Erasmus+ applicants: coming to the UK
This guidance explains what immigration permission you may need if you're coming to the UK as part of the Erasmus+ programme.
The type of permission you need depends on:
- what you’ll be doing in the UK
- how long you’ll stay
- your age
- whether you’re coming as a learner, member of staff or youth participant
For more information about the programme, read the Erasmus+ overview.
If you’re coming to the UK for work experience, training or a placement
You may be able to apply for a Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa.
You must have a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from IRARA Citizen Services before you apply.
This route may be suitable if you’re:
A learner coming to:
- do a traineeship with a UK host organisation
- do a traineeship or internship as part of higher education studies, or as a recent graduate
- undertake a teaching or research assistantship
- take part in doctoral study, research or a traineeship
A member of staff coming to:
- undertake a teaching or training placement
- deliver guest lectures, seminars or workshops
- observe educational or vocational training practices
- collaborate on teaching, training or curriculum development
- exchange knowledge or good practice with UK colleagues
- collaborate on research or academic partnerships
If you’re coming to the UK for a short visit
Standard visitor
You may be able to come as a Standard Visitor.
This route may be suitable if you’re staying for up to 6 months and are coming to:
- study at an accredited institution
- take part in a school exchange
- take part in a formal exchange as an academic, scientist or researcher
- give or receive training
- attend workshops, seminars or conferences
- undertake job shadowing
- do a coaching or training assignment at a sports organisation
- participate in certain short-term traineeships
- take part in skills competitions
- carry out a preparatory visit
Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)
If you’re from Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada or certain other countries, you will usually need an ETA rather than a visa to travel to the UK.
If you do not need a visa, you must still meet the Standard Visitor requirements and may be asked questions at the UK border about your eligibility and planned activities.
Youth projects
You may also be able to apply as a Standard Visitor if you’re taking part in an Erasmus+ youth project and are coming to:
- attend youth exchanges
- take part in youth participation activities
- attend training, networking events, study visits or undertake job shadowing as a youth worker
- travel as part of DiscoverEU
- carry out a preparatory visit
If you’re coming to the UK to study
You may need a Student visa or Child Student visa.
Your UK education provider must:
- hold a student sponsor licence
- give you a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
You must have a CAS before you apply.
If you’re aged 4 to 17
You may be able to apply for a Child Student visa if you’re studying at a participating school in the UK.
This can include:
- studying at an independent school
- studying at a state-funded school or academy where permitted under the route
- courses that include a work-based element if you’re aged 16 or over
- traineeships offered through a licensed Child Student sponsor
If you’re aged 16 or over
You may be able to apply for a Student visa if you’re:
- studying a further education course
- studying a higher education course
- undertaking a course that includes a work-based element
- undertaking a traineeship with a licensed Student sponsor
If your course is less than 6 months
You may be able to apply as a Standard Visitor instead of a Student visa.
This may also apply if you’re under 18 and coming to the UK for a traineeship lasting up to 30 days.
Getting help
If you’re not sure which permission you need, contact:
- your school, college or university
- your Erasmus+ organisation
- your country’s Erasmus+ National Agency