New GOV.UK guidance sets out which immigration permission Erasmus+ learners, staff and youth participants may need to come to the UK, depending on activity, length of stay and age.
Key facts
- Who: Erasmus+ learners, members of staff and youth participants coming to the UK
- From: Published 7 October 2026; the guidance gives no separate in-force date
- Source: Erasmus+ applicants: coming to the UK
First published 7 October 2026.
GOV.UK has published guidance on the immigration permission that people coming to the UK through the Erasmus+ programme may need. The permission depends on what the person will do in the UK, how long they will stay, their age, and whether they come as a learner, member of staff or youth participant.
Work experience, training or placements. A Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa may be suitable. Applicants must hold a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) from IRARA Citizen Services before applying. The guidance lists learners doing traineeships, internships, teaching or research assistantships, or doctoral study and research. It also lists staff on teaching or training placements, guest lectures, observation visits, curriculum development, knowledge exchange and research collaboration.
Short visits. A Standard Visitor may be suitable for stays of up to 6 months. Listed activities include study at an accredited institution, school exchanges, academic exchanges, training, workshops, seminars and conferences, job shadowing, certain short-term traineeships, skills competitions and preparatory visits. Youth project participants may also apply as Standard Visitors for youth exchanges, youth participation activities, training and networking events, study visits, job shadowing as a youth worker, DiscoverEU travel and preparatory visits.
Visitors from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries will usually need an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) rather than a visa. Those who do not need a visa must still meet the Standard Visitor requirements and may be asked about their eligibility and planned activities at the border.
Study. A Student visa or Child Student visa may be needed. The UK education provider must hold a student sponsor licence and issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which the applicant needs before applying.
- Ages 4 to 17: a Child Student visa may be available at a participating school. This can include independent schools, state-funded schools or academies where the route permits, courses with a work-based element for those aged 16 or over, and traineeships through a licensed Child Student sponsor.
- Age 16 or over: a Student visa may be available for further or higher education courses, courses with a work-based element, or traineeships with a licensed Student sponsor.
- Courses under 6 months: a Standard Visitor application may be possible instead. This may also apply to under-18s on a traineeship of up to 30 days.
What this means for applicants
Applicants should match their activity, age and length of stay to the routes above. GAE applicants need a CoS from IRARA Citizen Services, and Student or Child Student applicants need a CAS, before applying. Those unsure which permission applies can contact their school, college or university, their Erasmus+ organisation, or their country's Erasmus+ National Agency.