Douglas Olsen
Brexit has had a significant impact on international students, particularly those from EU countries. The UK's departure from the European Union has resulted in changes to tuition fees, visa requirements, and financial support for EU students, making the country a less attractive and accessible study destination. This has led to a notable decrease in EU student enrolments in UK higher education institutions, with a peak decline of 53% in 2021/22. In contrast, there has been a rise in non-EU international student enrolments, reshaping the demographic landscape of international students in the UK. The full implications of Brexit on international students in high-level education are yet to be fully understood, but the changes have undoubtedly affected the accessibility, affordability, and appeal of UK universities for students from EU countries.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact on international students | There is a notable decrease in EU students enrolling in UK higher education institutions. |
| Impact on international students | There is a rise in non-EU international student enrolments. |
| Impact on tuition fees | EU students are now classified as international students and are subject to higher tuition fees. |
| Impact on tuition fees | EU students are no longer eligible for UK student loans. |
| Impact on tuition fees | International students from outside the EU/EEA have not been affected by Brexit in terms of tuition fees. |
| Impact on visa requirements | Changes in visa requirements have created barriers for EU students. |
| Impact on student mobility | Brexit has led to a decline in student mobility. |
| Impact on equal opportunities | Brexit has negatively impacted equal opportunity for students from the EU. |
| Impact on recruitment | There has been a decline in the recruitment of students from the EU. |
| Impact on language education | Brexit has adversely affected language education at the higher level. |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for EU students
Brexit has had a significant impact on the number of international students from the European Union enrolling in UK higher education institutions. This is mainly due to the changes in tuition fees and financial support for EU students.
Before Brexit, EU students enjoyed the same fee status and financial aid as domestic UK students. They paid the same tuition fees as UK students and had access to student loans. However, post-Brexit, EU students are now classified as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees and the loss of eligibility for UK student loans. This change has acted as a deterrent for many prospective EU students, as the UK becomes a less financially attractive option.
The tuition fees for EU students in the UK have increased significantly and can be up to four times higher than the fees for UK students. These fees vary depending on the university and the subject studied. On average, international undergraduate students can expect to pay around £22,000 per year, while postgraduate students pay approximately £17,100 per year. In contrast, UK students pay a maximum of £9,535 per year for undergraduate courses.
It is important to note that universities have the autonomy to set their fees for EU students, and some universities offer discounts or scholarships specifically for this group of students. Additionally, there are exceptions to the fee changes. EU students with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or Irish citizens may still be eligible for UK student rates.
The increase in tuition fees for EU students has had a notable impact on the demographics of international students in the UK. There has been a decline in EU student enrolments, contrasting with an increase in non-EU international students. This shift has led to a reduction in the diversity of student origins, with universities becoming more reliant on a smaller number of source countries.
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Visa requirements for EU students
The United Kingdom's departure from the European Union has had a significant impact on the number of international students from EU countries enrolling in its higher education institutions. This is largely due to the changes in fee policies, financial support eligibility, and visa requirements for EU students.
Post-Brexit, EU students are now classified as international students and are subject to different visa requirements to study in the UK. Here are the key points regarding visa requirements for EU students:
- EU Settlement Scheme: EU citizens and their family members who started living in the UK by 31 December 2020 could apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. This scheme allowed them to continue living, working, and studying in the UK without needing a separate student visa. The deadline for applying for this scheme was 30 June 2021.
- Student Visa: If EU students arrived in the UK on or after 1 January 2021, they generally need a student visa to study for longer than six months. Their application should be completed and accepted before arriving in the UK. This visa comes with a surcharge, although students will receive a 25% discount on the usual cost.
- Short-Term Study Visa: EU students studying on an English language course lasting up to 11 months can apply for a short-term study visa.
- Graduate Visa: After graduating, EU students can apply for the Graduate Route visa, which allows them to stay in the UK for up to two years (or three years for doctoral graduates) to work or look for work at any skill level.
- Skilled Worker Visa: This visa allows EU students to stay and work in the UK with an approved employer in an eligible job that meets the minimum skill requirements.
The changes in visa requirements, along with increased tuition fees and the loss of financial support, have made the UK a less attractive destination for EU students, resulting in a decline in their enrolment numbers in UK higher education institutions.
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International student enrolments
Brexit has had a significant impact on the number of international students from the European Union enrolling in UK higher education institutions. This is evident in the sharp reduction of EU student numbers, in contrast with an increase in non-EU international students. The decline in EU student enrolments has been attributed to changes in fee policies and financial support eligibility for EU students post-Brexit, making the UK a less financially attractive option.
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data for the academic year 2022/23 shows an 8% decrease in new enrolments from EU countries compared to the previous year, continuing a downward trend observed since Brexit. This decline is also reflected in the overall EU student population at the University of Edinburgh, which dropped from 26.3% in 2012-13 to 8.8% in 2022-23. The negative trend in EU enrolments peaked in 2021/22, when the number of new EU students declined by 53% compared to pre-pandemic levels, with sharp declines from Italy, France, Germany, and Greece.
The decrease in EU student enrolments is due to the changes in tuition fees and financial support since Brexit. Post-Brexit, EU students are now classified as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees and ineligibility for UK student loans. This significant increase in education costs has been a primary deterrent, with tuition fees rising as high as £38,000 (USD $48,488) after Brexit. In contrast, before Brexit, EU students paid domestic fees of just over £9,000 (USD $11,484) and had access to student finance.
Brexit has also impacted the diversity of student origins, with universities becoming more reliant on a smaller number of source countries. The lower number of European entrants at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels has contributed to this trend. However, the UK has seen a notable rise in non-EU international student enrolments, with a 32% increase in 2021/22 driven by students from countries like China and India. This increase can be attributed to the UK's active recruitment efforts and policies such as the Graduate Immigration Route, which allows international graduates to stay and work in the UK for up to two years.
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Loss of financial support
Brexit has resulted in a loss of financial support for international students in several ways. Firstly, EU students are no longer eligible for 'home fee status', meaning they pay international student fees, which can be between £10,000 and £38,000 per year for an undergraduate degree, compared to £9,250 for UK domestic students. This reclassification as international students has also resulted in EU students being unable to apply for a student loan or maintenance loan from the UK government, which has significantly increased the cost of studying in the UK for this group.
The cost of studying in the UK has also increased for EU students due to the introduction or increase of visa fees and health insurance costs, which are now necessary requirements to study in the UK. The total cost of studying in the UK is now often tens of thousands of pounds more than studying in another European country, such as the Netherlands, making the UK a less financially attractive option.
The loss of financial support for EU students has had a significant impact on the number of international students enrolling in UK higher education institutions, with a substantial decline in EU student numbers. This decline has been particularly notable for students from less affluent countries within Europe, for whom the ability to stay in the UK after their studies may have been a critical factor in their decision to study in the UK.
The loss of financial support for EU students has also contributed to a decrease in the diversity of student origin at UK universities, with universities becoming more reliant on a smaller number of source countries. This has had a negative impact on the internationalisation of UK universities and has made language degrees and international mobility only accessible to an elite few who can afford to study abroad.
Some universities are attempting to mitigate the loss of financial support for EU students by offering scholarships or discounts for EU students, but it remains to be seen what the long-term impact of Brexit will be on the financial support available to international students in the UK.
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Study abroad opportunities
The UK has consistently been one of the top study abroad destinations globally. It is home to three of the top ten universities in the world and has maintained its competitiveness due to its long history of academic excellence and the provision of internationally recognised degrees.
However, Brexit has significantly impacted the study abroad opportunities for international students, particularly those from the EU. The UK's withdrawal from the EU has resulted in increased tuition fees, shifts in visa regulations, and reduced funding opportunities for EU students. This has led to a notable decline in enrolment numbers from EU countries, with universities becoming more reliant on a smaller number of source countries.
The impact of Brexit on the cost of studying in the UK has been profound. EU students now face higher tuition fees, previously only applicable to non-EU international students. This has made studying in the UK a more expensive prospect for EU citizens. Additionally, Brexit has introduced visa requirements for EU students, who previously enjoyed freedom of movement within the EU. The need to obtain a Tier 4 student visa or a short-term study visa adds to the complexity and cost of studying in the UK.
Brexit has also affected funding opportunities for EU students. The Turing Scheme, which replaced the Erasmus programme, has provided significantly less funding for Scottish universities. This has resulted in budget shortfalls and has restricted access to study abroad opportunities for Scottish students.
Despite these challenges, the UK remains a popular choice for higher education. Universities have actively worked to stimulate diversification across their international student intake, with a particular focus on attracting students from Europe, specifically France and Germany. Additionally, the fall in the value of the pound has made studying in the UK more affordable for all international students. Furthermore, the UK government has introduced incentives, such as providing international students with six months of post-study permission to find jobs and work temporarily.
Overall, while Brexit has presented challenges and uncertainties for international students, the UK's strong reputation for higher education persists. Universities remain committed to maintaining current levels of opportunity for all students, and the country continues to offer attractive study abroad options for prospective international students.
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Frequently asked questions
Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland are no longer eligible for the same fees as UK students and will have to pay international student fees, which are higher. However, tuition fees for students from outside the EU/EEA have not been affected by Brexit.
EU/EEA students now have to apply for a student visa to study in the UK. They will also not be able to enter the UK under the EU Settlement Scheme.
Brexit has deterred international students from applying to UK universities. There has been a decline in the number of students from the EU, with a 14% increase in applications from non-EU students.
Brexit has modified students' ability to secure loans. EU/EEA students are no longer able to apply for a student loan in the UK.
Brexit has directly impacted international students' experiences, from the withdrawal of Erasmus funding to the decline in student mobility, equal opportunity, and recruitment of students from the European Union.
