Morning, Friday, 25th September 2026
Online
This conference will examine next steps for UK international exchange and study opportunities following agreement on association to Erasmus+ from 2027.
It takes place in the context of the anticipated final year of the Turing Scheme, and wider debate around international education and skills priorities, and renewed discussion in Parliament and the higher education sector on the future direction of educational, research and cultural links between the UK and Europe.
The conference will bring together stakeholders and policymakers to discuss the way forward for transitioning to Erasmus+ from 2027, alongside implications for HE, FE, schools, adult learning and youth engagement. Delegates will examine practical issues around implementation, provider readiness, governance arrangements, and continuity for partnerships and placements as the UK transitions into a new funding and operational framework.
Transitioning from the Turing scheme, sector readiness & wider international engagement
The agenda will look at next steps for implementation of UK association to Erasmus+. We expect this to draw on delegates’ assessment of which elements of Turing have been most effective in supporting participation and institutional engagement, and views on options for greater flexibility in programme design, placement models and partnership development in informing future approaches to international mobility.
Areas for discussion include:
- preparation for changes in programme requirements - support for providers during the transition period
- priorities for maintaining participation and minimising disruption for learners - expectations around communication, guidance and sector readiness
- the balance between European and wider international engagement - implications for partnerships established through Turing beyond Europe
- maintaining wider international exchange opportunities alongside European participation - regional, national and institutional priorities
Design, delivery & accountability
The agenda examines practical considerations around design and delivery of Erasmus+ in the UK, including governance arrangements, funding structures and administrative processes.
Areas for discussion include:
- governance and operational priorities for the British Council as National Agency - expectations around accountability, monitoring, reporting, evaluation and long-term impact
- Erasmus+ requirements and flexibility developed under Turing - supporting effective programme delivery across educational settings - continuity for providers, partnerships and placements
- placement length - support for blended and short-term mobility opportunities - institutional autonomy - flexibility to meet different learner and provider needs
- funding arrangements needed to support participation across a range of destinations and learner groups - impact of varying living costs and financial barriers
- administrative efficiency - value for money - long-term sustainability - approaches to evaluating programme effectiveness and reach
Widening participation & expanding access
Discussion will examine strategies for addressing barriers faced by disadvantaged learners, students with special educational needs and underrepresented groups, including financial pressures, application processes, awareness of opportunities and access to support.
Areas for discussion include:
- lessons learned from Turing participation in broadening access to international mobility - how these can inform Erasmus+ priorities
- addressing barriers for disadvantaged learners, students with SEND and underrepresented groups
- options for further measures to promote participation across a diverse range of learners from HE, FE, schools and youth organisations
- approaches to measurement of international mobility impact - educational attainment, progression to further study, employability outcomes, language acquisition, and personal development
- demonstrating value for learners and institutions - affordability, application processes and support structures - targeted interventions to address disparities in access and participation
Alignment with skills, research & wider government priorities
Sessions will examine the relationship between Erasmus+ participation, Horizon Europe and broader UK research and innovation policy, alongside priorities for utilising international student exchanges to improve skills development, employer engagement, graduate retention, and the UK’s international positioning as a destination for students and graduates.
Overview of discussion areas:
- priorities for aligning Erasmus+ participation with national and regional skills priorities - Horizon Europe co-ordination
- strategies for promoting employer engagement and work-based learning opportunities - supporting graduate outcomes
- pathways between exchange, research collaboration and wider innovation priorities - alignment with Industrial Strategy, Skills England priorities and sector workforce planning
- contribution of international mobility to the UK's research and skills objectives - alignment of exchange programmes with workforce priorities, including sectoral and regional skills
- integration with placements, apprenticeships and work-based learning - talent pipelines and international partnerships
International diplomacy & interaction with immigration policy
Further discussion will examine the role of Erasmus+ participation in supporting The UK’s International Education Strategy, including implications for educational, cultural and diplomatic relationships with Europe, international student recruitment objectives, and wider priorities for global engagement.
Areas for discussion include:
- interaction between Erasmus+ and wider immigration policy - proposed changes to the Graduate Route visa
- implications for talent attraction, international mobility and the UK's position as a destination for students and researchers - post-study opportunities and graduate retention
- strategic priorities for The UK’s International Education Strategy 2026 - implications for educational and cultural relationships with Europe, alongside skills and research objectives
All delegates will be able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those already due to attend include officials from the Department for Business and Trade; Department for the Economy, NI; Home Office; and the Welsh Government.
