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 final year of the Turing Scheme, and wider debate around international education and skills priorities, and renewed discussion in parliament and the HE 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 priorities for transition to Erasmus+, 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 different funding and operational framework.
We expect discussion on the balance between European and wider international engagement as Erasmus+ participation resumes, including implications for partnerships developed through Turing beyond Europe, and how providers might seek to maintain broader global exchange opportunities alongside Ersamus+. Attendees will also assess implications for widening participation, access and affordability, and approaches to supporting participation across different educational settings and learner groups.
Delegates will also discuss the relationship between Erasmus+, international student policy, research collaboration, economic priorities, and the future direction of the UK’s international relationships. Sessions will examine the relationship between Erasmus+ participation, Horizon Europe and broader UK research and innovation policy, alongside questions around skills development, employer engagement, graduate retention, and the UK’s international positioning as a destination for students and graduates in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Overall, the planned agenda includes discussion on:
- transition: implementation of UK association to Erasmus+ - governance and operational priorities for the British Council as National Agency - continuity for providers, partnerships and placements
- programme design: Erasmus+ requirements and flexibility developed under Turing - wider international partnerships beyond Europe - placements, funding structures and institutional autonomy
- strategic priorities: The UK’s International Education Strategy 2026 - implications for educational, cultural and diplomatic relationships with Europe, as well as skills and research objectives
- research links: Erasmus+ and Horizon Europe coordination - pathways between exchange, research collaboration and innovation priorities - talent pipelines and international partnerships
- participation: addressing barriers for disadvantaged learners, students with SEND and underrepresented groups - affordability, application processes and support structures
- global engagement: maintaining wider international exchange opportunities alongside European participation - regional, national and institutional priorities
- immigration policy: proposed changes to the Graduate Route - post-study opportunities and graduate retention - student mobility, skills priorities and international education policy
- employer engagement: alignment of exchange programmes with workforce priorities, including sectoral and regional skills - integration with placements, apprenticeships and work-based learning
- delivery and accountability: value for money and administrative efficiency - lessons from Turing on programme reach and delivery - expectations for monitoring, evaluation and long-term impact
