Information for students: EU Referendum

On 29 March 2017, the UK Prime Minister, Theresa May, triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, following the UK’s decision in last summer’s EU Referendum to leave the European Union (EU).

I appreciate that this announcement, and the outcome of the referendum, create considerable uncertainty and a cause of genuine concern for our students and colleagues in terms of what the future might hold.

In uncertain times, we seek out the strong and stable.

Royal Holloway was founded over 150 years ago. I am proud to be able to say that today we are one of the UK’s most international universities and our principles are clear. We value different perspectives. We are strengthened by our diversity. Our commitment to excellence and inclusivity is unwavering.

Ours is a close knit community and we will continue to welcome students and colleagues from all over the world to our campus. Our ability to inspire one another, and determination to go forward with purpose will ensure that together we will succeed in changing times.

Professor Paul Layzell, Principal, Royal Holloway, University of London

Information for new and continuing students

Fees for EU students:

• EU students already studying at Royal Holloway will continue to pay the same level of fee as UK students for the duration of their degree programmes.

• The UK government has also announced that EU students starting an undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree at Royal Holloway in 2017/18 or 2018/19 will pay the same level of fee as a UK student for the duration of their degree.  

Access to student loans for EU students:

• The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed that EU nationals or their family members, who are assessed as eligible to receive loans and/or grants from the SLC in 2016/17, will continue to receive these loans and grants until they finish their degree.

• The UK Government has also announced that EU students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught place at an English university or further education institution in the 2017/18 or 2018/19 academic years will continue to have access to student loans for their tuition fees, if eligible, for the duration of their degree. In addition, EU nationals who have resided in the UK for over five years will also have access to undergraduate maintenance support. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the immigration status of EU students in the UK change?

At this point, there is no change to the status of current EU students in the UK. We will publish updates as soon as any further information is released by the UK Government.

Will tuition fees change for EU students at Royal Holloway?

EU students starting an undergraduate or postgraduate taught degree at Royal Holloway in 2017/18 or 2018/19 will pay the same level of fee as a UK student for the duration of their degree.

The UK Government has also announced that EU students applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught place at an English university or further education institution in the 2017/18 or 2018/19 academic years will continue to have access to student loans for their tuition fees, if eligible, for the duration of their degree. In addition, EU nationals who have resided in the UK for over five years will also have access to undergraduate maintenance support. 

Will there be any change to the status or tuition fees for non-EU international fee-paying students?

There will be no immediate changes to the immigration status or tuition fees for international students from outside the EU. Royal Holloway has published its international tuition fees for 2017/18 entry and these will not change. International students are recommended to monitor current exchange rates closely when setting aside the required tuition fee and maintenance funds for the Tier 4 visa application process, to ensure they have sufficient money in their bank account to meet UKVI requirements. Please visit our website for further advice about the visa application process, if applicable. If you would like any further information or advice, please contact us at study@royalholloway.ac.uk

Will EU students still be able to apply to Royal Holloway under Erasmus, Erasmus+ or other exchange programmes?

The European Commission has confirmed that EU law continues to apply to the full in the UK until it is no longer a member, which includes projects financed through the Erasmus+ programme. Following the UK-EU phase one agreement in December 2017, the UK will be able to participate in Erasmus+ until the end of 2020. It is therefore anticipated that all of Royal Holloway’s current Erasmus+ arrangements will remain in place for the academic year 2019/20.

However, this situation may change and prospective Erasmus+ students should consult their home university for further advice and updates. 

Will Royal Holloway students from the UK still be able to study abroad under the Erasmus+ or other exchange programmes?

There are no immediate changes for Royal Holloway students wishing to participate in Erasmus+, the immigration status of any UK students taking part, or the funding opportunities available. Following the UK-EU phase one agreement in December 2017, the UK will be able to participate in Erasmus+ until the end of 2020, and so Royal Holloway recommends that students continue to make plans to participate in the scheme until, and including, the academic year 2019/20.

However, this situation may change, and Royal Holloway will provide its students with updates when further information becomes available. Royal Holloway students participating in the College’s International Exchange programme in 2017/18 or wishing to do so in the future, will not be affected by the referendum result.

Can EU students still work in the UK while they are studying?

At this point, there is no change to the status of EU students in the UK and therefore they are permitted to work. We will publish any updates from the Government as soon as further information is available.