute to a range of Erasmus+ activities, including:

Adult education: teacher training and professional development (KA1)

  • ELT methodology
  • CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning)
  • EMI (English as a Medium of Instruction)
  • leadership and management training
  • digital learning and assessment
  • language refresher courses

School and youth programmes (KA1)

  • short English language courses with clear learning goals
  • study visits for school or youth groups
  • combined language and cultural programmes

VET programmes (KA1)

  • English plus work shadowing or vocational elements

Partnership and innovation projects (KA2)

  • developing new courses or learning materials, such as new curricula, digital frameworks or pedagogical toolkits
  • sharing best practice
  • innovation and capacity-building projects

These examples are indicative. Final eligibility will depend on programme rules and project design.

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Erasmus+ core priorities

 Erasmus+ projects are expected to support one or more of the programme's four core priorities:

  • inclusion and diversity – making learning more accessible and widening participation
  • digital transformation – improving digital teaching, learning and assessment
  • environment and sustainability – promoting sustainability, green practices, and climate awareness issues
  • participation in democratic life – helping learners build intercultural awareness, civic understanding and engagement

Reflecting these priorities in their course design, naming, descriptions or services is likely to strengthen a member centre's appeal to existing and potential European partners sending participants through KA1. 

For KA2, funding applications will typically need to demonstrate how the proposed partnership project ideas support one or more of these priorities.

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What happens next

The detailed rules and dates for 2027 are still to come, but current expectations are: 

  • Autumn 2026: 2027 Erasmus+ programme guide published 
  • November 2026: funding call opens 
  • February 2027: application deadline 
  • Summer 2027: funding decisions announced 
  • Autumn 2027 onwards: projects and mobility activities begin 

We will share updates with members as more detail becomes available.

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What members can do now

1. Stay informed

2. Speak to your current partners

  • Talk to schools, colleges or other organisations in Europe that you already work with
  • Ask whether they are planning Erasmus+ applications for 2027 and whether the UK could be part of those plans

3. Review your courses

  • Identify courses that could suit visiting teachers, staff or groups
  • Make sure your course information is clear, structured and focused on learning goals
  • Show where your courses support themes such as digital learning, inclusion or sustainability, if relevant

4. Get ready to take part

5. Be ready to respond quickly

If interest grows, members that already have suitable courses, clear information and strong partner relationships will be in a better position to benefit.

Note that some of these systems may change as the UK rejoins the programme.

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Further information

The position is still developing, and the full rules for 2027 have not yet been published. We will update members as more information becomes available.