EU Referendum

2 Oct 2017
View of Victorian stone building with path running by it and a pink cherry tree in blossom against a blue sky

At a time of uncertainty about the future relationship of the UK and Europe, we want to provide a clear statement of our position and provide the latest information about what Brexit will mean for people from the EU either currently or planning to study or work at Winchester.

Winchester and Europe

We want to assure current and prospective students and staff that we are deeply committed to having a truly European outlook. You can read a statement below from our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joy Carter, which sets out our position. 

Universities UK has a really helpful FAQs section on their website with the latest developments which you can find here

A statement from our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Joy Carter 

"Following the outcome of the referendum, I wanted to reassure you that Winchester remains, as ever, a university with a European outlook. We are proud to have European staff and students and we will continue to carry out research with European colleagues and to facilitate exchanges and partnerships.

"We are working closely with the Government, GuildHE and Universities UK to understand the implications for the sector and to advocate an ongoing, strong link between our universities and Europe. This morning I met with the universities minister, Jo Johnson, who reassured me that there will be no immediate changes. In particular, we believe that the immigration and fee status of existing staff and students from EU Member States will remain unchanged at least during the two-year period the UK now enters to agree the terms of our exit. Also, at this stage, we believe there will be no change to the immigration status or access to loans of EU students due to start in September 2016.

"We are committed to continuing to be a university with a global outlook. You can be sure that we will keep you informed as and when more information is available."

Professor Joy Carter DL
Vice-Chancellor
University of Winchester

What we know - latest updates on Brexit for students and staff

2018/2019 Financial Support

On the 21 April 2017, the UK Government confirmed that EU students will continue to remain eligible for undergraduate, master's postgraduate and advanced learner financial support for the 2018 to 2019 academic year.

The decision taken means EU students applying for an undergraduate or master’s course at an English university or further education institution in the 2018 to 2019 academic year will continue to have access to student loans and grants, even if the course concludes after the UK’s exit from the EU.

Comments on Brexit White Paper - 2 February

On 2 February, 2017, the UK Government published its White Paper on the UK’s exit
from and new partnership with the EU.
 
The paper adds some limited detail to the previously announced 12 principles for exit. The paper as a whole does not greatly expand upon the Prime Minister’s speech made in January. However, there are a few indications of emerging policy. 
 
Key points for universities:
 
Many of the areas relating to universities, mainly covered in Chapter 10, have already been in the public domain for some time. There are no new major announcements.
  • UK researchers are encouraged to continue to bid for EU projects (i.e. Horizon2020) for as long as the UK remains a member of the EU
  • University staff and students are drawn out in the chapter on immigration and especially recognised as making an “important contribution”. Furthermore, the UK “will always welcome genuine students”.
  • Student loans and home fee status for EU students starting courses in 2017-18 is confirmed. Funding support will continue for the duration of their courses.
  • Similarly, postgraduate support for research students receiving funding through the Research Councils are confirmed as remaining to open EU students as they currently are. Funding will likewise be guaranteed for the duration of their course.
  • Government has held and will continue to hold Commons debates on the impact of exiting the EU in specific areas – science and research is one of the first (along with workers’ rights).
  • European Structural and Investment Funds signed before the Autumn Statement 2016 will be fully funded even if projects continue following the UK’s exit from the EU.
  • Similarly, those signed after the Autumn Statement 2016 and continuing post-Brexit will be honoured; however, this will only be the case if “they provide strong value for money and are in line with domestic strategic priorities”.

Below is a summary of what we know to-date. 

EU Nationals and student finance in England

EU students who are eligible under current rules to receive loans and grants from the Student Loans Company will continue to do so for courses they are currently enrolled on or about to start this coming year. The Master's Loans launched today are also still available to eligible EU students. EU students will continue to receive funding for the duration of their courses. Information on the eligibility criteria, including residency rules, is available. The SLC have provided more information at 'EU Nationals and Student Finance in England'

Further future funding arrangements with the EU will be determined as part of the UK's discussions on its membership and we will provide what updates and clarity we can.

EU student/staff status

We would like to reassure current EU students that even if the Government decides to alter the fee status of EU students, the University will maintain the same fee levels for students who are currently studying with us until the end of their programme of study

As the Prime Minister has stated, there will be no immediate changes following the EU Referendum, including in the circumstances of British citizens living in the EU, and European citizens living here. This includes those studying or working at UK universities.

For students, visitors, businesses and entrepreneurs who are already in the UK or who wish to come here, there will be no immediate change to our visa policies.

Erasmus+

The referendum result does not affect students studying in the EU, beneficiaries of Erasmus+ or those considering applying in 2017. The UK's future access to the Erasmus+ programme will be determined as a part of wider discussions with the EU.

More broadly, existing UK students studying in the EU, and those looking to start in the next academic year, will continue to be subject to current arrangements.

Horizon 2020 research funding

The referendum result has no immediate effect on those applying to or participating in Horizon 2020. UK participants can continue to apply to the programme in the usual way. The future of UK access to European science funding will be a matter for future discussions. Government is determined to ensure that the UK continues to play a leading role in European and international research.

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