Erasmus+: What Teachers Need to Know

With the UK set to return to the Erasmus+ programme in 2027, schools may be wondering what this means for their students when it comes to learning abroad. So, we've written a blog to demystify the programme, answering what exactly is Erasmus+, can it support certain school trips, and what can teachers do now to prepare for its launch?

What is Erasmus+?

In short, Erasmus+ is an educational exchange programme within the EU that funds education, training, youth and sport opportunities. Through exchanges and partnerships between schools in different countries, its goal is to encourage students and educators alike to develop vital skills, share knowledge and learn from different cultures.

The programme will already be familiar with more experienced teachers: the programme has been in place across the EU since 1987, with our students able to access its benefits until the UK's departure from the EU.

But in December 2025, the UK and EU agreed that we could rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027, opening doors yet again to international learning opportunities for our young people.

What Erasmus+ is not is a way to fund a regular school trip. Funding is only awarded to projects that meet certain criteria, which we'll go into in a bit more detail below.

How is Erasmus+ different from other school trips?

For schools, the most relevant part of Erasmus+ is that it supports educational activities abroad for pupils and school staff, with the aim of improving learning and developing international connections.

But where it differs from standard school trips is that the proposed project must meet Erasmus+ requirements. Activities might include group and individual pupil exchanges with a partner school. It could also include staff development via professional courses and teaching assignments abroad.

So, say you're a school with a French language programme – you might arrange an exchange with a partner school in France, who send students looking to engage in English classes here. Both sets of pupils could therefore experience a new setting where they can practise language skills while living in a different country, learning through cultural immersion, and even work collaboratively with local students on a curriculum-linked project.

Similarly, your school's history department could develop a partnership with an overseas school around European heritage or history, using shared research and visits to historical sites to deepen all (UK and foreign) pupils' understanding of the past.

The key distinction for Erasmus+ (compared with other trips) is that projects must demonstrate a clear educational purpose. A conventional school trip, without a specific and structured educational programme and eligible arrangements, should not be assumed to qualify.

Can schools use Erasmus+ to fully fund an overseas trip?

Erasmus+ grants can contribute towards eligible expenses associated with learning mobility, including travel, accommodation and daily needs, as well as organisational and other eligible project costs. The precise funding available depends on the activity, destination, duration, participants and applicable funding rules.

Schools should not assume that a grant will cover every expense. Erasmus+ funding operates under defined rules, and it's very likely that any funds granted will need to be supplemented by other funding sources.

How can schools apply for Erasmus+ funding?

Schools cannot apply for Erasmus+ funding on behalf of individual pupils. Instead, applications are made by eligible organisations (i.e. schools, colleges and universities) who take responsibility for delivering the project.

Under the programme's school education framework, there are two main routes to funding.

Short-term mobility projects are designed for organisations that want to arrange a limited number of activities or are new to Erasmus+. Under the current rules, these projects run for six to 18 months.

Accredited mobility projects are intended for organisations that want to develop international learning opportunities over time. Schools with an Erasmus accreditation can apply for regular funding to support activities linked to their longer-term internationalisation plans.

The precise application process for UK schools will depend on the arrangements introduced for the UK's return in 2027. The Department for Education has confirmed that discussions have begun with the British Council regarding its potential appointment as the UK's National Agency.

Teachers should therefore consult the UK Government's Erasmus+ guidance and the relevant National Agency information before making financial commitments or finalising plans around anticipated funding.

How can teachers prepare for Erasmus+ now?

Although the UK is not due to join Erasmus+ until 2027, the first funding applications are due to open soon. Schools can start preparing for this now by taking the following steps:

1. Decide on your project idea (examples here)
2. Check it aligns with the Erasmus+ priorities
3. Register your school
4. Find a partner in an eligible participating country
5. Develop the project proposal in more detail
6. Complete and submit your application.

The UK Government expects the next funding round to open in November 2026 and close in February 2027, with the exact dates and requirements to be announced soon.

Is Erasmus+ right for your school?

For educators looking to make international learning more accessible to their students, Erasmus+ is a great choice. Whether your priority is language learning, cultural understanding, curriculum enrichment or professional development, the programme could help your school establish meaningful links with education providers overseas, benefiting its teachers and excelling on its educational delivery to its students.

With the UK's return planned for 2027, now is a useful time to explore the possibilities the proramme presents. By planning ahead, schools can be better placed to take advantage of the opportunities available as the programme reopens to UK participants.

For the latest information on the UK's return to Erasmus+, eligibility and funding arrangements, visit the UK Government's Erasmus+ guidance.