Tensions surrounding Brexit have been looming since the referendum in June 2016. The fact that it will completely change the dimensions of UK/International Relations marks the severity of this question – How will Brexit impact EU Students?

After almost 4 years of debating, deliberating, and conversations between the UK and EU, ‘Brexit’ itself occurred on 31st January 2020. The interests of students looking to study abroad need to be protected, and with new possible bureaucratic hurdles to jump through; such as immigration rules; visa applications; changes in policies, and legal statuses; there is a greater need for serious discussion about the future.

The impact of Brexit has unfortunately resulted in an adverse effect on EU students. The UK is a hotspot for many global businesses and education institutions. This will be hampered, however, due to the flow and frequency of international and EU students. Brexit has loosened the zeal of EU students to actually grab the chance of getting their education from one of the finest cities. 

New regulations have been introduced post-Brexit, regarding the requirements for students entering the UK in hopes of studying there. Students from EU countries will be required to apply for a student visa explicitly and to enrol at their chosen University. There will be less manoeuvrability for these students when it comes to travel, access, and chances to relocate. In fact, one of the most problematic factors will be the freedom of movement for EU citizens- this will be limited through Brexit. 

Another impact that Brexit will have on EU students will be the rise in their university tuition fees. The introduction of this limited access will also entail an increase in prices. Although nothing has been set in stone yet, it is most likely assumed that the prices for EU students will be increased to meet that of International students. As per the UK GOV Website, if the course start date is on or after the 1st of August 2021, “you will no longer be eligible for home fee status, undergraduate, postgraduate and further education financial support from the Student Finance England unless you meet one of the following criteria”:

  • You are an Irish national living in the UK or Republic of Ireland – benefits of Irish nationals under the Common Travel Area arrangement will continue.
  • You can benefit from the citizen’s rights agreements.

As for EU students who are living in the UK, your rights to live here will not be altered until 31st December 2020. If you are a citizen of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, or Switzerland and living in the UK on or before the 31st December 2020, you may be eligible to apply (free of charge) for the EUSS (EU Settlement Scheme). Therefore meaning that these EUSS citizens would be able to stay in the UK for working or studying, as well as accessing the benefits and services on the same basis as they currently do. – This has to be completed by June 2021, if you wish to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme.

“You should ask the relevant student funding body if you’re eligible for any support if you’re studying in Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland”.

For all other queries, please visit the UK Gov Website where you will be able to access all of the up-to-date, relevant information regarding the position of EU and International Students who wish to study in the UK post-Brexit. 

https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/eu-students#main-content