In a move welcomed by universities and corporate training providers alike, the Home Office on 16 October 2026 published version 15.0 of its ‘Student and Child Student’ case-worker guidance. The headline change is the formal incorporation of Erasmus+ mobility programmes into Appendix Student of the Immigration Rules, reversing restrictions that had applied since the UK left the EU. Pages 16–17 of the new guidance set out how overseas students on Erasmus+ can now undertake short periods of study at UK institutions without breaching their leave conditions. A new activity table confirms that work placements arranged under Erasmus+ also count as ‘supplementary study,’ removing a grey area that had deterred some multinationals from placing interns in Britain. For higher-education institutions the update simplifies compliance: Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) letters can list Erasmus+ as the primary course element, and sponsors no longer need to issue separate short-term study visas. Corporates that run Europe-wide graduate or R&D programmes can again rotate participants through UK labs and offices with minimal paperwork. The change is part of a broader October package that also raised English-language requirements for Skilled Workers. Universities UK International estimates the rule tweak could restore around 12,000 inbound Erasmus+ students in the 2026/27 academic year, generating £110 million in tuition and living-expense revenue. Businesses should liaise with sponsoring universities well ahead of January semester start dates to secure CAS allocation under the refreshed scheme.
