History of Erasmus

1987-2016

The UK joined the precursor to the Erasmus+ Programme, known as the Erasmus Programme, in 1987. This initiative aimed to promote student mobility within European countries, allowing students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Over the years, the Erasmus Programme expanded its scope beyond student exchanges to include opportunities for teachers, staff, and young professionals. It became a flagship initiative for the European Union, promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic cooperation among member states.

The UK actively participated in Erasmus, becoming one of the leading beneficiaries of the programme. It facilitated thousands of students, researchers, and educators to travel, study, and collaborate across European borders.

2016-2020

The UK's decision to leave the European Union (EU) through Brexit had implications for its participation in various EU programmes, including Erasmus+. In December 2020, the UK government announced its withdrawal from the Erasmus+ Programme, citing financial reasons and the desire to establish its own replacement programme.

Following the UK's departure from Erasmus+, the government introduced the Turing Scheme in 2021 as a replacement initiative, aiming to support UK students' international mobility. However, differences existed between the Turing Scheme and Erasmus+, notably in terms of funding and the range of participating countries.

2020-Today

The decision to exit Erasmus+ sparked criticism and concern among many in the UK's academic and student communities. Critics argued that the loss of access to Erasmus+ would diminish opportunities for students, limit international collaborations, and weaken the UK's position in the global education landscape.

The UK's involvement in the Erasmus+ Programme was marked by active engagement and substantial benefits in terms of educational opportunities, research collaboration, and cultural exchange. However, the decision to exit Erasmus+ in the wake of Brexit resulted in the UK pursuing alternative programmes to support international mobility and cooperation in education and training.