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EU Referendum will have no impact on current and prospective students

Eastern Gateway building at night

Students from countries within the European Union have been assured that the result of the EU referendum will have no impact on courses they are currently enrolled in or about to start in the coming year.

In a statement to the Higher Education sector, Jo Johnson, Minister of State for Universities and Science, said that EU students who are eligible under current rules to receive grants and loans, would continue to receive funding for the duration of their courses.

“EU and international students make an important contribution to our world-class universities, and our European neighbours are among some of our closest research partners,” he said.

“There are obviously big discussions to be had with our European partners, and I look forward to working with the sector to ensure its voice is fully represented and that it continues to go from strength to strength.”

Although Mr Johnson admitted many questions would need to be considered as part of Britain’s negotiations with the EU, he said students and staff at British universities would see no immediate changes to their right to study and work.

Current beneficiaries of the Erasmus+ programme or those considering applying next year, have also been assured they will be unaffected by the referendum result. No immediate change would be made to those applying to or participating in research programmes such as Horizon 2020, Mr Johnson added, though the future of UK access to European science funding will be a matter for future discussions.

Brunel University London has promised staff and students that it will continue to seek and build long-lasting ties with Europe and the rest of the world. European Union students already here and coming to Brunel in 2016 can be assured they will continue to pay the same fees as UK students.

Professor Julia Buckingham, Vice-Chancellor and President of Brunel University London, said: “The spirit of collaboration and discovery upon which Brunel prides itself can only ever benefit from cooperation with our closest neighbours, and we remain committed to working with the brightest minds - irrespective of their country of origin - by sharing knowledge and tackling the biggest challenges facing our global community.”

We will continue to update the Brunel community as we learn more. Students with any specific questions should call the Student Centre on +44 (0)1895 268268.

 

What does leaving the European Union mean for current Brunel staff and students?
There will be no immediate impact on the immigration status of current staff and students from the EU, or the associated fee status of students from the EU, until the Government decides otherwise.

The terms of Britain’s exit from the EU are expected to be negotiated over a period of two years, as dictated by Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

 

What will happen to EU students with a place to start in 2016/17 and 2017/18?
According to the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills there is no reason to assume any change to their immigration status or access to student loan book. Universities UK will be regularly liaising with the Government and keeping institutions abreast of any updates.


What will happen to EU students studying in the UK under the Erasmus programme?
These students will continue to be eligible for their Erasmus grant, and their immigration status will remain unchanged, for as long as Britain remains a member of the EU and potentially beyond.


What will happen to students studying in the EU and elsewhere under the Erasmus programme?
These students will continue to be eligible for their Erasmus grant, and their immigration status will remain unchanged, for as long as Britain remains a member of the EU and potentially beyond.


What will happen to staff currently undertaking EU-funded projects?
The UK’s status as a full participating member of the Horizon 2020 programme has not changed as a result of the referendum vote, and existing project grants and contracts will be honoured unless or until advised otherwise. UUK is liaising with the UK Research Office and the European Commission, and detailed advice will be circulated on prospective and currently negotiated projects as soon as possible.