EU students to pay higher fees, same as non-EU students

The United Kingdom government has confirmed that European Union (EU), other European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals commencing academic courses in England from August 2021 will no longer be charged the same tuition rates as domestic students.

Universities Minister Michelle Donelan said in a statement on 23 June: “Following our decision to leave the EU, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fee status, undergraduate, postgraduate and advanced learner financial support from Student Finance England for courses starting in academic year 2021-22.”

This change will also apply to further education funding for those aged 19+, and funding for apprenticeships.

Donelan said the change would not affect students starting courses in the academic year 2020-21, nor those EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals benefitting from Citizens’ Rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively.

It will also not apply to Irish nationals living in the UK and Ireland whose right to study and to access benefits and services will be preserved on a reciprocal basis for UK and Irish nationals under the Common Travel Area arrangement.

UK and EU nationals currently pay tuition fees of up to £9,250 (€10,200 or US$11,500) per year for an undergraduate degree. The fees for international students vary from between £10,000 (€11,000) and £38,000 (€41,900) depending on the university and the degree.

Alistair Jarvis, chief executive of Universities UK, the vice-chancellors’ body, said universities would have preferred the certainty of current arrangements for EU students in England – where EU students are charged the same fees as domestic students – being extended for those starting courses in 2021-22.

“Overseas students – from the EU and beyond – should be able to study in the UK with minimal barriers. International students enhance the educational environment in our universities, benefitting all students, and are an integral part of our society and culture,” he said.

The Higher Education Policy Institute has warned that without making financial support available, the switch risks causing a steep decline in EU students studying at UK universities.

The change, however, is a consequence of UK withdrawal from the EU and aligns with the government’s declaration that it would not extend the transition period beyond 31 December 2020, a decision which has caused concern in many quarters because it is feared there will not be sufficient time to complete negotiations over the future relationship with the EU due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government argues that EU students will still be attracted to UK universities due to the high quality of provision.

However, the government also has a political agenda of seeking to create a more ‘global Britain’, code for an emphasis on increasing ties and trade with the rest of the world beyond Europe.

Minister Donelan said: “EU, other EEA and Swiss students, staff and researchers make an important contribution to our universities. I want that contribution to continue and am confident – given the world-leading quality of our higher education sector – that it will.”

Jarvis from Universities UK said: “Our message to international students is that UK universities are ready to welcome and support you through your studies. Whether you choose to study in the UK this year, or in the future, you will receive a high-quality education and learn skills that will benefit you for years to come.”

Change seen as ‘bad news’ for universities

However, Nick Hillman, the director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said the announcement will be seen as “bad news” inside universities.

“To date, EU students have benefited from lower fees and access to student loans that are subsidised by UK taxpayers. Together, these have lowered the financial obstacles to studying in the UK,” he said.

“My message to any EU citizen wishing to benefit from the current arrangements is that it is not too late to apply for entry in 2020, before the new rules come into force next year.”

Echoing this sentiment, Jarvis said it was important to note that EU students starting courses in autumn 2020 will continue to pay ‘home fees’ – domestic student rates – for the duration of their course and be eligible for the UK’s EU settlement scheme if they arrive before the end of this year.

Also, the government’s new Graduate Route – starting next summer – means that students who are not eligible for the settlement scheme will have the opportunity to stay and work in the UK for two years after completing their studies, he said.

“This will apply to those who initially have to study by distance or blended learning because they are unable to travel to the UK to start in autumn due to COVID-19. Universities are committed to working with government on further measures to support international students to study at UK universities,” Jarvis said.

Hillman warned that past research had shown that higher fees without access to student loans could risk a decline of around 60% in the number of EU students coming to the UK to study.

“If that happens, our universities will be less diverse and less open to influences from other countries.”

However, he also said history suggests that the education on offer in UK universities is something people are willing to pay for.

“So, if we adopt sensible post-Brexit migration rules and if universities work very hard to recruit from other EU nations, it is likely that many of our fellow Europeans will still wish to study here.

“Above all, we need to make it abundantly clear to people from the EU and beyond that our universities remain open to all,” Hillman said.