Janice Lozano
Brexit has had a significant impact on the affordability of college for international students in the UK. Before Brexit, international students from EU countries enjoyed home fee status, meaning they paid the same fees as British students. However, since Brexit, EU/EEA students have lost this status and are now classified as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees. The loss of home fee status and the inability to access UK student loans have made studying in the UK significantly more expensive for EU/EEA students. Additionally, the UK's withdrawal from the Erasmus+ programme and the perception of a less welcoming environment for migrants may have contributed to a decline in EU student applications to UK universities. These factors have raised concerns about the ability of UK universities to attract international talent, particularly from the EU.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees for EU students | Higher than before, now the same as international students |
| Student loans for EU students | No longer available |
| Student visas for EU students | Now required |
| Impact on student applications | Decline in applications from EU students |
| Impact on diversity of student origin | Reduction in diversity, with lower numbers of European entrants |
| Impact on language education | Adverse effect on language education at a higher level |
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What You'll Learn
EU students now pay international fees
Since the UK's departure from the EU, EU students have been treated as international students in the UK, meaning they pay higher tuition fees and do not have access to UK student loans. The tuition fees for EU students are now the same as those for other international students, and each university decides the international student fee, which is often two to four times higher than what UK students pay.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. EU students with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme or Irish citizens, for example, may still be charged home fees. Additionally, EU students who started their degree in the 2020/21 academic year or earlier can get a government-funded student loan to cover their tuition fees while studying at a university in the UK.
The change in fees for EU students has had a significant impact on the number of incoming students from EU countries, with a sharp decrease in the number of undergraduate entries from around 40,000 to under 15,000 in the year when the key Brexit changes took effect. This has resulted in a predicted £40 million decline in university finances.
Some universities are trying to counteract this decline by offering special discounts or scholarships for EU students. Additionally, the UK and EU are discussing a new deal to make it easier for students to study, travel, and work in each other's countries.
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Fewer EU students are applying
Brexit has had a significant impact on the number of EU students applying to UK universities. The UK's exit from the EU has resulted in changes to the fees that EU students are required to pay, with many now being classed as international students and facing higher tuition costs. Before Brexit, EU students paid the same fees as UK students and had access to student loans, but these benefits have been lost for most EU students since the UK's departure from the EU.
Data shows a noticeable drop in applications from EU students, particularly for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics subjects at more selective institutions. The increase in tuition fees for EU students is likely a significant factor in the decline in applications. EU students now face international student fees, which can be two to four times higher than what they previously paid. The loss of access to student loans and the additional costs of visas and health surcharges further contribute to the financial burden for prospective EU students.
The financial implications of Brexit have made studying in the UK less affordable for EU students, leading to a decrease in applications. The decline in EU student applications has contributed to a reduction in the diversity of student origins at UK universities. This trend is particularly notable at the University of Edinburgh, where there has been a lower number of European entrants at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The decrease in EU student applications has financial implications for UK universities, as international students are a crucial source of revenue. The decline in applications from EU students has contributed to a predicted £40 million decline in university finances. This loss of income could have a significant impact on the sustainability and competitiveness of UK universities, affecting their ability to fund staff, research, and other initiatives.
While there has been a drop in EU student applications, it is important to note that Brexit has not deterred all international students from applying to UK universities. Applications from non-EU countries have continued to increase, and the overall international intake at UK universities remains strong. However, the shift in the demographics of international students underscores the need for UK universities to actively diversify their recruitment strategies to maintain a diverse and vibrant student community.
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International student enrolments have dropped
Before Brexit, international students made up 14% of undergraduate students and 35% of postgraduate students in the UK, with 36% of international undergraduates being EU nationals. EU students previously enjoyed "home fee status", paying the same fees as British students, which were significantly lower than international fees. Now, EU students are treated as international students, paying fees that are often 2 to 4 times higher.
The increase in tuition fees for EU students has likely contributed to the drop in enrolments. The withdrawal from the Erasmus+ programme and the perception of a less welcoming environment for migrants may have also played a role in the decline.
The University of Edinburgh, for example, has experienced a lower number of European entrants at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This has contributed to a reduction in the diversity of student origins, with the university becoming more reliant on a smaller number of source countries.
To mitigate the impact of higher fees, some universities offer scholarships specifically for EU students. Additionally, new UK-EU partnerships may make it easier for EU students to access short courses or exchanges in the UK under fairer terms.
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EU students can no longer get UK student loans
Before Brexit, EU and EEA students at British universities paid the same tuition fees as UK students and could get student loans. However, under the post-Brexit rules, EU students now pay the same fees as other international students. This change has had a direct impact on the student experience, with a decline in student mobility, equal opportunity, and recruitment of students from the European Union. There has also been a negative impact on language education at the higher level and a weakening of the internationalisation of universities.
There are some exceptions where EU students might still pay UK home fees. This includes if they have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme (applied for before June 2021) or are an Irish citizen due to the Common Travel Area agreement. Additionally, if they are already studying and started their course before August 2021, they may still pay UK fees.
Although international students from outside the EU cannot get a student loan from the UK government, some universities offer their own loan schemes for talented students from low-income backgrounds, which can include non-EU students. Scholarships and discounts are also offered by some universities specifically for EU students.
The UK and EU are discussing a new deal to make it easier for students to study, work, and travel in each other's countries, which may improve opportunities for EU students in the future.
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The UK left the Erasmus+ programme
The UK's decision to leave the Erasmus+ programme has had a significant impact on student exchange opportunities and diversity within higher education institutions. Erasmus+ facilitated cooperation and exchange projects in education, training, youth programmes, and sports, enhancing mobility and equal opportunities for students from the UK and the EU.
The UK's departure from Erasmus+ resulted in a decline in student mobility and a negative impact on the internationalisation of UK universities. This has particularly affected language education and the diversity of student origins, with universities becoming more reliant on a smaller number of non-EU source countries. The loss of Erasmus+ funding has also contributed to a decrease in recruitment from the EU, adversely affecting the overall competitiveness of the UK's economy, society, and culture.
However, the UK's exit from Erasmus+ was based on financial considerations. It was perceived that the programme resulted in a net inflow of students to the UK, with more individuals arriving from the EU than departing from the UK to study elsewhere. This imbalance was considered financially detrimental to the UK's "cash-strapped" universities, particularly as EU students had access to cheaper fees and loans, while UK students studying in the EU did not receive reciprocal benefits.
To mitigate the loss of Erasmus+, the UK introduced the Turing Scheme, which aims to provide similar opportunities for international learning. However, the Turing Scheme has faced criticism for lacking sufficient funding and failing to address the lack of reciprocity in exchange opportunities.
Despite the UK's departure from Erasmus+, some limited mobility opportunities between the EU and the UK may still exist within the new Erasmus+ programme. Additionally, Erasmus Mundus joint master programmes, which promote studies in European integration, remain open to UK institutions and students.
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Frequently asked questions
Brexit has impacted the tuition fees for EU students in the UK. From August 2021, EU/EEA students are now classed as international students, resulting in higher tuition fees. EU/EEA students can expect to pay international student fees, which are often two to four times higher than what UK students pay. The exact amount depends on the university and the course.
No, Brexit has resulted in EU/EEA students no longer being eligible for UK student loans. However, there may be alternative funding options, such as scholarships or hardship funds offered by universities or government scholarships.
Yes, Brexit has deterred international students, including those from the EU, from applying to UK universities. There has been a decline in applications from EU students, particularly for STEM subjects and more selective institutions. The perception of a less welcoming environment for migrants and the withdrawal of Erasmus+ funding have also contributed to the decrease in applications.
