Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities
UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said: “Our
future relationship with the EU has clear implications for
universities in the UK. There are currently more than 125,000
students from other EU countries studying at UK universities and
17% of academic staff are from EU countries. The UK is a major
beneficiary of the EU's Horizon 2020 research and innovation
programme and networks.
“The government must ensure that the UK remains welcoming to EU
students and staff and that we can continue to access valuable
and collaborative European research networks.
“Given the UK will remain in the EU for the next two years, there
will be no immediate change for universities, staff or students.
There are, however, some immediate steps the government should
take in this transitional period. Most urgently, the government
should provide reassurance to EU nationals currently working in
the university sector on their rights to reside and work in the
UK post-exit. Staff from EU countries make a vital contribution
to university research and teaching and have a positive impact on
the British economy and society.
“We also need the government to confirm that EU students starting
a course next year (2018), will continue to be eligible for home
fee status, and be eligible for loans and grants. As EU students
start their research about studying abroad more than 12 months in
advance of actual enrolment, it is important that action is taken
as soon as possible to prevent a further drop in EU applications
for 2018/19 entry.”
