Euro-MPs approve new study programme

MEPs have approved an extension of a scheme that has seen a North West University send thousands of students abroad to study.

The new Erasmus+ programme will provide over £12 billion for young people, staff and teachers to study or train abroad over the next seven years, an increase of 40% compared to the current budget.

The programme also includes a new Masters Loan Guarantee, backed by the European Investment Bank, which will enable students to take out low-interest loans of up to 18,000 euros to undertake post-graduate studies across the EU.

Since 2007, almost 60,000 British students have studied or done a work placement in another European country through the Erasmus programme.

The University of Manchester has been one of the top 5 UK universities for sending students abroad and the University of Salford has been one of the top 5 for sending staff abroad for two of the last three years. Both universities are popular destinations for students from across the North West.

Rochdale Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies said, “This is the EU at its best, helping students from the North West to learn new languages and a new way of life.

“Tomorrow’s stronger economy will be built on the success of our young people today in getting a high quality education that also prepares them for the global world of work.

“Three million people have received grants to study or do vocational training since the Erasmus programme was formed in 1987. Thanks to this huge increase in funding, another 4 million are set to benefit by 2020."