HC 584 · published 2026-09-03 · in force 2026-10-08

Student route expanded to facilitate UK rejoining Erasmus+ programme

Student

What changed

Students on Erasmus+ programmes can now be sponsored even if their course does not lead to an approved qualification or is at RQF level 2. Work placement restrictions are also relaxed, allowing placements to exceed standard time limits.

Who the official source says it applies to

Students coming to the UK as part of an Erasmus+ programme, and the sponsors running those programmes. Existing Student visa holders on ordinary courses are not affected.

  • applications made on or after 2026-10-08

The source does not state the conditions precisely enough to be certain who is affected. Routewatch sends this as "may apply" to everyone on the routes above.

What the official source says to do

Sponsors must confirm the student is participating in an Erasmus+ programme when issuing sponsorship.

allow students undertaking a course as part of the Erasmus+ programme to be sponsored under the Student route... regardless of whether the course leads to an approved qualification.

Read the official source

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This page is information about a published rule change, not advice about your case. Whether a rule applies to you depends on facts Routewatch does not assess. For advice about your own situation, use a regulated immigration adviser.