FROM Azerbaijan to Zimbabwe — UK ministers are set to announce deals with 150 destinations as part of its replacement for a EU-wide student exchange scheme, reports say.
Brexit cost UK students the chance to participate in the Erasmus+ programme, which allows those from EU member states to undertake part of their studies elsewhere in the bloc.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has described the decision by UK ministers to leave the long-established programme as an act of "cultural vandalism".
Every year around 2000 Scottish learners and staff took part.
The Turing Scheme has been drawn up as a replacement. According to the Sunday Times newspaper, ministers are now preparing to unveil further details about the scheme, including deals with universities in 150 locations.
As well as Iraq, Vanuatu and the Falklands, this is expected to include America and Canada as well as EU member states France, Germany, Italy and Spain.
READ MORE: New £20m fund for students hit by the coronavirus pandemic
Azerbaijan, Mongolia, Palestine and Zimbabwe are also understood to be included.
More than 40,000 students will be included, it is claimed, with grant funding of £110 million shared across UK universities, further education colleges and schools.
The scheme is named after Second World War cryptographer Alan Turing and will fund 28,000 placements this year.
Westminster's Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said: "The chance to work and learn in a country far from home is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity which broadens minds, sharpens skills and improves outcomes.
"But until now it has been an opportunity disproportionately enjoyed by those from the most privileged backgrounds. The Turing scheme has welcomed a breadth of successful applications from schools and colleges across the country, reflecting our determination that the benefits of Global Britain are shared by all.
"By strengthening our partnerships with the finest institutions across the globe, the Turing scheme delivers on the government’s post-Brexit vision, and helps a new generation grasp opportunities beyond Europe’s borders."
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