Turing Scheme Replacing Erasmus+
We now have the chance to expand opportunities to study abroad and see more students from all backgrounds benefit from the experience.
Gavin Williamson
As a result of negotiations on a trade deal between the UK and the EU at the end of last year, the UK government announced the end of the Erasmus + programme.
The UK higher education sector and businesses involved previously in the programme feel uncertain about the decision on Erasmus as it means loss of international experience and opportunities for many students and as well for organizations involved. However, the introduction of the new Turing scheme is encouraging. The Education Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said, “We now have the chance to expand opportunities to study abroad and see more students from all backgrounds benefit from the experience.”
Participants who were successfully accepted in the current Erasmus+ (2014-2020) to study, train, volunteer or spend time abroad through Erasmus+ will be able to participate for the full duration of their exchange. This rule applies to both UK participants going abroad, as well as international students coming to the UK.
The UK government’s new Turing scheme will substitute the EU programme to send students overseas to study and work placements. It is estimated to provide funding of £100 million for around 35,000 students per year. The scheme is set to start from September 2021.
The funding will cover only the outbound study at the beginning and further decisions on the mobility will be made in the future supported by reviews and assessments of the scheme. Future incoming students will depend on arrangements between institutions, and as currently known will not be entitled to the financial support. It will be vital to establish and work on funding opportunities for inbound students.
The benefits of international student mobility are well known with students developing an open, cosmopolitan view, becoming independent, gaining an understanding of different cultures and learning a new language.
This view is also shared by Vivien Stern, a director of Universities UK who said: “Evidence shows that students who have international experience tend to do better academically and in employment, and the benefits are greatest for those who are least advantaged.”
The universities, colleges and organizations will need to take the opportunity of the new scheme and make the most of it to ensure the benefits for the students and organizations as well.
