Canada will negotiate a bigger role in Erasmus+, the European Union’s programme for study, training and exchange. The talks are part of a new “Alliance for the Future” agreed at the EU–Canada summit in Montréal on 29–30 October 2026.
In their joint statement, Canada and the EU said they would “launch negotiations toward deeper participation in Erasmus+”, which they said would “expand opportunities for students, researchers, educators and young people”. No timeline, cost or detailed scope has yet been published.
Where Canada stands now
Canada is currently classed as a “third country not associated to the Programme”. That means Canadian universities can take part in only some Erasmus+ activities, and usually only as partners of institutions in Europe, which have to apply on their behalf, CIC News explained.
Even so, exchanges already happen. Projects selected between 2022 and 2024 planned for 1,007 students and staff to move from Canada to Europe, and 866 to travel the other way. Between 2021 and 2024, 91 Canadians won places on Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters, the fully funded master’s programmes that are open to students worldwide.
CTV News reported that Canada is seeking to become a full participant. Besides the 27 EU member states, six countries are currently fully associated with Erasmus+ and take part on largely the same terms, with the UK due to join them in 2027. The joint statement speaks only of “deeper participation”, so the final form of any deal is still open.
What could change for students
Deeper participation could give Canadian students access to Erasmus+ grants and scholarships for study in EU countries, and support more transatlantic research partnerships, BNN Bloomberg reported. The current Erasmus+ programme runs until 2027, and the talks come as the EU prepares the next one.
Part of a much wider deal
Erasmus+ is one strand of a broader package. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Canada and the EU will also:
- negotiate for Canada to join the next Horizon Europe, the EU’s research funding programme;
- explore a new Youth Mobility Partnership, building on working-holiday agreements Canada already has with 22 of the 27 EU countries;
- work out a new form of “associate” relationship between Canada and the EU, short of full membership.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described that relationship as “an association without accession”, CP24 reported. Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “The nomenclature doesn’t matter.”
Reactions
Larissa Bezo, president of the Canadian Bureau for International Education, told BNN Bloomberg that Erasmus+ helps students and strengthens Canada’s talent pipeline while building lasting ties with Europe. Jeremy Kinsman, a former Canadian ambassador to the EU, said exchanges bring Canadians and Europeans closer together.
Not everyone is convinced by the wider alliance. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre called the summit a distraction from the cost-of-living crisis, and former Liberal foreign minister Lloyd Axworthy described the proposals as “very ambiguous”, CP24 reported. Germany has also objected to the term “associate member”.
A growing pull towards Europe
Canada is not the only country moving closer to Erasmus+. The UK rejoins the programme from January 2027, and is also negotiating over fees for EU students. For students, more countries taking part means more routes to study in Europe, and more European students coming the other way.
What students should know
If you study at a Canadian university, nothing changes yet. Ask your international or study-abroad office which European exchange partnerships already exist, as Erasmus+ places are usually arranged through the institution you are enrolled at.
If you are an international student in Canada, it is not yet known how a new arrangement would apply to you. That will depend on the final terms.
Wherever you are, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters remain open to students from any country. You can read about them in our Annual Scholarships directory.
Sources: Prime Minister of Canada, news release and EU–Canada joint statement, 30 October 2026; Council of the EU, EU–Canada summit page; CIC News, October 2026; BNN Bloomberg / CTV News, 1 November 2026; CP24, 30 October 2026. Checked on 3 November 2026.