Studying in the UK after Brexit

Home to both modern parliamentary democracy and the Industrial Revolution, the UK is one of the most popular study destinations for many students around the world. However, the United Kingdom’s recent departure from the European Union has left current and potential international students with concerns and questions.

While the UK and EU negotiate additional arrangements, the current rules on trade, travel, and business for the UK and EU will continue to apply during the transition period.

New rules will take effect on 1. January 2021.

To help you prepare, we have compiled a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding studying in the UK:

1. Does the UK’s decision to leave the European Union affect me as a student from an EU member state?

No, there will be no change to the rights and status of EU citizens currently living in the UK until 30. June 2021. Afterwards, students from EU member states can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme to continue living in the UK. Until the 2020-21 academic year, EU students applying for a place at a university, or higher education institution in the UK will continue to be eligible for ‘home fee status’ - meaning they will be charged the same tuition fees as UK students for the duration of their studies.

Additionally, students who have already started their course are guaranteed their existing status for the duration of their studies, even if the course finishes after the UK leaves the EU.

After this, the process is still to be confirmed.

2. What is the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS)?

All citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland who are living in the UK before 31. December 2020 will be able to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS).

The EUSS means citizens of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland will be able to stay and continue to access benefits and services broadly on the same terms as now.

If you want to stay in the UK you’ll have until at least 30 June 2021 to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme. (Apply to the EUSS here)

3. Do I need a Student Visa for the UK?

Students from the EU (or EEA or Switzerland) will not need a visa if they apply before 1. January 2021. Until this time, students from these countries desiring to stay in the UK afterwards should apply to the EU Settlement Scheme.

All other international students looking to study in the UK can apply for a Tier 4 (General) student visa. Before applying, make sure you:

1. have been offered a place on a course
2. can show proof of reading, writing, speaking and understanding English
3. have enough money to support yourself and pay for your course - the amount will vary depending on your circumstances
4. are from a country that’s not in the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland
5. meet the other eligibility requirements

4. Will my course fees and funding change after Brexit?

Students starting their UK studies in the 2020-21 academic year will still be able to access student funding throughout the remainder of their studies, provided you meet the residency requirements. Students looking to study in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland should contact the respective student funding body.

5. Will Erasmus+ placements in the UK be affected?

No, EU students in Erasmus+ should not be affected and your placement should continue as normal. Erasmus+ students are recommended to contact their colleges, or universities in the EU for more information.

For up to date information on studying in the UK after its withdrawal from the European Union, visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/student-visas.

*Brexit disclaimer: U-Multirank is in the process of updating some of the content on this website in light of the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union. If the site contains content that does not yet reflect the withdrawal of the United Kingdom, it is unintentional and will be addressed.