Government issues funding reassurance to EU students

The government has today announced that European Union students applying for a place at an English university in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will continue to be eligible for student loans and grants – and will be for the duration of their course.

The decision will mean that students applying to study from 2017 to 2018 will not only be eligible for the same funding and support as they are now, but that their eligibility will continue throughout their course, even if the United Kingdom exits the European Union during that period.

The Department for Education said the move will “help give universities and colleges certainty over future funding, while assuring prospective students applying to study at one of the UK’s world-leading universities that they will not have the terms of their funding changed if the UK leaves the EU during their studies”.

The announcement on 11 October follows assurances given by the government in June shortly after the EU referendum result, that students currently in higher or further education, and those applying for a place this year (2016 to 2017) would continue to be able to access student funding support – including loans and grants – under the current eligibility criteria.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “We know that the result of the referendum brought with it some uncertainties for our higher education sector. International students make an important contribution to our world-class universities, and we want that to continue.

“This latest assurance that students applying to study next year will not only be eligible to apply for student funding under current terms, but will have their eligibility maintained throughout the duration of their course, will provide important stability for both universities and students.”

Under current student finance rules, EU students are eligible to receive undergraduate tuition fee loans if they have resided in the European Economic Area for at least three years prior to study.

EU nationals who have resided in the UK for more than five years are also able to apply for undergraduate maintenance support and masters loans. Similarly, under EU law, EU students are also eligible for home fee status – which means they are charged the same tuition fees as UK students.

Other, non-EU, international students do not have their tuition fees capped in this way.

Today’s confirmation will mean that for EU nationals, or their family members, who are applying for a place at university from August 2017 to study a course that attracts student support, the current funding rules will remain unchanged. All applicants will be eligible for student loans and-or grants under the current terms and, if deemed eligible, will be able to receive those for the duration of their course.

In a statement, the Department for Education said the migration status of EU nationals in the UK is being discussed as part of wider discussions with the EU as the government works on reaching an agreement protecting the status of EU nationals here and UK citizens in Europe.

Dame Julia Goodfellow, president of Universities UK, the vice-chancellors’ body, said: “This announcement provides much needed clarity for EU students applying to start courses at English universities in autumn 2017. Over recent weeks the university sector has made very clear to government the urgent need to address this issue. It is good to see the government has recognised the value of EU students and acted positively to guarantee their access to financial support.”

She said students from other EU countries can now apply for places on undergraduate courses starting in autumn 2017 with the certainty that they will not have to pay up-front tuition fees and now have a guarantee that they will receive government-backed loans to cover their tuition fee for the duration of their courses.

“This announcement also guarantees that EU students commencing courses in autumn 2017 will continue to pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the duration of their courses, even after the point the UK exits the EU.”

She said every effort must now be made to ensure that this announcement is communicated effectively to prospective students across Europe.

She said Universities UK hopes the governments in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will make similar reassurances.

“European and international students are a valuable part of cultural and academic life on British university campuses and play an important role in UK towns and cities, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.

“Looking ahead, as the government develops plans for post-Brexit Britain, a commitment is needed to ensure that students, from Europe and beyond, are able to continue to come to the UK to study without unnecessary bureaucratic burdens,” she said.

University Alliance Chief Executive Maddalaine Ansell said: "The government's assurance on funding for EU students will be a relief to anyone thinking about studying here next year. We look forward to working with government to ensure the message that Britain remains open and welcoming to international students carries weight.”