Erasmus+ and London’s ELT Sector: A New Opportunity for Schools and Accommodation Providers

As the UK prepares to rejoin the Erasmus+ programme from 2027, a new chapter is opening for international education, mobility, and language learning. For English language schools and accommodation providers across London, this development could create new opportunities to attract more learners, strengthen European partnerships, and diversify student recruitment channels.

What is Erasmus+?

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s flagship programme for education, training, youth and sport. It provides funding for learners, teachers, staff and organisations to take part in international mobility programmes, professional development opportunities and educational partnerships. The programme supports both short-term and long-term study and training experiences across Europe.

Following recent UK-EU agreements, the UK is expected to participate in Erasmus+ again from January 2027, opening the door to renewed educational exchanges and funded mobility projects involving UK organisations, also specified on English UK’s website.

A programme that matters.

London remains one of the world’s most recognised destinations for English language learning. The city combines academic excellence, cultural diversity, global connectivity and a unique range of educational experiences.

For many European institutions, Erasmus+ funding often supports activities that require participants to improve their English language skills, undertake professional development courses, or engage in educational mobility projects abroad. This creates natural opportunities for London-based English language providers.

At English UK London, we believe Erasmus+ could become an important complementary recruitment channel for many member schools, particularly as the traditional ELT market continues to evolve and competition for students increases.

How Could English Language Schools Benefit?

Erasmus+ funded projects can involve:

• Teacher training programmes
• Professional development courses
• English language courses linked to mobility projects
• Study visits and educational exchanges
• Staff training and job-shadowing programmes
• Group mobility projects for students and adult learners

For London schools, this may create opportunities to develop specialised courses tailored to Erasmus+ participants, build direct partnerships with European institutions, and welcome funded groups throughout the year.

In a market where diversification is increasingly important, Erasmus+ could help schools access new segments and improve the number of source markets.

The Opportunity for Accommodation and Service Providers

The benefits could extend beyond language schools.

Accommodation and Service providers play a crucial role in the overall student experience and could become key partners in Erasmus+ mobility projects.

Participants travelling through Erasmus+ programmes require safe, reliable and high-quality accommodation options, whether through homestay, student residences or managed housing solutions, as well as personalised visits and activities for their learning needs. London’s experienced accommodation and services sectors are already well positioned to support international learners arriving through educational mobility schemes.

For accommodation and service providers, Erasmus+ could contribute to:

• Additional occupancy outside peak seasons
• Longer average stays
• New institutional partnerships
• More learning-related services to be organised and sold
• Increased demand from funded educational groups
• Greater visibility within the international education sector

Most importantly, accommodation and students’ services remain fundamental parts of the educational experience. For example, a positive housing experience often contributes significantly to student satisfaction, wellbeing and language development.

Building Stronger European Partnerships

One of the most valuable aspects of Erasmus+ is that it encourages long-term cooperation between organisations.

It is strongly believed that the programme promotes strategic partnerships, exchange of best practice, staff development and collaborative educational projects.

This means London schools, accommodation & service providers may have opportunities to establish deeper relationships with European schools, universities, training centres and educational organisations.

Such partnerships often lead to sustainable business opportunities that extend well beyond a single programme or group booking.

A Realistic Perspective

Erasmus+ is not a solution to every challenge currently facing the ELT sector, and this is something all of us are aware of.

The language travel market remains highly competitive, and schools continue to navigate pressures linked to changing travel patterns, rising operational costs and evolving student expectations.

However, Erasmus+ represents something important: an additional pathway to attract learners, strengthen international collaboration and showcase London’s strengths as a global educational destination.

For schools, service and accommodation providers willing to engage with the programme and develop partnerships, it may offer valuable opportunities to complement existing recruitment strategies and generate sustainable growth over time.

Looking Ahead

As further details emerge regarding UK participation from 2027, English UK London encourages members to stay informed and explore how Erasmus+ could fit into their future plans- a useful, step-by-step guide can be found here.

We believe that Erasmus+ has the potential to become an important part of London’s international education ecosystem.

The coming months will provide greater clarity on funding mechanisms, participation rules and application processes. In the meantime, now is the ideal moment to start understanding the programme and identifying potential partners across Europe.

For a city that has always thrived on international connections, Erasmus+ could become another valuable tool in helping London maintain its position as one of the world’s leading destinations for English language learning and educational mobility.

Author Raf d’Apice

Sources

• Erasmus+ UK – About Erasmus+: https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/about-erasmus/ (erasmusplus.org.uk)
• Erasmus+ UK – Funding for Study, Training and Partnerships: https://www.erasmusplus.org.uk/ (erasmusplus.org.uk)
• British Council – Erasmus+: https://www.britishcouncil.org/school-resources/erasmusplus (britishcouncil.org)
• UK participation in Erasmus+ from 2027: (Reddit)
• Examples of English language and mobility projects: https://kairoseurope.co.uk/ (Kairos)
• Examples of accommodation support for international students: https://www.ravensbourne.ac.uk/london-homestays (Ravensbourne University London)
• Examples of accommodation provision within ELT: https://eslondon.co.uk/accommodation/ (eslondon.co.uk)