ColegauCymru has warmly welcomed the confirmation that the British Council will act as the UK’s National Agency for Erasmus+, marking a significant step in reconnecting further education with European opportunities.
The agreement, formally signed with the European Commission on 15 April 2026, paves the way for colleges, staff and learners across Wales to once again benefit from the wide-ranging opportunities offered through Erasmus+.
Rejoining the programme will enable Welsh colleges to re-engage with trusted European partners, rebuild collaborative networks, and create new international experiences that enrich teaching, learning and professional development. It also brings the added benefit of opportunities that are geographically closer to home for some learners, making participation more accessible and inclusive.
The programme’s return will unlock access to increased funding and a broader range of funding streams, supporting mobility, innovation and partnership activity across the further education sector.
Siân Holleran, International Project Manager at ColegauCymru, said,
“ColegauCymru is delighted to welcome the return of Erasmus+ and the appointment of the British Council as the UK National Agency. This marks an important moment for the further education sector in Wales, opening the door to renewed collaboration with our European partners.
Erasmus+ has long provided life-changing opportunities for learners and staff alike. Its return offers not only the chance to reconnect internationally, but also to expand access through more flexible and, in some cases, closer-to-home opportunities.
We are particularly encouraged by the increased funding and variety of options now available, which will help colleges across Wales to engage in ways that best meet the needs of their learners and communities.”
ColegauCymru looks forward to working with the British Council and partners across the UK and Europe to maximise the benefits of Erasmus+ for further education in Wales, and to ensure that opportunities offered through the programme are promoted fairly and are accessible across all education sectors.
Further Information
UK Government Press Release
UK and EU finalise agreement to bring UK into Erasmus+ in 2027
Siân Holleran, ColegauCymru International Project Manager
Sian.Holleran@ColegauCymru.ac.uk
