Janice Lozano
Brexit has had a significant impact on international students studying in the UK, particularly those from EU countries. While the UK's withdrawal from the EU has not affected students from outside the EU, EU students now face higher tuition fees, changes to visa requirements, and reduced access to funding and research opportunities. This has resulted in a decline in EU student enrolment in UK universities, with concerns about the potential loss of incoming talent and a negative impact on the quality of teaching and research. However, UK universities remain committed to welcoming international students and have introduced measures to counteract the decline in applications. The long-term effects of Brexit on international students in the UK are yet to be fully understood.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Impact on international, non-European students | Minimal immediate effects |
| Impact on European students | Likely higher tuition fees, possible visa requirements |
| Impact on academics | May deter talented European professors, teachers and researchers from working in the UK |
| Impact on research funding | UK universities stand to lose billions of euros in research funding provided via the EU |
| Impact on course viability | Some courses may "no longer be viable" without funding from EU students |
| Impact on international student enrolments | Substantive drops in international student enrolments |
| Impact on student mobility | May be harder for British students to study in Europe without visas |
| Impact on student safety | Increase in hate crimes and xenophobia |
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What You'll Learn
Tuition fees for EU students
The impact of Brexit on tuition fees for EU students has been significant. Before Brexit, EU students at British universities enjoyed the same benefits as UK students, including lower tuition fees and fewer regulations. However, the landscape has changed since the UK's exit from the European Union.
Post-Brexit, EU students are now typically classified as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees and the loss of access to UK student loans. The tuition fees for international students can be up to four times higher than the fees for UK students, creating a substantial financial burden. For example, in England, UK students pay a maximum of £9,535 per year for a Bachelor's degree, while international undergraduates can expect to pay an average of £22,000 per year.
The impact of this change is not uniform across the UK. In Scotland, EU students no longer receive free undergraduate tuition, which was discontinued in 2021. However, some Scottish universities offer special discounts or scholarships specifically for EU students. Similarly, Irish nationals living in the UK or the Republic of Ireland continue to be treated as UK students for fees and funding due to the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area agreement.
The changes in tuition fees for EU students have had a notable impact on the higher education sector in the UK. EU students brought significant funding to universities, and their reduced numbers post-Brexit have created financial challenges for some institutions. This has led to concerns about the potential loss of talented academics and researchers, as well as the quality of teaching and research.
To address these challenges, universities have implemented various measures. Some universities have introduced scholarships and awards specifically for EU students to bridge the gap between home and international fees. Additionally, the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides valuable resources, offering information and advice on fees, visas, and studying in the UK through their website and a free independent student advice line.
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Student visas
Brexit will likely not have any direct effect on international students from outside the EU/EEA. However, for EU students, there are several changes to visa requirements and tuition fees.
EU students applying to UK universities may now need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa or a short-term study visa, as the UK's withdrawal from the EU ended the free movement of people. This means that the right of EU citizens to move to Britain is affected, and it is likely that freedom of movement for EU citizens will be limited.
The UK government's focus on controlling and limiting immigration has been a key part of the Brexit debate, and this may result in new regulations and policies that could make it harder for international students to study in the UK. This includes the potential introduction of explicit student visa requirements for EU citizens, which did not exist before Brexit.
The impact of these changes may be mitigated by universities offering incentives to EU applicants, such as fee waivers, or by the UK reaching a compromise on the freedom of movement issue, perhaps through the introduction of a grace period for graduates and other EU citizens.
The changes in visa requirements and the perception of a less welcoming environment in the UK after Brexit have likely contributed to a decline in international student enrolments, with some students now considering other European countries that offer English-language degree programs.
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Loss of EU academics
Brexit has had a significant impact on EU academics in the UK, with potential consequences for the quality of teaching and research in British universities.
Impact on EU Academics
Prior to Brexit, EU academics benefited from freedom of movement and were treated the same as UK academics in terms of visa requirements and funding opportunities. However, following Brexit, EU academics now face additional barriers when seeking to work and study in the UK. The UK's withdrawal from the EU ended the free movement of people, affecting the right of EU academics to move to and work in the UK. This has resulted in concerns about a potential decline in incoming talent, with only 24% of survey respondents viewing international students as immigrants.
British universities have long enjoyed a world-class reputation, regularly topping international rankings. However, Brexit may lead to a brain drain of talented European professors, teachers, and researchers. This is due to the increased complexity of immigration procedures and potential changes in funding opportunities. In a survey conducted in January 2017, three-quarters of continental EU academics in the UK stated that they were more likely to leave the country following the Brexit vote. This could make it more challenging for UK universities to attract and retain the most qualified academic staff.
Research Funding
In addition to the potential loss of talent, UK universities also stand to lose billions of euros in research funding previously provided by the EU. Russell Group universities, for example, received more than half a billion pounds per year in EU investment prior to Brexit. This loss of funding may impact the viability of certain courses and postgraduate study opportunities. It may also lead to a decrease in research partnerships between UK and EU institutions.
Effect on Teaching Quality
The loss of EU academics and research funding may have consequences for the quality of teaching and research in British universities. While the full extent of the impact is not yet clear, it is possible that universities may struggle to fill academic positions with the most qualified candidates. This could, in turn, affect the overall educational experience for students.
University Response
Despite these challenges, UK universities remain committed to welcoming students and researchers from around the world. More than 100 universities have joined the #WeAreInternational campaign, aiming to ensure that Brexit does not result in a decrease in international students and academics. Universities have also reassured EU and international students that they will not tolerate any form of racism or xenophobia, addressing concerns about a potentially less welcoming environment.
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Decline in incoming talent
Brexit has had a significant impact on international student applications to the UK, with a particular decline in interest from EU students. This is due to a number of factors, including the increased cost of studying, changes to visa requirements, and a perceived unwelcoming environment.
Before Brexit, EU and EEA students at British universities paid the same tuition fees as UK students and had access to student loans. However, from August 2021, most EU students have been classed as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees and limited access to UK student loans. These higher fees can be 2 to 4 times more expensive than what UK students pay. This has understandably made prospective EU students reconsider their options, with some now viewing other English-speaking countries in Europe, such as Germany, Ireland, or the Netherlands, as more attractive alternatives.
The introduction of new visa requirements for EU students has also played a role in the decline in incoming talent. Previously, EU nationals did not need a visa to study or seek work in the UK, but now they may need to apply for a Tier 4 student visa or a short-term study visa. This added layer of bureaucracy and potential expense has likely deterred some EU students from choosing a UK university.
The impact of Brexit on the ability of EU students to stay and work in the UK after graduation cannot be understated. Previously, EU students enjoyed the freedom of movement, which allowed them to easily remain in the UK to live and work. However, with Brexit ending this freedom, there is now much uncertainty regarding their ability to stay in the country long-term. This has likely influenced the decision-making process of prospective EU students, who may now view the UK as a less attractive option due to the perceived limitations on their future opportunities and career prospects.
While the full extent of Brexit's impact on international student talent is still unfolding, there are already indications of substantive drops in enrolments. This decline in incoming talent could have significant implications for the UK's higher education sector, particularly in terms of research funding and academic collaborations.
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Funding and scholarships
The impact of Brexit on funding and scholarships for international students is complex and subject to ongoing negotiations. Here is a detailed breakdown of the key points:
Impact on EU Students in the UK
Brexit has significant implications for EU students studying or planning to study in the UK. From August 2021, EU/EEA students are no longer eligible for home fee status and are now classified as international students. This change means higher tuition fees, typically ranging from £10,000 to £30,000 per year for undergraduate degrees, and up to £30,000 for postgraduate degrees. These fees are often two to four times higher than what UK students pay. EU students have also lost access to UK student loans, including tuition fee and maintenance loans, further increasing their financial burden.
Scholarships and Alternative Funding Options
EU students seeking financial support can explore scholarships specifically targeted at international students, such as the Chevening or GREAT scholarships. Additionally, universities may offer scholarships, grants, or hardship funds for international students. The Turing scheme, introduced as a replacement for the Erasmus+ programme, provides funding for 35,000 students annually, offering small grants for travel and living costs. While it doesn't cover tuition fees, it facilitates studying abroad and work placements.
Impact on UK Students Abroad
Brexit also affects UK students wishing to study in EU countries. They will likely face higher fees, as they will no longer be eligible for domestic rates. Additionally, they may need to apply for student visas and could have reduced rights to work during and after their studies. The loss of funding via the Erasmus exchange program is another consequence, although UK universities aim to maintain strong exchange partnerships within and beyond Europe.
University Responses
Universities in the UK have responded to Brexit in various ways. Some institutions offer special discounts or scholarships for EU students to mitigate the impact of higher fees. The #WeAreInternational campaign, joined by over 100 universities, aims to ensure Brexit does not reduce the number of international students and academics in the UK.
Future Opportunities
Despite the challenges, there is a possibility of improved UK-EU student opportunities in the future. The UK and EU are discussing a new deal to enhance studying, travelling, and working across borders, which could lead to a new exchange program.
Overall, while Brexit has disrupted funding and scholarships for international students, there are ongoing efforts to adapt and create new opportunities. Students are advised to stay informed about the latest developments and explore the various funding options available to them.
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Frequently asked questions
Brexit will likely not have any direct effect on students who are from outside the EU/EEA. Their visa requirements and tuition fees will remain the same.
Brexit has resulted in EU students being treated as non-EU international students, meaning higher tuition fees. EU students now pay the international student fee, which is often 2 to 4 times higher than what UK students pay.
It is likely that new regulations will be introduced that will require students from the EU to explicitly apply for student visas to enrol at British universities.
If immigration into the UK becomes harder, talented European professors, teachers and researchers may be forced to leave the UK, or decide not to move to the UK. This might make it harder for universities to fill their academic positions with the most qualified candidates.
