What Canada could gain from joining the EU’s Erasmus+ program, and what’s unresolved

Prime Minister Mark Carney addresses the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, on Sept. 17, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang What Canada could gain from joining the EU’s Erasmus+ program, and what’s unresolved Published: September 22, 2026 4.31pm EDT Share article Print article In his recent address to the European Parliament, Prime Minister Mark Carney proposed that Canada join Erasmus+, a European Union program that supports education, training, youth and sport. Carney presented the idea as part of a closer Canada-Europe partnership. He said it could give young people more opportunities to live, work and study on either side of the Atlantic. For Canada, joining Erasmus+ could mean more than another university exchange program. It could expand opportunities for students and staff to study, train and work abroad. It could also support new partnerships among institutions. But these benefits would depend on how Canadian participation is funded, administered and made accessible. Erasmus+ could move Canada beyond reliance on pilot programs, such as the Global Skills Opportunity program. It could provide a more durable framework for study, training and educational mobility abroad. The Global Skills Opportunity program offers an important lesson. Participation can be broadened when funding and supports are deliberately designed for students who face barriers to studying abroad. That experience could help shape a more accessible Canadian approach to Erasmus+. More than a student exchange Canada is already involved in parts of Erasmus+. At present, it’s classified as a “third country not associated to the Programme,” meaning Canadian institutions can take part in certain activities under specific conditions. Countries formally associated with Erasmus+ can participate more fully across the program. Erasmus+ extends well beyond university exchanges. The program includes post-secondary education and training, adult education, youth exchanges and professional development. It also supports educators, youth sector professionals, sport staff and partnerships among institutions and organizations. The United Kingdom provides a recent example of a non-EU country negotiating formal association with Erasmus+. After leaving the program following Brexit, it will return in 2027. British organizations will then be able to apply across the full range of Erasmus+ activities. Read more: UK to re-join Erasmus+ – here are six benefits of the European exchange…