Universities UK has
responded to the announcement from the Department for Education that EU
students starting courses in the 2020-21 academic year at universities in
England will continue to be charged the same fees as English students and will
remain eligible to receive loans to cover their tuition fee for the duration of
their courses.
With the recruitment
cycle for courses starting in autumn 2020 already underway, the announcement
brings welcome clarity, as continued uncertainty would have significantly
restricted student choice and the ability of English universities to recruit
students from the EU.
Students from EU
countries can now apply for places on courses starting in autumn 2020 knowing
there will be no change to their status as ‘home’ students when it comes to tuition
fees, and that they are eligible for a loan.
Alistair Jarvis,
Universities UK Chief Executive, said:
“EU students make an important contribution to our
universities, enriching our campuses culturally and academically and we are
pleased to see this recognised by the government. This announcement on fees and
financial support for those wishing to start a course in England in 2020/21
provides much needed clarity for EU students and for universities, particularly
as it applies regardless of whether the UK leaves the EU with or without a
deal.
“It is important that
other post-Brexit policies ensure an attractive offer to students from the EU
and beyond and signal that the UK continues to be a welcoming place for those
wishing to study here.”
Notes
The announcement from the Department for Education can be seen here.
Universities
UK is the collective voice of 136 universities in England, Scotland, Wales
and Northern Ireland. Its mission is to create the conditions for UK
universities to be the best in the world; maximising their positive impact
locally, nationally and globally. Universities UK acts on behalf of
universities, represented by their heads of institution. Visit: www.universitiesuk.ac.uk
