UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement: implications for universities

Crucially, the deal includes a clear indication on the UK’s relationship with new EU programmes starting in 2021 (Horizon Europe and Erasmus+) but also other important academic and operational matters for universities need to be aware of. 

It is important to note that, while the overarching ‘deal’ does reduce the likelihood of disruption the sector might have otherwise faced in a ‘no deal’ scenario, some uncertainties remain. UUK will now focus its efforts to ensure disruption is minimised as far as possible by addressing these remaining points of uncertainty. 

The information we have provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject matter. You should not act or refrain from acting on the basis of any content on this webpage without seeking legal or other professional advice.  

The UK will participate in the Horizon Europe programme as an associated country (albeit please note, this is subject to a final agreement once the relevant EU legal texts have been finalised). 

This means UK-based researchers will be able to participate in all parts of Horizon Europe, including 

• Joint Research Centre (JRC) activities, article 185 and 187 partnerships
• European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
• European Research Infrastructures Consortium (ERICs)
• European Research Area Committee

There was also agreement on UK participation in the Euratom Research and Training programme for 2021–25, which covers the ITER fusion partnership, as well as the Copernicus Earth observation programme.

• Find out more about changes to the UK's involvement in Horizon Europe

The UK government decided not to seek participation in the new Erasmus+ 2021-27 programme. This means students based at universities in England, Scotland and Wales will not be able to participate in Key Actions 1 or 2 of the programme when the first call for funding launches. All existing funding that was already granted to UK universities under these actions in the previous Erasmus+ scheme is unaffected.

As a non-associated 3rd country in the new programme, the UK can continue to participate in Erasmus Mundus and Jean Monnet activities.

There was also agreement on UK participation in the Euratom Research and Training programme for 2021–25, which covers the ITER fusion partnership, as well as the Copernicus Earth observation programme. Additionally, the UK will maintain access to EU satellite surveillance and tracking (SST) services.  

The UK will no longer participate in regional development (also known as structural) funds, such as the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  

The UK and EU have agreed visa-free travel for tourist visits of up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, there are additional actions which might be required if travelling to the EU for work or study, even for a short period of time. For instance, a visa, work permit or other documentation might be required. Further information can be found on gov.uk.

These new rules do not apply to travel to Ireland, and British and Irish citizens can continue to move freely between the UK and Ireland as part of the Common Travel Area arrangements.

• Find out more about the new immigration rules  

UK nationals with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) can continue to use them in the EU until they expire. However, these EHICs can no longer be used in Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. 

EHICs will be replaced by a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This card covers some medical care but is not a replacement for travel insurance.

The EU’s General Data Protection Regulation has been part of UK law since 2018. Personal data transfers between the UK and EU and EEA may therefore continue without any change, after the EU and UK agreed to recognise each other’s data protection regimes. This situation could change in the future if either side makes any changes to its data protection laws.

The agreement includes provisions for trade in services, movement of natural persons and recognition of professional qualifications. This may affect UK transnational education in EU countries depending on the form of provision and the specific territory. 

• Find out more about changes to providing transnational education 

The mutual recognition of professional qualifications between the UK and EU has now ended. This means that UK-qualified professionals who wish to supply services in the EU should now seek recognition for their qualifications using the national rules in EU member states, and vice versa. 
 
Those persons that previously have had their professional qualifications recognised, or that have applied for a recognition decision before the end of the implementation period (meaning that the application was submitted by 31 December 2020), are unaffected.  
 
Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, professional bodies and associations have the option to submit joint recommendations for arrangements on the recognition of professional qualification (such as Mutual Recognition Agreements) covering the UK and all 27 EU Member States. Consequently, if such a joint recommendation for the recognition of a professional qualification would be approved, then it would apply to the UK and the EU as a whole. This does not preclude professional bodies or associations in the UK and across Europe to seek other arrangements on a country-to-country bilateral basis.  

EU students who start a course in the UK during the 2020–21 academic year are eligible for UK home student fees and financial support, in the form of the tuition fee loan in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Nothing will change for them throughout their degree. 

EU students not covered by the Withdrawal Agreement who start a course in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales during the 2021–22 academic year, and the following years, will no longer be eligible for home fee status and tuition fee loans. 
  
EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, and who meet the relevant eligibility requirements in force at the time of course commencing, will have access to home fee status and student financial support in the 2021–22 academic year. 
 
For those subject to international fees, the amount will depend on the university and the type of degree and will vary between institutions. We advise EU students to reach out to the universities they are interested in with specific questions on international fee levels for the degree they have in mind. 

• For the fee implications for EU and EEA students see our detailed briefings.