Archive · 29 Sep 2026
UK Eases Erasmus+ Immigration Rules Ahead of 2027 Return
The United Kingdom is changing its immigration rules for some Erasmus+ visitors.
The changes start on October 8, 2026.
Eligible visitors can study, train, or observe work in the UK through an Erasmus+ project.
Some young participants can also do short traineeships.
UK organisations will not usually need to sponsor these approved activities.
Indian students can benefit from the new activity rules, but they will generally still need a UK visa before travelling.
People from countries that do not require a visitor visa may need an Electronic Travel Authorisation instead.
The changes are being made before the UK is expected to rejoin Erasmus+ in 2027.
From October 8, 2026, eligible Erasmus+ participants can use the UK Visitor route for approved mobility activities.
Participants may study, train, receive training, job-shadow and, in some cases, complete short traineeships.
Erasmus+ participants will generally not need sponsorship for activities permitted under the Visitor route.
Indian participants will usually still need a UK visa because India is on the UK’s visa-national list.
The changes prepare the UK for its planned return to Erasmus+ as an associated country in 2027.
- Who
- Eligible Erasmus+ participants, including students and other participants travelling from India and other countries.
- What
- The UK is expanding the activities Erasmus+ participants can undertake through existing immigration routes, including the Visitor route.
- When
- The changes take effect on October 8, 2026; the UK is expected to become associated with Erasmus+ again in 2027.
- Where
- The activities will take place in the United Kingdom through UK organisations and educational institutions.
- Why
- The changes are intended to facilitate short-term mobility and prepare the UK immigration system for its planned return to Erasmus+.
- Effective date
- October 8, 2026
- Eligible activities
- Study, training, job shadowing and certain other Erasmus+ mobility activities
- Traineeships
- Participants aged 18 or under may complete traineeships of up to 30 days, subject to additional permissions
- Sponsorship
- Sponsorship is generally not required for activities permitted under the Visitor route
- Indian participants
- Indian nationals will generally continue to need a UK visa before travelling
- UK Erasmus+ status
- The UK is currently outside Erasmus+ and is set to become associated with the programme again in 2027
- Programme scale
- Erasmus+ supported almost 1.5 million learning-mobility participants in 2024