Questions and Answers

Does the UK leaving the EU mean a change in De Montfort University’s (DMU) international outlook?

No. The vote to leave the EU is the beginning of a two- to three-year process that will change some trade, travel and work arrangements between the UK and certain European nations. DMU remains as committed as ever to welcoming students from all countries, whether from Europe or the wider world and to strengthening the global connectedness of our students and staff.

What about your approach to diversity and equality?

Diversity and equality are core DMU values and that will never change. DMUfreedom, our new equality and diversity charter, is a commitment to continue cultivating an environment in which staff, students and partners support their educational, social and economic growth. That work will continue.

Is the UK still welcoming to international students?

Yes, very much so. The UK is a country with global links and an international outlook. People and communities from every country in the world have found a home here and play a full role in its life. The vote to leave the EU will change some trade, travel and work arrangements between the UK and certain European nations, but its welcome to international students will remain as warm and as genuine as ever.

Will Leicester remain a welcoming place for international students?

Yes, it will. Post-Referendum changes are mainly adjustments to political and trade arrangements. DMU’s home city of Leicester is rightly acknowledged as one of Britain most naturally diverse and multicultural places in which to study, live and work. Its successes and growing international profile, like our partner Leicester City winning the Premier League, are built on international connections and a positive global outlook.

What will happen to #DMUglobal now?

It will continue to grow. #DMUglobal is our signature experience programme, devised in response to the UK Government’s challenge to UK universities to send more British students overseas as part of their studies. Since its launch in 2014, more than 3,000 DMU students have gained international experience; #DMUglobal is now one of the largest mobility schemes of its kind in any UK university. Our staff and students make a positive contribution to communities around the world because DMU has an instinctive international outlook. The Referendum vote does not change that.

What will happen to EU-funded research projects of which DMU researchers are currently partners?

These will continue as planned. The current research programme cycle will end on 31 December 2020. It is expected that the UK, including UK universities, will continue to be able to access EU programmes on the same basis until then. We will work with the appropriate agencies to ensure further information is available as appropriate. (tbc)

Will the Erasmus programme continue?

It is unclear as yet. DMU is committed to connecting its students and staff globally, and that can and will continue.

What does the change mean for visa arrangements, fees and other financing, registration documents and options to work in the UK?

There will be no sudden change in any of the current systems; new arrangements will be introduced in the next two to three years. As details become clearer, we will keep students and staff fully informed, and in good time, on any changes they may have to make. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact our enquiry team on enquiry@dmu.ac.uk.

What will happen to my student loan?

All EU nationals and their family members currently in receipt of student loans from the Student Loans Company (SLC), and currently in higher education, who are assessed as eligible to receive loans and/or grants from the SLC, will continue to receive these loans and grants until they finish their course. This applies to all student finance from the SLC for students in England for which EU nationals are eligible. This includes loans to cover tuition fees (for those resident in the EEA for three years), loans and grants for maintenance (limited to those resident in the UK for at least three years), and some other grants and allowances.

Students can contact enquiry@dmu.ac.uk, or the GOV.UK website, for information on what support they can receive.

Can EU students joining DMU in September still access the student loan to cover the whole degree period?

The rules applying to EU nationals, or their family members, who have applied for a place at university from this August to study a course (undergraduate and postgraduate) which attracts student support are unchanged. The Student Loan Company (SLC) will assess these applications against existing eligibility criteria, and will provide loans and/or grants in the normal way. EU nationals, or their family members, who are assessed as eligible to receive grants and/ or loans by the SLC will then be eligible for the duration of their study on that course. These eligibility criteria set out that for students beginning study from this August, EU nationals must have been resident in the UK for at least five years in order to apply for a maintenance loan.

Students can contact enquiry@dmu.ac.uk, or the GOV.UK website, for information on what support they can receive.

Will student loans be available in the future?

All EU nationals and their family members who are assessed as eligible to receive loans and/or grants will now be able to receive this support for courses starting in the 2017-18 academic year, from Student Finance England (SFE).

Students can contact enquiry@dmu.ac.uk, or the GOV.UK website, for information on what support they can receive.

If EU students become ‘international’ students, would DMU still charge £9,000 fees?

DMU is guaranteeing tuition fees remain at the standard home-rate for EU students, for entry up to and including 2018/19.

What else is DMU doing to support EU students and staff?

As part of the #LoveInternational story so far, an international petition has been started calling on the Government to protect the residency rights of EU university staff, and to reassure EU students, DMU has created the LoveEU Bundle.

What is the the LoveEU Bundle?

The LoveEU Bundle includes: tuition fees guaranteed at home-rates for entry up to and including 2018/19; guaranteed student loans from the Student Loans Company (SLC) in the UK for those joining in September 2016, who meet SLC's criteria; up to £500 paid to all students coming from EU countries applying for full-time courses starting September 2016; the benefits of National Union of Students (NUS) membership; ticket giveaways to see LCFC, official partners with DMU; as well as Heathrow Airport pick-ups.

Would EU students need a visa to enter the UK?

At present, no. The current free movement principle afforded to citizens of the European Economic Area continues to be in force in the UK and will continue to do so until the various laws governing immigration are repealed or reformed.

Would there be any rules enforced regarding part time work?

At present, the existing rules governing EU students undertaking part-time work would remain.

Would there be any rules enforced regarding the ability to work in the UK after graduating?

At present, the existing rules governing EU students undertaking part-time work would remain.

What is the British government's current statement on the overall status of EU nationals?

Updated on 12 July 2016, a statement by gov.uk assures there has been no change to the rights and status of EU nationals in the UK, and UK nationals in the EU, as a result of the referendum.