International programme for students

A NEW international study programme for students at Welsh universities will start next year, the Welsh Government has announced.

It will be developed by Cardiff University in collaboration with education and youth sector partners ahead of its launch in 2022.

The UK Government chose not to continue with the EU’s Erasmus scheme as part of the Brexit deal and developed its own Turing programme, which is in place for an initial 12 months.

The Welsh Government will allocate £65 million over five years for the New International Learning Exchange.

It aims to enable 15,000 participants from Wales to go overseas over the first four years, with 10,000 participants coming to study or work in Wales.

The programme also aims, where necessary, to fund costs so that international students, teachers and young people can travel to work and study in Wales.

While Welsh institutions will be able to participate in the Turing Scheme in 2021-2022, they will also continue to benefit from Erasmus+ exchanges deferred from last year due to coronavirus.

Education minister Kirsty Williams said: “We have been clear that international exchange programmes, which bring so many benefits to participants, as well as their education providers and wider community, should build on the excellent opportunities that the Erasmus+ programme offered.

“We owe it to this next generation of students and learners to have the same opportunities previous years had.”

First Minister Mark Drakeford added: “Spending time studying, volunteering or on work placements abroad broadens horizons, expands key skills and brings benefits to communities and organisations here in Wales.

“We are determined to ensure that young people benefit from these opportunities.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, the Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Wales remains an outward-looking nation, which welcomes those who come to study or work here and embraces partnerships across Europe and the world.”