Brexit has implications for EU students who want to study in the UK in 2021. There are quite a few things to consider in addition to UK tuition fees for EU students.
Below, we outline the key changes and dates where changes take place.
Student visas – EU resettlement scheme and the new UK points based student visa system for international students
EU students who are in the UK by the 31st of December 2020 will have protected rights by making an application to remain in the UK under the EU resettlement scheme. The application can be made after arrival in the UK and the deadline to apply is June 30th 2021. This means that for students starting in January 2021 on a degree course, as long as they arrive by 31st December 2020, they won’t need a visa. The EU resettlement scheme application process is easy to use and free of charge.
The links below take students straight to the UK government websites providing detailed advice on the EU resettlement scheme and new points based immigration system that will apply to all international students (including EU students from January 2021):
https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/Information–Advice/EU-EEA–Swiss-Students/Brexit—EU-Settlement-Scheme
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/new-immigration-system-what-you-need-to-know
After this deadline a ‘points based’ system for student entry to the UK is being introduced from January 1st 2021, whereby international and EU students are treated the same and have to meet visa requirements to enter the UK as a student. The key aspects of the points based system are very similar to existing Tier 4 visa requirements. A student must be able to communicate in English (as demonstrated by tests such as IELTS UKVI English language tests) and they must also be able to demonstrate that they have enough money to pay their first year UK tuition fees for EU students and living costs.
The points based system will require students to have a minimum of 70 points to be granted ‘leave’. This can be achieved by a student having an unconditional offer from an approved educational institution, which also necessitates them to have the finances and required English language skills appropriate to the level of study they are undertaking.
UK tuition fees for EU students – Implications for accessing UK student loans
EU students have previously been able to access finance from the UK Student Loans Company. From September 2021, this will no longer be possible and they will need to seek alternative finance routes to finance their studies.
Some EU students, including students from Sweden and Norway, can access student loans from their own country. However, many student will now need to finance their fees and living costs themselves.
Students starting their studies in the UK before September 1st 2021 can still get student loans.
UK tuition fees for EU students – Scholarships from UK universities
Uni Direct helps students apply to any university in the UK. We have spoken to many universities in the UK with a number offering generous reductions in UK tuition fees for EU students who want to study in the UK from September 2021 onwards. Please speak to us and find out more about how we can help you apply to study in the UK, and make the most of the scholarships that are available. UK universities are very much open and welcoming of EU students in 2021.
Post-study work permits in the UK and Tier 2 visas
In January 2020, the UK government introduced ‘two-year’ post-study work permits for international students. PhD students are eligible for three years. The same will apply to EU students in 2021. This change has led to a huge increase in demand from many international students who want to study in the UK and remain after their studies have ended. During this time period a student can look for a permanent role and if they are earning over £30,000 a year at the end of the two years they are eligible to apply for a Tier 2 work visa. Many universities report increases in applications from January 2020 because of this change. It has made applying to study in the UK more competitive and sometimes deadlines are brought forward as course spaces will up quickly.
This webpage provides further advice from the British Council on the range of topics discussed above:
https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/eu-students
UK Covid-19 update on teaching methods and university life
UK universities have adapted well to the implications of Covid-19 and their need to be more flexible with teaching methods. At present, most universities are teaching a ‘hybrid’ or using blended learning methods. This often means the deliver lectures online and offer small group teaching sessions and university facilities use in person. There are benefits for international students in having access to online lectures. The feedback from students is that they can learn at their own pace and watch things twice where they need to. Universities will inevitably need to take a flexible approach to teaching delivery, based on Covid-19 infection rates.
2021 is likely to see notable improvements to the current situation if we get a vaccine and a more efficient test and tracking system. These will be the game changers and will inevitably see large increases in demand for international students who want to start in September 2021. Our advice is simple – apply early and don’t leave things until last minute!
If you are looking for more information on UK tuition fees for EU students or any other topics discussed here please do get in touch.
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