Rise in EU students applying to British Universities

Reports show an increase in students from the European Union (EU) applying to British universities for the year 2016-17, after Britain voted to leave the EU in the June referendum.

According to the Telegraph, the number of EU students applying to UK universities rose by 11% this year, the highest number on record. In comparison, the number of UK students increased by just 3%.

At some British universities, EU students have access to lower fees and can apply for student loans. However, there are fears that they might lose these benefits when Brexit takes place.

Universities UK confirmed that the EU referendum will not change anything for EU students starting this academic year, explaining that in the long term, the fees will depend on what kind of relationship the UK agrees with the EU.

Cecilia Covaleov, a fourth-year Politics and EU student, said: “I would have still applied to UK universities this year but my main concern would be how Brexit affects student fees.”

Peter Dunn, Director of Press and Policy at Warwick, explained how the many EU students at the University benefit: “Warwick is a global university and we welcome staff and students form over the world.

“Indeed, one of the reasons students come here is to share in the experience of a global community of research and teaching.”

There have been some problems with ensuring that EU students pay back loans once they return home. Indeed, many EU students have reportedly disappeared after their studies without repaying their loans.

Some education experts warn that the backlog of debt will grow if the number of EU students continues to rise. This is due to the expectation that the application rules will be renegotiated so that EU nationals will no longer pay £9000, but higher fees like international students.

The Higher Education Policy Institute suggested that EU students who do not repay their loans, which are backed by British taxpayers, should be treated like tax evaders.

The number of EU students applying to Welsh universities also hit an all-time-high. According to the BBC, Welsh universities saw an increase of 11% in applications from EU students, despite some applicants withdrawing after the referendum.

Nevertheless, this number was fewer than predicted before the referendum. There are fears that the results of Brexit might affect student numbers and finances, due to the fact that EU students pay the same tuition fees as Welsh domiciled students.