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Brexit’s impact on studying or working in the UK: An expert answers all your questions
The UK’s vote to leave the European Union has created a lot of uncertainty for students and workers who are looking to study or work in the UK. Here we provide an overview of the Brexit process and what it means for those looking to pursue opportunities in the UK. We will be updating this article with more information as it becomes available.
What is Brexit?
A referendum was held in the UK on Thursday 23 June 2016, when voters were asked just one question: “Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?” With a turnout of 71.8%, the final result was 51.89% for leave and 48.11% for remain, with England and Wales voting strongly to leave the EU while Scotland and Northern Ireland backed staying in. All 32 council areas in Scotland voted to remain as did 55 out of 57 constituencies in Northern Ireland.
The UK government has since begun complex negotiations with the European Union regarding the terms of Britain’s exit from the bloc. The process is known as Brexit but it is also referred to as “the UK leaving the European Union” or “British Exit” (Brexit).
Brexit has prompted many questions from prospective students about their study options in the UK after Brexit.
What are the effects of Brexit on universities?
It is not yet clear how Brexit will affect universities, but there are some concerns that it could lead to a loss of research funding and students, as well as staff being deterred from working at UK institutions. There have already been reports of an increasing number of European academics leaving UK universities because they feel less welcome since the referendum vote. Some experts have also suggested that Brexit may lead to international student numbers falling if the value of the pound against other currencies falls. The government has commissioned advice to help ensure that visa policy keeps up with demand for Higher Education providers’ courses after Brexit, while Universities UK wants the UK to maintain access to Erasmus+, a European Union scheme that supports study and work placements across Europe.
What will happen with regards to student visas?
It is likely that the government will keep its current policy of allowing EU students, including those from the UK, a conditional right to stay for a certain period once they have completed their studies. However, there are concerns about changes needed in post-study work provisions, as well as an increase in students coming from outside Europe.
What is going to with international students after Brexit?
Currently, non-EU students in the UK are able to stay for four months after studying (with an exception for English language courses), and then apply for post-study work visas. The government has said it will end this arrangement in favour of international students either returning to their own country or applying from there.
What about Erasmus?
The exchange programme is currently open to EU countries participating in it, but the UK’s membership ends just before Brexit takes place. The government is committed to continued participation, and Erasmus has expressed a desire to continue with the UK.
Will tuition fees go up for students?
Following Brexit, it is likely that there will be an increase in costs for universities as they face new financial pressures such as, potential loss of research funding and EU staff who may leave their posts. To compensate for this, universities might decide to put up student fees – but we don’t know whether or not this will happen yet.
How will the exchange rate impact students?
With the value of the Pound set to fall, it will be more costly for European students coming to study in England. This may discourage prospective students from studying in English universities, if they feel that an English degree is not worth the cost at this time. For example, there has already been a reported increase in students transferring out of London Metropolitan University because of currency fears.
Will Brexit impact the student fees for international students?
The government has not yet made an announcement about the fees, as there are many variables to take into account such as exchange rates and inflation. We do expect though that costs will rise for international students as a result of Brexit, although we don’t know by how much at this point.
Will it become harder to get a visa?
There is currently no reason why it should be more difficult to get a student visa after Brexit, but we do expect that there may be stricter rules which students will have to abide by before they to study in the UK.
What about the Erasmus grant?
If you are currently on an Erasmus grant, it is important to note that this will continue for the rest of the grant period regardless of Brexit. However, if you are planning to go on an Erasmus grant after March 2019, then your funding may be jeopardised due to uncertain immigration rules of British students in Europe and overseas students coming to study in England under post study work schemes. To compensate for this loss of funding, universities may put up student fees.
Have Brexit created more job opportunities for Indians going to the UK, and in what sectors?
Brexit has not affected the immigration rules for Indians applying to go to English universities. There are also no changes expected in the short term, which means that students should be able to come here as long as they have a valid visa. The government did announce recently though that it would apply an ‘Australian-style points based’ system for work visas after Brexit, so if you are planning to stay in England for your job prospects then this system will apply to you.
The fall of the pound has made it so that studying or working in the UK is less affordable than ever before. There are many other countries to consider, and I recommend researching your options for a good quality education or job opportunities.
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