Brexit and its impact on Student

Brexit refers to Britain’s departure from the European Union (EU). On June 23, 2016, the people of the UK voted in a referendum to leave the EU, which means the UK is abandoning the Single Market economy, customs unions, free movement of goods and people, and the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice. The UK joined the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973, and just two years later, in 1975, it held its first referendum, in which 68% of voters chose to remain a part of the EEC (renamed as the EU in 1993). In the 2015 general elections, the Conservative Party promised to hold a referendum if they won. Prime Minister David Cameron followed through on this commitment in 2016, resulting in 51.9% of votes for leaving the EU and 48.1% for remaining.

 

Today, the EU serves as an economic, political, and security partnership among 28 member states in Europe. This multilateral coalition was established to prevent future wars in Europe through increased trade, with its foundations laid after World War II. The ramifications of the Brexit deal are numerous, particularly concerning the future of UK students in the EU, and vice versa. Analyzing the specific impacts on students is challenging due to the uncertainties surrounding future agreements and policies.

 

As of now, no final deal has been established, though many new policies and frameworks are expected to arise as part of Brexit. The overall effect of Brexit on UK students will depend largely on the terms of the final agreement, which could shape the futures of millions of students in the EU. Potential challenges students may face include increased tuition fees, reduced access to student loans and scholarships, visa and travel restrictions, and limited opportunities for cultural exchange programs and work.

 

The current discussions revolve around various Brexit deals, but no coherent agreement has been finalized yet due to uncertainties with each proposal. One proposed soft deal aims to keep the UK closely aligned with the EU, minimizing disruption across different sectors. Under this deal, it is assumed there would be no changes to tuition fees, scholarships, loans, or mobility within Europe. Conversely, if the negotiations lead to a no-deal or hard Brexit, it would jeopardize growth and development prospects in both the UK and the EU, resulting in significant impacts on education and the future of UK students in the EU and vice versa. For example, UK students studying in the EU could be required to pay international fees, and their eligibility for grants and loans would cease immediately. The Erasmus+ program, an EU initiative designed to enhance higher education opportunities and foster interactions among EU countries through funding for education, training, youth, and sports, would also exclude British students under a hard Brexit, greatly affecting their future opportunities.

 

Currently, Prime Minister Theresa May has proposed the Chequers Brexit plan to the EU Parliament as an intermediate solution for a smoother withdrawal. If finalized, this deal would grant the UK Parliament authority over critical issues such as trade policy, end the role of the European Court of Justice (ECJ), and eliminate payments to the EU budget. The UK would also have the power to control immigration and decide how many people can enter the country. A mobility framework would be established to facilitate travel for UK and EU citizens, allowing them to study and work in each other’s territories. This framework aims to sustain support for students in both the EU and UK, enhancing their chances to benefit from leading universities and engage in cultural exchanges. If passed in the EU Parliament, this proposal would ensure that students enjoy the social, cultural, and educational benefits of living and studying in each other's countries.

 

The UK and EU have agreed in principle that anyone who moves to the UK or EU before March 29, 2019, and those intending to move during the transition period (ending December 2020) will retain the same rights and conditions currently granted under EU laws and regulations. However, the implications for tuition fees, free movement, jobs, and accommodations beyond the transition period remain uncertain and will depend on the policies of individual EU countries.

 

A survey conducted at EU universities indicated that students believe Brexit could significantly affect their opportunities to study, travel, and work across different EU countries. UK students may face higher tuition fees since they will no longer be eligible for domestic rates, and they will need to apply for student visas, reducing their chances of working after their studies.

 

After the transition period, UK students are likely to experience uncertainty regarding their future in the EU.