On 31 January 2020, the UK officially left the European Union, which came to be known as Brexit. Because of Brexit, the UK and the EU witnessed several changes in many sectors, including education. In this article, we will discuss the changes EU students will witness regarding the tuition fees for their studies in the UK. Below are the new and revised UK tuition fees for EU students and the alternative financial aid they can opt for.
Brexit In Detail
Brexit, the UK’s landmark decision to exit the European Union, has profoundly impacted various sectors, particularly higher education. The shift, formalised in January 2020 after a June 2016 referendum, has led to significant changes in the dynamics between the UK and EU countries. For international students, especially those from the EU, Brexit has brought about notable challenges, from increased tuition fees to shifts in visa regulations. Here’s a concise breakdown of the key effects:
- The UK’s departure from the EU officially began in January 2020, following a June 2016 referendum with 52% voting to leave.
- Brexit altered the UK’s trading relations with the EU.
- EU students now pay the same higher fees as non-EU international students.
- New regulations have affected student visas and immigration procedures.
- The British government predicts a 57% decrease in EU student enrolments in UK higher education institutions post-Brexit.
- Before Brexit, the number of EU students increased, reaching 600,000 (22% of higher education students) before the pandemic.
- Brexit has led to higher costs for EU students, significant changes in immigration policies, and a sharp decline in enrolment numbers.
Pre & Post Impact Of Brexit On EU Student Tuition Fees
The impact of Brexit on EU students’ fees in the UK has been profound, leading to a stark contrast between the pre-and post-Brexit scenarios. This change has affected the financial burden on EU students and contributed to a notable decline in their enrolment numbers. The following table highlights the key differences in fee structures and their implications before and after Brexit.
| Aspect | Before Brexit | After Brexit |
|---|---|---|
| Fee Structure | EU students paid the same fees as UK students. | EU students pay the same fees as non-EU international students. |
| Fee Increase | No substantial increase in fees. | Substantial increase in fees for EU students. |
| Impact on Applications | A stable or increasing number of EU students are applying. | 50% decline in EU students starting undergraduate courses in 2021/22 compared to the previous year. |
| Funding Programmes | Access to EU funding programmes. | Loss of access to certain EU funding programmes. |
| Alternate Funding | N/A | Introduction of the Turing Scheme for international exchange. |
UK Tuition Fees For International Students After Brexit
Tuition fees for international students can vary greatly depending on the university, course, and level of study, making it difficult to pinpoint exact costs. Prestigious universities tend to be more expensive, and medical or science degrees often cost more because of the need for specialised equipment. Course length also impacts total costs, as fees are charged annually. While postgraduate and doctoral degrees may be pricier than undergraduates, this is only sometimes the case. It’s best to contact the universities directly for precise fees, but here are some averages to give you a rough idea.
International Undergraduate UK University Fees For International Students
Most undergraduate courses in the UK last three years, though some may be longer. For instance, ‘sandwich courses’ include an extra year in the industry, and Scotland, a four-year degree is standard.
- For international students, undergraduate tuition fees range from £11,400 (US $14,160) to £67,892 (US $84,310) per year, depending on the university and course type, particularly if it’s a medical degree.
- Over three years, this amounts to between £34,200 (US $42,480) and £203,676 (US $253,300), with costs rising for four-year courses.
UK Masters Tuition Fees For International Students
If you pursue a postgraduate degree, be prepared for higher fees, especially for popular courses like master’s and PhDs. These programmes are more specialised, so you might encounter additional research equipment or resource costs. It’s always good to check with the universities for specific details.
Like undergraduate courses, postgraduate study tuition fees vary depending on the subject. According to Times Higher Education, the average tuition costs for 2020/21 are shown in the table below. Since most master’s degrees last only one year, these figures represent the total tuition cost.
| Type of Degree | Tuition Fees (£) | Tuition Fees (US $)** |
|---|---|---|
| Classroom-based | 17,109 | 21,260 |
| Laboratory-based | 20,167 | 25,060 |
| MBA | 21,435 | 26,630 |
UK University Tuition Fees For International Students For Language Programmes
Many students choose to study a language in the UK at one of its numerous language schools. Prices vary by institution, but you might expect to pay around £70 per week (US $87) for a standard full-time course (15 hours). For a more intensive 10-week course, the cost could be around £1,300 (US $1,615). Costs will depend on the location and services provided.
Check out Foreign Students for a directory of English-language schools. Accredited courses offer recognised qualifications and are more expensive than non-accredited ones.
Affordable Universities In The UK
Due to an increase in UK tuition fees for EU students with no access to student loans (given the Brexit regulations from 2021), we understand that studying in the United Kingdom can be expensive. In the table below, we have a list of affordable universities in the UK for you:
| University | Amount (Tuition Fees) 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Staffordshire University | £10,900 |
| Teesside University | £17,000 |
| Harper Adams University College | £16,500 |
| Leeds Trinity University | £14,500 |
| University Of Cumbria | £13,575 |
| University Of Bolton | £9,250 to £13,500 |
Scholarships For International Students In The UK
The amount of funding and the type of award differ between institutions. Some research programmes may cover up to 100% of tuition fees and contribute towards living expenses. Government scholarships often have higher competition than university scholarships, so starting the application process 8-12 months before your desired intake is advisable.
| S.No. | Scholarship Name | Eligibility Criteria | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevening Scholarship | Talented professionals with leadership skills and exceptional performance in their fields. | Fully funded: airfare, living expenses, and tuition fees. Typically, it is for 12 months and is extendable under special cases approved by FCO. |
| 2 | Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship | International students from Commonwealth countries are aiming for postgraduate degrees. | Covers tuition, airfare, and living expenses. Different types include PhD, Master’s, and Professional Fellowships. |
| 3 | GREAT Scholarship | Postgraduate students applying to 36 UK universities, with specific awards for Indian students. | Minimum £10,000 towards one year’s tuition for a postgraduate (taught) degree. |
| 4 | Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships (CWIT) | Indian students in early/mid-career stages are working/studying in heritage conservation, arts, or humanities. | Long-term, short research, and grants for the final year of Doctoral study. |
| 5 | Scotland Saltire Scholarships | Postgraduate students in areas like science, technology, healthcare, creative industries, and renewable energy. | £8,000 towards tuition fees for one year of a full-time postgraduate master’s programme. |
Brexit has significantly affected EU students coming to the UK. What was once an easy and affordable option has become more expensive and complicated. Many EU students are rethinking their plans with higher tuition fees and fewer funding opportunities. Despite these changes, the UK is still a popular choice for higher education, but the effects of Brexit are shaping the future of UK-EU educational ties.
FAQs
1. Do EU students pay university fees in the UK?
Ans – Students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), and Switzerland now pay the same fees as international students in the UK.
2. Did EU students get student loans in the UK after Brexit?
Ans – 2020 was the final year that non-UK students could apply for these loans. Students studying in the academic year 2018-2022 were still eligible for student loans in the UK.
3. Why are tuition fees higher for international students in the UK?
Ans – In the UK, courses for international students are more expensive than for domestic students because the latter benefit from subsidies funded by British taxpayers. Foreign students do not receive this subsidy, so they face higher fees.
4. Does Brexit affect international students?
Ans – EU and international students were affected by Brexit, as the fees were increased, and student applications were dropped due to increased costs.
5. Is the UK too expensive for international students?
Ans – In addition to tuition fees, international students in the UK need to budget for basic and miscellaneous expenses, including housing, transportation, food and groceries, health care, mobile and internet bills, clothing, stationery, and household items. For 2024, the estimated monthly cost of living ranges from around £1,345 to £1,955.
Thank you for reading our blog on UK Tuition Fees For EU Students. If you wish to read more about studying in the UK, these blogs might be of use to you:
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