Ibrahim Gardner
The UK is a popular study destination for international students, including those from the EU. However, the fees for EU students studying in the UK have changed since Brexit. EU students now pay the same fees as other international students, which can be two to four times higher than what UK students pay. The international fee rate for EU students starting their course in 2025 is set by each university and can vary depending on the subject and institution. EU nationals with settled status may still be eligible for 'home fee status' and pay the same fees as UK nationals. Scholarships, bursaries, and grants are available for EU students, but they are highly competitive and have strict eligibility criteria.
Characteristics and Values Table for EU Students Paying International Fees
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Students from the EU, EEA, and Switzerland | Pay the same fees as international students in the UK |
| EU nationals with settled status | May still be eligible for 'home fee status' and pay the same as UK nationals |
| Irish nationals living in the UK or the Republic of Ireland | Treated like UK students for fees and funding due to the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area agreement |
| UK nationals living in the EU, EEA, and Switzerland | May be eligible for 'home fee status', subject to eligibility criteria |
| Universities' funding pages | Contain information on fees for EU students |
| Scholarships | The most common form of funding for EU and international students |
| Bursaries and grants | Less common but based on students' personal circumstances |
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What You'll Learn
EU students pay international fees in the UK
Since the UK's departure from the European Union, EU students have been treated differently when it comes to tuition fees in the UK. Previously, EU students paid the same fees as UK students, but now they are typically charged international student fees, which are significantly higher and can be up to four times the cost of home fees. This change has impacted the finances of universities, with some losing income as students opt to study elsewhere, and others gaining a higher proportion of students paying full international fees.
The shift in fee status for EU students has also resulted in a loss of access to UK student loans, which previously helped to subsidise the cost of studying in the UK for this group of students. Now, EU students are expected to pay their tuition and maintenance costs upfront, creating a financial barrier for those without the necessary funds. This has led to concerns about limiting access to UK universities for EU citizens.
However, there are some exceptions and variations to these changes. EU students with settled status in the UK may still be eligible for 'home fee status', paying the same fees as UK nationals. Irish citizens, including those living in the Republic of Ireland, are also exempt from higher fees due to the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area agreement. Additionally, some universities, such as the University of Portsmouth, offer scholarships or discounts specifically for EU students to reduce the financial burden.
The impact of these changes on the UK higher education sector remains to be seen. While some universities may benefit from increased international fees, others may struggle to attract EU students due to the higher costs. The UK's popularity as a study destination for international students, including those from the EU, is undeniable, and the benefits of studying in the UK are still considered to outweigh the costs by many.
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EU students with settled status may pay UK fees
The UK's withdrawal from the European Union has changed the way EU students are classified in the country. Since August 2021, most EU students have been classified as international students, which means they pay higher tuition fees and do not have access to UK student loans. The international fee rate for undergraduate students is set by each university and can vary depending on the subject and the university. The average fee for international undergraduates is about £22,000 per year, but it can range from £11,400 to £38,000.
However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. EU students with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may still pay UK fees, also known as Home fees. To be eligible for this, students must have applied to the scheme before June 2021 and have lived in the UK, EU, EEA, Gibraltar, or Switzerland for three full years immediately before the start of their course. Irish citizens living in the UK or the Republic of Ireland are also treated as UK students for fees and funding purposes due to the Common Travel Area agreement. Additionally, UK nationals living in the EU may be eligible for Home/UK fee status until 31 December 2027, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
It is important to note that the eligibility criteria and fee structures may vary between universities, so EU students should check with their chosen university for specific information. Additionally, there may be financial support options available, such as scholarships or discounts, to help offset the cost of tuition fees for EU students.
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EU students in Scotland no longer get free undergraduate tuition
The change is a result of the UK's departure from the EU. Post-Brexit rules mean that EU students are now classed as international students and must pay international student fees. These fees are set by each university and can vary depending on the subject and the university. The average fee for international undergraduates is about £22,000 per year, but this can range from £11,400 to £38,000. In comparison, UK students pay up to £9,535 per year for undergraduate courses in England.
There are some exceptions to the rule. Irish citizens are treated the same as UK students for fees and funding purposes due to the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area agreement. Additionally, EU students who started their course in 2020-2021 or earlier still qualify for home fee status. This means that their tuition fees are covered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
EU students who are not eligible for home fee status may still be able to access financial support through scholarships or discounts offered by universities. It is important to check what financial support is available when applying.
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EU students can apply for scholarships to cover fees
EU students have been paying the same fees as international students at UK universities since August 2021. However, EU students can apply for scholarships to cover their fees. There are thousands of scholarships and financial support schemes available across Europe for international students. Each European country has its own scholarship schemes, and many universities, research institutes, and higher education institutions also offer their own scholarships and financial aid.
For example, the UK's University of Westminster has launched its EU Qualifications Welcome Awards scheme, which is designed to bridge the gap between Home and International fees for students entering the university based on an EU qualification, regardless of their nationality.
In Scotland, EU students who started their courses in 2020/21 or earlier do not pay tuition fees at all. However, as of 2021, EU students no longer get free undergraduate tuition in Scotland. Still, some Scottish universities offer special discounts or scholarships for EU students.
EU students can also look into the Erasmus+ programme, which allows students to study in one of 33 European countries for between 3 and 12 months without paying tuition fees. Some students may also be eligible for a grant to contribute to living costs and travel expenses.
Other scholarships for EU students include the Stipendium Hungaricum, which provides scholarships for citizens of partner countries to study in Hungary, and the Dublin Institute of Technology Centenary Scholarship Programme, which offers scholarships for students from non-EU/EEA countries to pursue a master's degree.
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EU students can apply for bursaries and grants
EU students who started their course in 2020/21 or earlier or EU nationals with (pre-)settled status may qualify for home fee status and pay the same fees as UK students. However, post-Brexit rules mean that EU students now typically pay the same fees as other international students, which can be two to four times higher than what UK students pay. These fees are set by each university and can vary depending on the subject and university.
EU students can face challenges in financing their degrees, including costs related to immigration, accommodation, food, course materials, and tuition fees. To address these financial challenges, EU students can apply for bursaries and grants, which are offered by both UK universities and third-party organisations. Scholarships are the most common form of funding available, and they may cover tuition fees in full, reduce them, or contribute to living costs. Academic, merit, and excellence scholarships are awarded to students with strong academic backgrounds or exceptional talent in areas like sports or music.
Bursaries and grants based on personal circumstances, such as coming from a low-income household, are less common but can provide valuable financial support. They are typically one-off payments to help with travel costs or settling into a new country. Universities offer these awards to attract international students and recognise the substantial costs of relocating for education.
EU students can also take advantage of specific scholarships, grants, and bursaries offered by individual universities. For example, the University of Westminster in London has launched the EU Qualifications Welcome Awards scheme, which aims to bridge the fee gap between Home and International fees for students entering with an EU qualification. Additionally, some universities in Scotland used to offer free undergraduate tuition to EU students, but this benefit ended in 2021. However, Scottish universities may still provide special discounts or scholarships for EU students.
It is important for EU students to carefully review the eligibility criteria set by each university and organisation when applying for bursaries and grants. They should also be cautious of potential scholarship scams and always verify the legitimacy of any financial awards.
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Frequently asked questions
No, EU students will pay the same fees as international students.
International students pay an average of £22,000 per year for undergraduate courses, while postgraduates pay around £17,100 per year.
UK students pay up to £9,535 per year for undergraduate courses.
Yes, EU nationals with settled status may still be eligible for 'home fee status' and pay the same fees as UK nationals. Irish nationals are also treated as UK students for fees and funding.
Some universities offer special discounts or scholarships for EU students, so it is worth checking what is available when applying. Scholarships are the most common form of funding for international students.
