England: EU student funding extended through 2018

Published 11/10/2016

EU students applying to study at an English higher or further education institutions in 2017 or 2018 will have access to student funding for the duration of their course even if the UK leaves the EU during that time, the universities minister has announced. They will also continue to pay domestic fees during this time, the Department for Education has confirmed.

The announcement means that EU students will continue to be able to access student loans and grants during that period.

Universities Minister Jo Johnson acknowledged that the referendum “brought with it some uncertainties for our higher education sector” and said the move will give universities and colleges some clarity over funding.

“International students make an important contribution to our world-class universities, and we want that to continue”

“International students make an important contribution to our world-class universities, and we want that to continue,” he said.

“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.”

EU students, who are all charged domestic student fees, are eligible to receive undergraduate tuition fee loans if they have lived in the European Economic Area for at least 3 years before they begin their studies.

They can also apply for undergraduate maintenance support and master’s loans if they have lived in the UK for five years.

‘This is really excellent news, for institutions and for students – and a ray of sunshine in what has otherwise been a pretty bleak start to the month (given other statements by the government on controlling international student numbers),” commented Dominic Scott, CEO of the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

“We will now be checking the position with N Ireland, Scotland and Wales and very much hope that they will follow suit promptly. And that similar clarifications on fee status will follow shortly’.

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