Erasmus+ returns to the UK in 2027. Learn when applications are expected to open, what funding could support and how to start planning your school’s European mobility programme.
The UK is returning to the Erasmus+ programme in 2027, creating new opportunities for schools to access funding for educational experiences, international collaboration and professional development across Europe. For UK schools, Erasmus+ could help make international learning more accessible by contributing towards eligible travel, accommodation, organisational and programme costs.
Applications for the first UK funding round are expected to open in November 2026 and close around February 2027. Exact dates, eligibility requirements and funding arrangements will be confirmed in the 2027 Erasmus+ Programme Guide. Schools considering an application should therefore begin planning now.
What is Erasmus+?
Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme supporting education, training, youth and sport. Rather than funding conventional leisure trips, Erasmus+ supports structured projects with clear educational objectives. Participating organisations must explain what pupils or staff will learn, how the proposed activity supports their development and how its impact will be shared or used after the visit. UK organisations will be able to apply for Erasmus+ projects funded from 2027, including opportunities involving school education, vocational education, staff development, youth and sport.
What opportunities could Erasmus+ provide for schools?
The detailed activities available to UK schools will be confirmed in the official 2027 guidance. However, Erasmus+ has traditionally supported opportunities including:
- Group mobility projects for school pupils.
- Educational exchanges with European partner schools.
- Collaborative learning projects involving pupils from different countries.
- Staff professional-development programmes.
- Teacher job shadowing in European schools.
- Training and knowledge-sharing activities.
- Preparatory visits connected to planned mobility projects.
- Longer-term international partnerships between schools and educational organisations.
Projects could be developed around subjects such as languages, history, geography, science, business, technology, art, drama and sport – or broader themes including sustainability, citizenship, inclusion and European culture.
What costs could Erasmus+ funding support?
Depending on the activity and the final 2027 funding rules, Erasmus+ grants may contribute towards eligible costs such as:
- International travel.
- Accommodation and subsistence.
- Local transport.
- Organisational costs.
- Structured learning activities.
- Preparatory visits.
- Additional support for participants with fewer opportunities or specific needs.
Funding should not be assumed to cover every cost of a proposed visit. Grant amounts, eligible expenditure and any contribution required from the school will depend on the project and the rules published for the relevant funding call. A realistic programme and budget will therefore be an important part of the planning process.
When will Erasmus+ applications open?
The first UK application window is expected to open in November 2026, with applications likely to close in February 2027. Exact deadlines will vary according to the type of project and will be confirmed when the 2027 Erasmus+ Programme Guide and funding call are published. Successful projects are expected to begin operating during the 2027/28 academic year. Schools can register for official updates through the British Council Erasmus+ website.
When should schools begin planning?
Schools do not need to wait until applications open or until funding has been approved to begin exploring their options. Developing a strong mobility project may involve:
- Identifying the educational need or objective.
- Deciding which pupils or staff would benefit.
- Selecting an appropriate destination.
- Developing suitable educational activities.
- Identifying any required European host or partner organisation.
- Creating a realistic itinerary and budget.
- Planning how learning and impact will be evaluated.
Beginning this work early gives schools more time to develop a purposeful and deliverable project rather than trying to assemble the practical arrangements immediately before the funding deadline.
How can SLT Tours help?
SLT Tours has extensive experience arranging educational travel for schools and groups throughout Europe. We can help schools explore how their educational objectives could be translated into a practical European programme. Depending on the requirements of the project, this could include:
- Developing a suitable itinerary.
- Providing indicative travel and accommodation costs.
- Arranging flights or coach travel.
- Organising overseas transfers and local transport.
- Sourcing appropriate accommodation and meals.
- Coordinating educational and cultural visits.
- Supporting the delivery of the programme.
- Providing assistance before departure and throughout the tour.
The school or eligible organisation remains responsible for its Erasmus+ application and for ensuring that its project meets the relevant funding requirements. Funding decisions are made by the appropriate Erasmus+ authorities and cannot be guaranteed by SLT Tours.
Already have Erasmus+ funding approved?
Schools that already have funding in place can also contact SLT Tours for help developing and delivering their mobility programme.
Our team can work with you to understand your objectives, participant requirements, preferred destinations, timescales and available budget before producing a suitable proposal.
Start exploring your Erasmus+ programme
The return of Erasmus+ represents an exciting opportunity for UK schools, pupils and education professionals—but successful international projects require careful preparation.
Whether your school is beginning to explore Erasmus+, preparing for the expected funding window or already has funding approved, SLT Tours can help you consider the practical arrangements involved in delivering your European mobility programme.
Erasmus+ applications are expected to open in November 2026. Contact SLT Tours today to start discussing your plans.
