Health Sciences University awarded Erasmus Charter for Higher Education, unlocking new European opportunities from 2027

Health Sciences University (HSU) has been awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE) by the European Commission, a significant milestone that confirms the University’s eligibility to participate fully in the Erasmus+ programme from January 2027. The Charter provides the quality framework required for higher education institutions wishing to take part in Erasmus+ mobility and collaboration activities.

The announcement comes following the landmark agreement between the UK Government and the European Union that will see the United Kingdom reassociate with the Erasmus+ programme from the 2027/28 academic year. Erasmus+ provides funding for international study, training, work placements and collaborative projects across Europe, creating opportunities for learners, staff and institutions to build global skills and partnerships.

Securing the Charter means HSU students and staff will once again be able to access a wide range of funded international opportunities, strengthening the University’s commitment to developing healthcare professionals equipped to work in an increasingly interconnected world.

HSU’s Vice Chancellor Professor Lesley Haig said of the award:

“Securing the Erasmus Charter is a milestone moment for our institution. International mobility is transformative, boosting career prospects and broadening horizons, particularly for our students from underrepresented backgrounds. We are thrilled to rebuild our historic European partnerships and look forward to submitting our first formal funding bids when the 2027 work programme calls open this autumn.”

The Erasmus+ programme supports student study exchanges, traineeships and work placements abroad, while also enabling academic and professional services staff to undertake teaching, training and professional development opportunities with partner institutions across Europe. The programme is designed to enhance employability, language skills, intercultural understanding, innovation and collaboration, while widening participation and providing opportunities for learners from all backgrounds.

For HSU, whose mission is to create a healthier society through education, research and clinical impact, participation in Erasmus+ aligns closely with its strategic ambition to prepare graduates for modern healthcare challenges and strengthen international collaboration in health sciences education.

What Erasmus+ will mean for HSU from 2027

Student exchanges
Undergraduate and postgraduate students will be eligible to undertake funded study periods and placements with partner institutions across Europe, typically ranging from two to twelve months, enabling them to gain international experience, develop professional networks and enhance their employability.

Practice-based opportunities
Students will be able to access traineeships, internships and workplace learning experiences overseas, supporting the development of clinical, research and professional skills in diverse healthcare settings.

Staff mobility and development
Academic and professional services colleagues will benefit from dedicated funding to teach, train, job-shadow and collaborate with European partners, bringing new ideas, skills and best practice back to HSU.

Research and educational partnerships
The Charter enables HSU to participate in Erasmus+ cooperation projects, strategic partnerships and teaching alliances, creating new opportunities for innovation, curriculum development, research collaboration and knowledge exchange with institutions across Europe. Erasmus+ programme guidance for higher education (HE), Overview of the Erasmus+ programme.

A more international campus
HSU will once again welcome European exchange students to its campuses, enriching the learning environment through greater cultural diversity, international perspectives and cross-border collaboration among future healthcare professionals.

The award of the ECHE also reflects HSU’s commitment to the core Erasmus+ principles of inclusion, accessibility, sustainability and digital innovation. The Charter places particular emphasis on removing barriers to participation and supporting students from underrepresented groups to benefit from international mobility experiences.

As preparations begin for the programme’s return, HSU will work with existing and new European partners to develop opportunities that support student success, advance health sciences education and strengthen international cooperation in healthcare, research and workforce development.