ACCEPT The Government has confirmed a budget of up to £78 million for the Turing Scheme for the 2026/27 academic year. The UK’s decision to reassociate with Erasmus+ will build on the Turing Scheme’s success in opening up world-class opportunities for learners, educators, young people and communities, while further strengthening our partnership with the European Union. Our renewed participation in Erasmus+ will increase the opportunities available to young people across the UK. We will therefore transition to this broad, expanded Erasmus+ in the 2027/28 academic year, ending the Turing Scheme as Erasmus+ placements begin. The Turing Scheme has delivered strong outcomes in widening access to international opportunities, with the proportion of students funded who are from a disadvantaged background increasing from 39% in 2021/22 to 56% in 2024/25, with an estimated 61% planned in 2025/26. It has also provided additional funding for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), Additional Support Needs (ASN) or Additional Learning Needs (ALN). This iteration of Erasmus+ has a strong focus on inclusion, and the UK’s association will continue the ambition set by the Turing Scheme to prioritise mobilities involving participants from disadvantaged backgrounds. Like the Turing Scheme, Erasmus+ offers additional funding to help participants with fewer opportunities, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, take part in mobility opportunities. Beyond financial support, inclusion is embedded throughout all elements of the programme. Through Erasmus+, organisations can take part in capacity-building projects. These projects provide opportunities to work with partners in other countries on shared priorities, which can include a focus on inclusion. For example, projects could choose to look at how to better support disadvantaged learners, develop more inclusive teaching approaches, or improve access and participation for people with fewer opportunities. Erasmus+ offers flexible, “blended” mobilities that combine online activities with a shorter in-person stay, helping to reduce barriers for those who may not be able to spend long periods away from home. Participants and staff can also access additional mentoring, coaching and preparatory support where needed. Inclusion is further supported through simplified application processes, which make it easier for organisations with less experience or fewer resources to apply. Proposals that demonstrate strong inclusion strategies are also given priority in project assessment.