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EU Funding Guaranteed for 2017 Students

Those concerned about EU interaction for universities as the UK begins the process of leaving the European Union received a lifeline in October. The desire to continue to attract the brightest and best from the continent is still a major flashpoint in the war of words between Remain and Leave campaigners and voters. However, EU students wishing to study at UK universities from 2017 will still be eligible for funding, it has just been confirmed.

 

Loans and Grants

As a member state of the EU, the UK was eligible for certain allowances when studying abroad. Although not in Schengen, we have adhered to the majority of the free movement of people for EU members, and that includes visitors, students and employees from other member states.

This means that EU students, whether on ERASMUS or simply applying as individual students as a benefit of being a fellow EU member, will continue to be eligible until the date passes that the UK leaves the EU. Furthermore, it has been confirmed recently that EU students have had their funding guaranteed from 2017. This will apply for the duration of their course. An announcement on 2018 students will be made in due course once there is more information about how and when the UK will leave the European Union.

 

When Will The Government Trigger Article 50?

Initially, Theresa May wanted to take the decision as the Prime Minister without only the government making that decision. The recent High Court decision that the government cannot act without the backing of Parliament may extend the period that the UK still has in the European Union. It may have angered Leave campaigners and voters, but the judges were simply upholding the law.

Theresa May’s insistence that the government will trigger Article 50 no later than March 2017 may now be delayed further. When there is news of this, and how it may affect EU students, Pads For Students will certainly bring you that news.

 

For What Are EU Students Eligible?

As it stands, EU students enjoy all of the benefits of students born in Britain. Universities Minister Jo Johnson said that her team acted quickly following the 23rd June vote to preserve the funding rights of existing students and prospective students for this academic year and the next. These rights include access to all relevant bursaries and grants part of the ERASMUS system.

This means they have the right to loans through the SLC if they have lived in the EEA for three years or more (anybody born in an EEA country will naturally be eligible). However, other rights depend on how long they have lived in the UK. EU nationals who have lived in the UK for five years are eligible for loans for postgraduate courses and undergraduate maintenance support funding.