Turing Scheme vs Erasmus+: What's the Difference?

For several years, the Turing Scheme has provided UK learners with opportunities to study, train and undertake work placements overseas, while Erasmus+ has continued to provide international mobility and cooperation opportunities across Europe and beyond.

But the picture is now changing.

The UK is rejoining Erasmus+ from 2027.

The UK and EU formally finalised the agreement in April 2026, meaning UK organisations will once again have access to Erasmus+ as an associated country.

At the same time, the Turing Scheme will not operate during the 2027–28 academic year.

The 2026–27 academic year is therefore the final year of the Turing Scheme, with Erasmus+ placements taking over from 2027.

• Turing Scheme → continues for 2026–27
• Erasmus+ → UK participation begins from 2027
• Turing Scheme → ends when Erasmus+ placements begin in 2027–28

This transition represents a major change for UK schools, colleges, VET providers and other organisations delivering international mobility.

The Turing Scheme is the UK Government's international mobility programme.

It was introduced following the UK's departure from Erasmus+ and has provided funding for UK education providers to create international placements for learners.

The scheme supports eligible organisations across:

• Schools
• Further education
• Higher education
• Vocational education and training

Turing placements can support students to gain:

• International work experience
• Vocational skills
• Confidence
• Employability skills
• Language skills
• Cultural awareness
• Independence

For 2026–27, the Turing Scheme has a budget of up to £78 million and continues to provide funding for eligible international educational placements.

However, 2026–27 is the final year of the scheme.

Erasmus+ is the European Union's flagship programme for education, training, youth and sport.

It supports much more than learner mobility.

The programme can include:

• Student mobility
• Vocational work placements
• Staff mobility
• Youth work
• Sport
• Education and training
• International partnerships
• Cooperation projects
• Innovation
• Knowledge sharing

From 2027, the UK will participate as a country associated with Erasmus+, giving UK organisations much broader access to the programme.

The UK Government expects more than 100,000 people to benefit in the first year, including apprentices, school groups and organisations involved in international cooperation.

For UK education providers, the next 12 months are particularly important.

2026–27: The Turing Scheme continues to support eligible international placements.

2027: The UK becomes associated with Erasmus+.

2027–28: Erasmus+ placements begin and the Turing Scheme no longer operates.

The UK Government is encouraging organisations to start preparing for Erasmus+ now, including developing partnerships with European organisations. The next Erasmus+ funding round is expected to open in November 2026, although exact dates will be confirmed through the 2027 Erasmus+ Programme Guide.

One of the most exciting aspects of the UK's return to Erasmus+ is that the programme offers opportunities that extend beyond sending learners abroad.

Erasmus+ combines mobility with international cooperation and partnerships.

This can allow organisations to work with international partners on areas such as:

• Inclusion
• Digital transformation
• Sustainability
• Employability
• Youth participation
• Vocational education
• Staff development
• Sport
• Innovation

This means an Erasmus+ relationship could develop from a simple mobility into a much broader international partnership.

For example:

Student placement → staff exchange → joint project → long-term international partnership

That is one of the reasons the UK's return to Erasmus+ represents such an important opportunity for education and training providers.

The transition from Turing to Erasmus+ is particularly important for vocational education and training providers.

International work placements can give learners the opportunity to:

• Develop practical vocational skills
• Experience different working environments
• Improve employability
• Build confidence
• Develop communication skills
• Experience different workplace cultures
• Build international networks

If your organisation has previously delivered Turing projects, now is the time to start thinking about what comes next.

• Review your international strategy — What do you want international mobility to achieve?
• Identify potential partners — Start developing relationships now rather than waiting for the next funding call.
• Consider your priorities — Could your international programme focus on employability, VET, inclusion, digital transformation, sustainability, sport, youth work, staff development or language learning?
• Think beyond the trip — Ask what learners, staff and the organisation will gain.
• Prepare for the 2027 Erasmus+ call

At Global Horizons, we believe international mobility should be about much more than getting on a plane.

It should create experiences that have genuine educational, vocational and personal value.

We can support schools, colleges and VET providers with:

• International work placements — Meaningful placements connected to learners' vocational studies and career aspirations.
• International partnerships — Helping organisations develop relationships with trusted partners across Europe and beyond.
• Staff mobility — Professional development, job shadowing and international learning opportunities.
• Accommodation — Support with suitable accommodation for visiting groups.
• Cultural experiences — Activities that allow participants to experience the culture, history and communities of their destination.
• Programme planning — Structured programmes with clear learning objectives and meaningful activities.