Brexit: will Erasmus study scheme for Britons continue?

My granddaughter has just started a modern languages degree at university in the UK and part of her course is meant to include the chance of a study period in France linked to the Erasmus scheme. Have any assurances been given that students will be able to participate in this still despite Brexit?

The right for Britons to participate in Erasmus is guaranteed at present, as long as the placement they are doing was subject to a successful bid for funding during the transition period. As language students typically take part in Erasmus study in French universities or work placements in French businesses in their third year of study your granddaughter may unfortunately miss out.

It would be best for her to check directly with the university as to when it puts in the funding applications for the year when she would expect to be abroad. The Department for Edu­cation (DfE) said a ‘successful’ bid refers to bids approved by the EU Commission, which will not be possible after the Brexit transition period unless the EU and UK negotiate an arrangement for the UK to remain in the scheme.

The DfE said however that the UK values international exchange in education and wants to explore possible options to continue in some form. Usually, full participation in the Erasmus+ programme is limited to EU countries and a handful of others (certain candidates for EU membership or members of the wider EEA).

Institutions in other partner countries may take part but only at the initiative of one of the full participants. Also, some elements, including work placements, are not available.

British students in France don’t want to lose Erasmus - one student's story

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