The UK Government’s Department for Education has announced that the British Council is set to take on the role of the National Agency for Erasmus+.
On 17 Dec 2025, the UK and EU arrived at a political agreement that the UK would join the Erasmus+ scheme in 2027. That agreement has now been legally formalised under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
This programme enables students to study abroad at partner universities and higher education organisations by offering grants to help with living costs. Participating students usually pay fees to their home institutions, with additional costs covered by the European Union, funded by taxpayers' money.
Scott McDonald, Chief Executive, British Council, said: “As the National Agency for Erasmus+, the British Council will work closely with the Department for Education, the Devolved Governments and the European Commission to make the most of the opportunities of the programme for the UK.
“Erasmus+ has a proven track record in changing lives, opening up learning experiences, providing insight into cultures, and nurturing global citizenship, not only among higher education students and staff, but across non-formal education, schools, technical and vocational education and training, and sport.”
What does this mean for applicants from Uzbekistan? Individual applicants can’t apply directly to Erasmus+, they can apply through participating organisations such as schools, youth groups, colleges or workplaces. The individual programmes can last from two days to a year and encompass all EU member states and now the UK. The scheme includes grants for travel, accommodation and living costs as well as course fees and some overheads.
The British Council has a longstanding commitment to supporting international exchange. It was a lead partner in the Erasmus+ UK National Agency from 2014-20, where Erasmus+ made a significant contribution to the UK's cultural relations activities, funding 8,091 projects, engaging 583,757 UK participants, and awarding around €1.1 billion to UK organisations.
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