Erasmus+ participants coming to the UK must now match their immigration permission to three factors: what they will do, how long they will stay, and their age. UK government guidance sets out four main routes — Government Authorised Exchange (GAE), Standard Visitor, Student and Child Student — and each carries distinct eligibility steps.

The guidance applies to learners, members of staff and youth participants in the Erasmus+ programme. Choosing the wrong route can mean an application refusal, so applicants should check the official UK government guidance before they apply.

Who needs a Government Authorised Exchange visa?

Erasmus+ participants coming for work experience, training or a placement may qualify for a Government Authorised Exchange (GAE) visa. The route covers two broad groups.

Learners can use the GAE route 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

Members of staff can use it 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

One requirement is fixed: every GAE applicant must hold a certificate of sponsorship (CoS) from IRARA Citizen Services before applying. Without the CoS, the application cannot proceed.

What does the Standard Visitor route cover?

Short-term participants may come as Standard Visitors for stays of up to 6 months. The route suits a wide range of Erasmus+ activities, including:

• study at an accredited institution
• taking part in a school exchange
• a formal exchange as an academic, scientist or researcher
• giving or receiving training
• attending workshops, seminars or conferences
• job shadowing
• a coaching or training assignment at a sports organisation
• certain short-term traineeships
• skills competitions
• preparatory visits

Youth project participants follow the same route. They can attend youth exchanges, join youth participation activities, attend training, networking events or study visits, work as youth workers doing job shadowing, travel as part of DiscoverEU, or carry out preparatory visits.

Do you need an ETA instead of a visa?

Nationals of Europe, the USA, Australia, Canada and certain other countries usually need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) rather than a visa to travel to the UK. The ETA does not replace the underlying requirements.

Even visa-free travellers must still meet the Standard Visitor requirements, and border officers may question them about their eligibility and planned activities at the UK border.

When does a Student visa apply?

Longer-term study requires a Student visa or Child Student visa, and two conditions must be met. The UK education provider must hold a student sponsor licence, and it must issue a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS). Applicants must have the CAS before they apply.

Applicants aged 4 to 17 may qualify for a Child Student visa at a participating UK school. This can include:

• study at an independent school
• study at a state-funded school or academy where permitted under the route
• courses with a work-based element for those aged 16 or over
• traineeships offered through a licensed Child Student sponsor

Applicants aged 16 or over may qualify for a Student visa for:

• a further education course
• a higher education course
• a course that includes a work-based element
• a traineeship with a licensed Student sponsor

What if the course lasts less than 6 months?

Short courses change the calculus. Applicants whose course runs less than 6 months may apply as a Standard Visitor instead of using the Student route. The same applies to under-18s coming to the UK for a traineeship lasting up to 30 days.

Where can applicants get help?

Anyone unsure which permission they need can contact their school, college or university, their Erasmus+ organisation, or their country's Erasmus+ National Agency. The UK government's Erasmus+ immigration guidance remains the authoritative source for route requirements.