Moving to Spain
UK rejoining Erasmus+: good news for spending time in Spain
The UK is returning to Erasmus+ in 2027. Explore what that could mean for eligible learners and staff hoping to study, train and experience everyday life in Spain.
A welcome new chapter for UK–Spain connections
There is something exciting about the thought of getting to know Spain through everyday life: finding your favourite café, making local friends and growing more confident with the language. For eligible people in the UK, the return to Erasmus+ brings fresh possibilities to explore that experience through learning and exchange.
The UK and EU signed the agreement enabling UK participation in Erasmus+ in 2027 on 15 April 2026. As of 1 November 2026, the return is agreed for 2027; the opportunities available to an individual will depend on participating organisations, approved projects and their application arrangements.
What could Erasmus+ mean for time in Spain?
Spain is an eligible destination within the programme. Through an approved exchange or placement, participants could have the opportunity to study, train or develop professional skills while getting to know a Spanish community. The exact destination and activity depend on the partnerships their organisation offers.
For higher education, UK government guidance describes study exchanges and relevant traineeships abroad. A placement can give you a reason to experience a place beyond a short holiday: travelling to classes or work, shopping locally and building a routine. That experience can help you understand what you enjoy about life in Spain.
Opportunities reach beyond university students
Erasmus+ covers several parts of education and training, including schools, vocational education, adult learning, youth activities and grassroots sport. Depending on the approved project, opportunities can involve learners, apprentices, teachers, youth workers and sports staff.
That breadth is one of the positive aspects of the UK’s return. Different people can gain something valuable from a structured experience abroad: confidence, new skills and connections with people whose everyday lives are different from their own. Eligibility and available places still depend on the organisation and activity involved.
A chance to improve your Spanish and feel more at home
A planned stay can turn language learning into part of your day. Ordering lunch, asking a neighbour a question or finding your way around a new town gives you opportunities to practise and become more comfortable. You do not have to wait until you feel perfectly fluent to begin preparing.
It is also a chance to discover your own preferences. You may enjoy a lively city, a smaller town or a neighbourhood where most errands can be done on foot. Those small discoveries can stay with you long after an exchange finishes—and could help shape a future visit or a longer-term plan for Spain.
Start with your organisation and a realistic budget
UK government guidance says individuals access Erasmus+ through participating organisations, rather than applying directly for programme funding. Ask your school, college, university, training provider or relevant organisation whether it plans to offer opportunities in Spain and how participants will be selected.
Funding can contribute to eligible placement costs, but the amount and what it covers vary. Ask about travel, accommodation, living expenses and any additional support, then work out what you would need to pay yourself. Confirm the timetable and current programme guidance before making bookings.
The agreement currently covers the 2027 programme. Participation in later programme years requires further decisions, so check official updates when planning further ahead.
Plan the right permission for your stay in Spain
An Erasmus+ placement gives you a structured reason to spend time abroad; the immigration arrangements still need to match the activity and length of stay. Spain’s consular guidance sets out study-visa requirements for stays exceeding 90 days. Ask your sending organisation, Spanish host and the relevant Spanish consulate which requirements apply to your own placement.
For ordinary visa-free short visits, British citizens remain subject to the Schengen limit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period across the Schengen area, including Spain. Erasmus+ participation does not give every UK citizen a general right to live or work in Spain, or automatically extend holidays and visits to family.
Build time for the paperwork into your plans and check current requirements before travelling. Parents or friends coming to visit a participant should check their own entry conditions separately.
Could the experience inspire your next chapter?
For someone curious about life in Spain, an exchange or placement could be a wonderful first step towards understanding a place more deeply. Enjoy the learning, make connections and take the opportunity to discover what an ordinary week there feels like.
If your experience later inspires you to look for a home, take your time. Visit in winter as well as summer and, if you can, rent in your preferred area first to make sure it suits you. Take independent Spanish legal advice before signing a property agreement or paying a deposit.
Move to Spain Property can help you find a home anywhere in Spain. Tell us your preferred area, budget, timescale and must-haves. Our property-finding service: no cost to you, no obligation.