The University of Westminster has been awarded the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education (ECHE), the European Commission’s quality framework for higher education institutions wishing to participate in Erasmus+ mobility and cooperation activities. The achievement marks a significant step towards expanding the University’s Erasmus+ and other exchange and mobility opportunities across the European Union and beyond.
Securing the Erasmus Charter for Higher Education marks an important milestone for Westminster and confirms the University's commitment to delivering high-quality international opportunities. With ECHE status now in place, Westminster will be eligible to apply for Erasmus+ funding from the 2027/28 academic year onwards, opening up new opportunities and pathways to support both student and colleague mobility.
To achieve ECHE, the University of Westminster needed to demonstrate its commitment to the European Commission’s quality standards for Erasmus+ activities, including supporting student and colleague mobility, ensuring the recognition of learning completed abroad, promoting inclusion and accessibility, and adopting sustainable and digital practices.
This achievement is especially valuable in light of the planned conclusion of the Turing Scheme in August 2027. The Turing scheme is the UK government's mobility funding programme, providing funding for students and apprentices to undertake international placements. The ECHE provides Westminster with a pathway to access alternative international mobility funding, helping to ensure that students can continue to benefit from life-changing global experiences.
Participation in the Erasmus+ will also support academic and professional services colleagues through opportunities for international training, teaching and collaboration, strengthening the University's global partnerships and enhancing the international experience available to the Westminster community.
Interim Vice-Chancellor of the University of Westminster, Professor Dibyesh Anand, said: “Global and social mobility are integral to us as an institution. Our students from diverse backgrounds benefit from having international experiences that helps them become better global citizens. Our success in being awarded the Erasmus+ Charter will help us to ensure that we can continue to support students through mobility opportunities and remain engaged with our European neighbours and partners beyond. I am especially grateful to our Global Engagement Team that led the process.”
Supporting international opportunities at the University directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 4: Quality Education and 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Find out more about global experience at the University of Westminster.
