Students on a college campus
According to the BBC, 53% of UK university students who learn abroad, do so through the scheme (Picture: Getty)

Conservative and DUP MPs yesterday voted down a move to secure the continuation of the Erasmus study scheme after Brexit.

The House of Commons vote was on whether or not to include a new clause in the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill which requires the Government to negotiate its participation in the programme, on existing terms.

The House of Commons Twitter account announced the result, adding: ‘This new clause would have required the Government to seek to negotiate continuing full membership of the EU’s Erasmus+ education and youth programme.’

According to TheyWorkForYou, all opposition parties voted in favour (254) but were defeated by 344 votes.

The amendments had been tabled by the Liberal Democrats.

What is the Erasmus+ scheme and what will happen to it following yesterday’s vote?

What is Erasmus+?

Diverse group of students reading a book behind a US, UK and Spanish flag
The higher education exchanges aim to give students international experience (Picture: Getty)

Erasmus+ is the European Union’s programme for education, training, youth and sport.

For students, the scheme organises student exchanges, designed to give students international experience, through a University or work placement.

Students who are enrolled at eligible higher education providers do not have to pay fees for their overseas studies and grants are often available to help with their living costs.

Through Erasmus+ staff can also teach or train abroad, and UK organisations can work with international partners.

What will happen to Erasmus+ after Brexit?

Illustration of British and European flag and map with jigsaws
The UK is due to leave the European Union on 31 January (Picture: Getty Images/ Source: Digital Vision Vectors)

It’s still unclear what the future of the programme will be after Brexit.

According to the European Commission’s website: ‘If by the time of the UK’s withdrawal, the Withdrawal Agreement is signed and ratified, then the UK can continue to take part in the current Erasmus+ programme until the close of the programme.’

The current programme runs until 2020, so providing the Withdrawal Agreement is passed, funding should be assured for this year.

A spokesperson for Erasmus+ confirmed: ‘The 2020 Call for applications is not affected by the vote in Parliament yesterday.’

Following yesterday’s vote, the Government will not be bound by law to negotiate with the EU for full membership of the Erasmus scheme after Brexit, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they won’t.

A Department for Education spokesperson said the Government is ‘committed to continuing the academic relationship between the UK and the EU, including through the next Erasmus+ programme if it is in our interests to do so. The vote last night does not change that.’

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