The impact of Brexit on studies in the United Kingdom
Impact of Brexit on studies in the United Kingdom
Since 2016, European news has been dominated by the Brexit saga. Note that Brexit came into effect on January 1, 2021. Since then, significant changes have affected studies in the United Kingdom. We summarize the main points for you below!
The introduction of a student visa
If you are European and are going to study in the United Kingdom, a student visaisnow mandatory. This application is done entirely online. A new platform has been available on the UK government website since October 5, 2020.
The student visa application process is simplified for Europeans. However, you will still need to be able to provide:
- biometric passport valid
- Confirmation of your admission to the university (CAS)
- Official copies of your transcripts and diplomas
- Recent bank statements showing that you are able to finance your studies and living expenses there
Cost of a student visa
The visa application only needs to be submitted once and will be valid for the duration of your studies. However, the process is not free. There is 348 GBP a processing feeIHS – Immigration Health Surcharge). This is your contribution to the UK healthcare system. This contribution does not exempt you from taking out student health insurance. We strongly recommend that you also purchase private insurance, particularly for potential repatriation and other related expenses.
Some new restrictions
Entry to and exit from the country will be less flexible than in the past. Therefore, expect a waiting period upon arrival in the UK. However, the biggest restriction for students is undoubtedly access to employment. Your student visa will allow you to work in the UK during your studies, but you will be limited to a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. You can work as much as you like during holidays.
If you wish to remain in the UK after your studies, then you should also expect a change. This right will no longer be automatic, and you will need to reapply after obtaining your university degree. The Graduate Route allows you to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing your Bachelor 's or Master's.
The evolution of tuition fees
The most damaging impact of Brexit is undoubtedly the change in tuition fees. Until now, European students benefited from a special status that allowed them to pay the same fees as local students. It's important to understand that British universities apply two tuition fee schedules: home fees for British students and international fees for other students.
While local fees are capped at 9,250 GBP/year for undergraduate programs, there is no cap on international fees. Universities are therefore free to set their own tuition fees. Currently, the most affordable programs charge international students 11,000-12,000 GBP. At many universities, local fees are doubled (around 18,000 GBP/year). Some top-ranked universities (Oxford, Camdridge, UCL, King’s, Imperial, Warwick, etc.) even triple tuition fees (over 27,000 GBP/year).
Scholarships for Europeans since Brexit to limit the impact of Brexit on studies in the United Kingdom
Since Brexit, some British universities have been offering scholarships or tuition fee reductions for European students. These scholarships reduce or even eliminate the difference between international and home tuition fees. They amount to a minimum of £5,000 and are generally available for both Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Royal Holloway, University of London. So, feel free to ask us to check if the university(ies) you are interested in offer a scholarship.
