British universities are calling on the government to reinstate EU student exchange programmes that were lost after Brexit, such as the Erasmus programme. A recent report from Universities UK, an organisation advocating for higher education, has recommended that the government under Sir Keir Starmer should seriously consider rejoining the scheme that was cancelled during Boris Johnson’s tenure. The Erasmus+ programme had previously provided British university students with government-funded opportunities for education, training, and sports exchanges in EU countries with European university students.
In 2018, over 10,000 UK university students benefitted from the Erasmus scheme, with the government allocating approximately £120 million towards the programme that year. However, Erasmus+ was discontinued under Boris Johnson’s leadership due to concerns over its value for money. It was subsequently replaced by the Turing Scheme, a global mobility programme that offers opportunities worldwide but lacks financial support for incoming students, making exchanges more challenging.
Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK, expressed regret over the disruption in the flow of European students to the UK through Erasmus. The organisation aims to avoid reigniting contentious Brexit debates surrounding migration issues. While acknowledging the progress made by the Turing Scheme in broadening access for disadvantaged students, the report points out that it failed to replicate key components that contributed to Erasmus+’ success. The report emphasises the importance of developing global awareness, understanding, and competencies to enhance the UK’s global engagement capabilities.
With Sir Keir Starmer gearing up for his first bilateral meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, discussions are underway to reset UK-EU relations. The government remains open to negotiating free movement for young people but is cautiously navigating the dialogue with a strategic approach. Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds will lead the main talks on European affairs, focusing on complex issues vital to the Starmer government.
The youth mobility scheme, allowing young people to live and work in the UK for two years, has become a symbolic concern for those advocating for more ambitious EU engagement under Sir Keir’s leadership. Despite assurances from the Prime Minister about a comprehensive reset, questions linger about the government’s true intentions for change as Brexit-related uncertainties persist.
The Department of Education has confirmed the continuation of the Turing Scheme for a fourth year and is collaborating with educational institutions to create new opportunities for students across the UK. The call to reinstate EU student exchange programmes highlights the significance of fostering international collaborations and global competence for the UK’s future prospects in an interconnected world.