UK Universities Push to Revive EU Student Exchange

UK universities are advocating for the reintroduction of the Erasmus+ student exchange program, which was discontinued post-Brexit due to concerns about value-for-money under Boris Johnson's government. Sir Keir Starmer's administration is urged to consider rejoining the program, which facilitated over 10,000 UK students in 2018 alone. Universities UK expressed regret over the loss of European students and emphasized the importance of avoiding a divisive immigration debate that could further restrict student mobility. While Starmer prepares for discussions with EU leaders about potential youth mobility schemes, the organization remains cautious about pushing for a return to Erasmus amidst a 'toxic' political environment. The Turing Scheme, introduced as a replacement for Erasmus+, has been criticized for failing to provide the same level of access for incoming students. There's a growing acknowledgment that student exchanges are vital for enhancing global awareness and competencies in the UK education sector.