Further and Higher Education

Tuesday, 14 July 2026

Questions (919)

Seán Kyne

Question:

919. Deputy Seán Kyne asked the Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science the way in which the UK rejoining the Erasmus Programme will affect Irish students presently studying or wishing to study abroad; whether it will be of benefit to Masters students wishing to study in the UK, and particularly in Scotland; the other supports there may be for Masters students studying in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52764/26]

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Written answers

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

The UK's participation in Erasmus+ from 2027 is a welcome development and is expected to increase opportunities for student and staff mobility between Irish and UK higher education institutions, including institutions in Scotland.

Prior to Brexit, there were high levels of mobility between Ireland and the UK under Erasmus+, reflecting the strong academic, cultural and geographic links between the two countries. The UK's return to the programme provides an opportunity to further strengthen these links and expand international learning opportunities for students. Irish students, including master's students, will have opportunities to avail of Erasmus+ study and traineeship opportunities at participating UK higher education institutions, including in Scotland, subject to Erasmus+ programme rules and the existence of institutional agreements between participating institutions.

The HEA does not administer any financial supports for master's students undertaking full Master's degree programmes in the UK.