European Union students applying for further education places in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will still have access to student funding support, even if the UK leaves the EU.
Yesterday the Department for Education announced that EU students applying for a place at an English university or further education institution in the 2017 to 2018 academic year will continue to be eligible for student loans and grants throughout the duration of their course.
The decision not only means that students applying to study from 2017 to 2018 will be eligible for the same funding and support as they are now, but they will also still be eligible for funding throughout their course - even if the UK exits the EU during this period.
The announcement comes at a time where many have questioned the future of further education funding, following the results of the EU referendum.
“We know that the result of the referendum brought with it some uncertainties.” explained Universities Minister Jo Johnson. “That is why in June we acted quickly to provide immediate funding guarantees for existing students and those applying to study this year.”
Stability
This move has been designed to give universities and colleges certainty over future funding and assure prospective students that the terms of their funding will not be changed if the UK leaves the EU during their studies
Julian Gravatt, assistant chief executive at the Association of Colleges, said the announcement was "reassuring to prospective students and helpful to colleges, especially as they have already started recruiting for September 2017".
"Many EU nationals enrolling in college already live (in the UK). The education and training students get from college helps UK companies and public services fill skills shortages which provides wider benefits. The EU exit negotiations create lots of uncertainty about the future so it is helpful to have some short-term certainty,” Gravatt added.
Moving forward
Dame Julia Goodfellow, the president of Universities UK, said Tuesday’s announcement provided much needed clarity for EU students moving into 2017.
“It is good to see the government has recognised the value of EU students and acted positively to guarantee their access to financial support,” she said. “Every effort must now be made to ensure that this announcement is communicated effectively to prospective students across Europe.” .
“Looking ahead, as the government develops plans post-Brexit Britain, a commitment is needed to ensure that students, from Europe and beyond, are able to continue to come to the UK to study without unnecessary bureaucratic burdens,” Dame Goodfellow concluded.