Brexit information for EU students
EU students remain very welcome at the University of Bedfordshire. They form a vital part of our campus life, and despite this period of change, we are committed to maintaining our diverse and welcoming learning environment.
How will Brexit affect you?
If you started your course in September 2020 or in January 2021 you will have guaranteed home fee status and financial support for the duration of your course and you will pay the same fees as UK students.
We have also committed that EU students joining us in the academic year 2021/22 will still pay the same fees as UK students. You may also be eligible for University of Bedfordshire EU Scholarships.
Irish nationals studying in the UK will continue to have home fee status regardless of arrival date.
EU citizens who already lived or arrived in the UK on or before 31st December 2020, have until 30th June 2021 to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. The EU Settlement Scheme protects your rights to study, live and work in the UK as before Brexit.
Useful information about the EU Settlement Scheme can be found on the UKCISA website.
EU citizens who arrived after 23:00 on 31st December 2020 will fall under the government’s new immigration system, the Student Route.
The government has guidance to help prepare EU students who will be entering the UK through the Student Route.
Students who arrived in the UK before 23:00 on 31st December 2020
If you are an offer holder from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and arrived in the UK prior to 23:00 on 31st December 2020 you are not required to apply for a student visa from your home country. You will have the right to study, live and work in the UK as before Brexit.
Please remember to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme in order to protect these rights.
Students who arrived in the UK after 23:00 on 31st December 2020
If you are from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you arrived in the UK after 23:00 on 31st December 2020 you will need to apply through the Student Route.
The Student Route visa has replaced the previous Tier 4 student visa.
If you arrived in the UK before 23:00 on 31st December 2020, you have until 30th June to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme which will continue your access to the NHS as before Brexit.
If you arrived in the UK on or after 1st January 2021 you will be required to pay an Immigration Health Surcharge. Postgraduate students who bring their family (spouse/partner and children under the age of 18), will also need to pay the surcharge for each of their dependents.
University support
The University’s International Office has a specialist European Union Team on hand to provide support. They can be contacted via telephone - +44 (0) 1582 489253 - or email: teameu@beds.ac.uk
If you have a question relating to visas, please email: visaadvice@beds.ac.uk