Deal with the EU would give Canadian students access to Erasmus+ education network. Here's what we know - Toronto Star

Students could get access to exchanges, academic opportunities through participation in the Erasmus+ program.

Prime Minister Mark Carney arrives at the Canada-EU summit in Montreal with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is working to become the European Union’s “first associate member,” and the partnership could bring new opportunities for students.

During a news conference with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the Canada–European Union Summit in Montreal, Carney introduced a slew of agreements to further harmonize Canada’s economy with Europe, including the extension to Canada of the EU’s flagship funding program for education, training, youth and sport, Erasmus+.

“Through this program, Canadian students can pursue their studies in Barcelona just as easily as they could in McGill,” Carney said at Friday’s press conference.

Here’s what we know and don’t know about the new arrangement.

Canada’s accession to the Erasmus+ program would mean it gains access to the massive centralized EU funding pool, which supports billions of dollars in grants for international student travel and various academic partnerships.

The two sides concluded deals on digital trade, critical minerals and more.