Response to government announcement on funding for EU students commencing courses in 2018–19

The United Kingdom government confirmed on the 21 April 2017 that EU students would continue to remain eligible for undergraduate, master’s, postgraduate and advanced learner financial support in the academic year 2018 to 2019.

The decision meant EU students applying for an undergraduate or master’s course at an English university or further education institution in the 2018 to 2019 academic year would continue to have access to student loans and grants, even if the course concluded after the UK’s exit from the EU.

Alistair Jarvis, Deputy Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: 'We welcome this announcement, which provides much needed clarity for EU students applying to start courses at English universities in the 2018–19 academic year. The university sector has made clear to government the urgent need to address this issue, as universities have already begun to receive enquiries from prospective students for the 2018–19 intake'.

'Moving forward, we need to see a new post-Brexit immigration policy that encourages all international students to choose to study in the UK coupled with welcoming messages from Government, recognising their hugely positive social and economic impact on the UK'.​

United Kingdom: GOV.UK: Department for Education: Press Release, 21.04.17: Government confirms funding for EU students for 2018 to 2019 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-confirms-funding-for-eu-students-for-2018-to-2019

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

Universities UK: Universities for Europe http://www.universitiesforeurope.com/Pages/Home.aspx

---