I am pleased that the Turing Scheme has been at the heart of the UK’s post-Brexit vision where young people have greater opportunity to experience other cultures and learn vital skills for life and work, regardless of their background.
The Turing Scheme gives students the chance to develop new skills, gain vital international experience and boost their employability. They can also develop a wide range of soft skills, language skills and a better understanding of other cultures.
I am delighted that universities, schools and further education colleges have been awarded grants from the £110 million scheme, enabling over 40,000 students to study and work abroad in over 160 destinations across the globe. Over £105 million of funding has been allocated this year for more than 22,800 Higher Education placements, more than 10,500 further education and Vocational Education and Training placements, and more than 6,700 school placements.
The Turing Scheme has significant advantages over the Erasmus+ programme, with higher numbers of students from disadvantaged backgrounds able to study abroad. In 2014/15, those with parents in managerial or professional occupations from the UK were taking part in Erasmus+ at a rate 50 per cent higher than those whose parents had working-class jobs. By contrast, under the Turing Scheme, nearly two-thirds of participants this academic year are from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Research published in January 2024 shows that in its first year alone, the scheme has strengthened partnerships across the globe, beyond Europe. Now in its third year, the scheme has gone from strength to strength with the latest figures showing that more than 40,000 students are set to benefit in 2023/24 academic year, 60 per cent of which are from disadvantaged backgrounds or underrepresented groups. This includes around 1,800 additional students from disadvantaged backgrounds in the further education sector alone compared to last year.
The report also highlights how the scheme has supported universities, colleges and schools across the country to strengthen existing partnerships and develop links with a wider range of countries such as the USA, Japan and Canada, not just EU countries. Students reported benefits including a significant improvement in both skills and academic knowledge, and the opportunity to experience different cultures, fostering a richer international outlook that goes beyond traditional classroom learning.
Overall, the Turing Scheme is widening access to international opportunities, with 22,800 higher education placements this year compared to 16,596 under Erasmus+ in the 2019/20 academic year.
