UK Opens Student and Visitor Routes to Erasmus+ Participants From 8 October 2026

What happened

The UK has rejoined the Erasmus+ programme. Statement of Changes HC 584, laid on 3 September 2026, changes the Immigration Rules so that Erasmus+ participants can use the Student, Child Student, Visitor and Government Authorised Exchange routes. The changes took effect on 8 October 2026, according to the explanatory memorandum.

Who is affected

Students on longer exchanges (Student route):

• Erasmus+ courses can be sponsored whether or not they lead to an approved qualification.
• Courses at RQF level 2 or above (SCQF level 5 or above in Scotland) can be sponsored at participating sponsors.
• Work placements are allowed from the start of an Erasmus+ course, even during a new sponsor’s probation period, and are exempt from the usual limits on how much of a course can be placement.
• Study at state-funded schools and academies is allowed where the school holds a sponsor licence and runs an Erasmus+ programme.

Short visits (Visitor route):

• Erasmus+ participants can give or receive training, take courses, and do a traineeship of up to 30 days at a UK organisation.
• They can also job shadow (limited to observing and taking part) and take coaching or training assignments at UK sports organisations.
• Visitors can study on short placements of up to six months at state schools and academies. Under-18s need permission from a parent or guardian and from their home institution.

Exchange schemes: Erasmus+ is added to the Government Authorised Exchange list, and the Ofgem International Staff Exchange Scheme is removed.

What it means for your move

An Erasmus+ exchange is not a route to settlement in its own right. It can, however, be a low-cost way to spend time in the UK before deciding on a full degree. The usual Student visa conditions still apply, including the visa fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge and maintenance funds, which rise on 30 November 2026 (see our maintenance report). Erasmus+ grants and fee arrangements are set by the programme, not by the Immigration Rules.

Short Erasmus+ visits of up to six months use the Visitor route. Non-visa nationals still need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) to travel. See our ETA guide and visitor visa guide.

What to do now

• Confirm with your home and host institutions that your placement is an Erasmus+ activity. The new rules apply only to Erasmus+ programmes.
• For stays of more than six months, ask your UK host for a CAS and apply for a Student visa.
• For short traineeships, keep your 30-day limit and your Erasmus+ paperwork ready to show at the border.
• Schools and organisations hosting participants should check their sponsor licence status.

What happens next

We will update this report if UKVI publishes further Erasmus+ guidance. Follow the UK hub and the updates page.