The UK government has announced that EU students applying for a place at an English university or further education institution 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, even if the UK exits the European Union during that period.
Responding to the announcement, Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK, 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.
“Every effort must now be made to ensure that this announcement is communicated effectively to prospective students across Europe.
“We hope that this announcement by the UK government will be followed shortly by similar reassurances by governments in the devolved nations.
“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. The UK should be an attractive destination for all qualified international students that would benefit from UK universities and can support themselves to study.”