April 23. 2018
Studies in the UK: how are they affected by Brexit
Given the outcome of the Referendum in which the United Kingdom decided to leave the European Union, there are questions about the possible effects of this decision if you are already studying in the UK or planning to work or study in the UK. So, we consider it reasonable to promote the responses of competent people and experts on this field such as British Council CEO Sir Ciarán Devane, who stated that "The British Council, as an international organization in the United Kingdom that promotes cultural relations and educational opportunities, has been collaborating with his European neighbors for more than eighty years and we will continue to do so. We always believe in the power of interfacing with versatile organizations and we will find the way to continue collaborating with other European countries and EU institutions to create opportunities, build bonds and strengthen confidence." At the same time, Jo Johnson, the Minister for University and Science Affairs, said: "Students from the EU and all over the world are significantly contribute to our world class universities and our European neighbors are among our closest partners in the field of research. The United Kingdom remains an EU member, and we will continue to fulfill our obligations and receive the corresponding funding. There will be no immediate changes as a consequence of the referendum on the EU, and this concerns both British citizens living in the EU and European citizens living here. This also applies to those studying and working in UK universities." The result of the referendum does not affect students studying in the EU, Erasmus+ beneficiaries, or those who are considering to apply for studies in 2017-18 and 2018-2019. Students from Britain who are currently studying in the EU, and those who are about to start in the next academic year will be subject to the existing arrangements as they are known. Universities UK (UUK), the organization representing the universities of the United Kingdom, originally issued the following directives until the Government will take the relevant decisions:
- Workers from EU countries: Their immigration status has not changed due to the outcome of the referendum.
- Current students from EU countries: Their immigration status, relevant tuition fees and access to student loans have not changed due to the outcome of the referendum.
- Students from EU countries starting their studies in 2016-17 and 2017-18: There is no reason to consider that the immigration regime or access to student loans will change. Universities UK is collaborating with the UK Ministry of Interior Affairs and the UK Ministry of Education. Agencies and institutions are recommended to regularly visit the websites of these ministries to get information by the British Government. Regarding EU citizens and the Student Financing Service in England, read the following instructions. Given the different arrangements holding in Scotland and Wales, the Scottish Universities and the Universities of Wales will receive clarifications on tuition fees and/or access to loans from their respective Scottish and Wales governments.
- Students from EU countries studying in the UK under the Erasmus program: Their immigration status has not changed and will continue to receive funding from the Erasmus program, as long as we remain an EU member, and this could even be expanded beyond this time. Universities UK is working with the British Council, as it is the national agency for Erasmus + and it is recommended that the agencies regularly visit the Erasmus+ websites in order to be informed about them, as well as other student issues.
