The Vice-Chancellor of De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) has welcomed news that European students will continue to qualify for financial study support in the UK for study during the 2018/19 academic year.
The decision means EU students enrolling at DMU on an undergraduate or master’s course starting in the 2018/19 academic year will have access to student loans and grants, even if the course concludes after the UK’s exit from the EU.
Professor Dominic Shellard, Vice-Chancellor of DMU, said: “The international diversity at DMU makes it an energising and inspiring place to work and study.
“We are very pleased with the Government’s announcement that it will continue to support EU students wishing to study in the UK.
“We believe in the power and benefit of international study and it is vital the higher education sector maintains its global outlook to keep the UK open, welcoming and competitive.”
Currently, EU students are eligible for home fee status, which means they are charged the same tuition fees as UK students. Other non-EU, international students do not have their tuition fees capped in this way.
EU nationals will also remain eligible to apply for Research Council PhD studentships at UK institutions for 2018/19 to help cover costs for the duration of their study.
See here for full details of the financial support available for EU students.
DMU has also welcomed a new report calling for university staff from EU countries to be guaranteed a right to stay and work in the UK after Brexit.
The Education Select Committee says urgent steps need to be taken to end uncertainty over the future status of EU academics to avoid a “damaging brain drain”
The MPs also want overseas students to be taken out of migration figures.
A statement from the committee says: “On students studying in the UK, the report recommends an open approach with few barriers as the best model for all international students, including those from the EU.
“The Committee calls for the UK to retain a reciprocal open approach with light touch controls, such as visa-free access, which would enable the preservation of a system closely resembling freedom of movement.”
DMU launched its #LoveInternational campaign to protect the residency rights of international staff working at the university as soon as the EU referendum result was announced last summer.
Led by Professor Shellard, the launch of the campaign saw hundreds gather on campus for a rally to show their support for EU staff.
Neil Carmichael MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee, said: “Higher education in the UK is a world leader but Brexit risks damaging our international competitiveness and the long-term success of our universities.
“The Government must act urgently to address the uncertainty over EU staff and avert the risk of a damaging ‘brain drain’ of talent from our shores.
“As we leave the European Union we now have the opportunity to reform our immigration system to ensure we reap the full rewards of the ability of our universities to attract the brightest and best students and staff from across the world."
Posted on Thursday 27 April 2017