The announcement means students from EU countries can now apply for places on undergraduate courses starting in autumn 2018 with the confidence that they will not have to pay up-front tuition fees and will remain eligible to receive government-backed loans to cover their tuition fee for the duration of their courses.

It also means that EU students commencing courses in autumn 2018 will continue to pay the same tuition fees as UK students for the full duration of their courses, even those years past the point the UK exits the EU

Bill Rammell Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire said: “This is good news 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.”

“Moving forward we will work along with colleagues across the university sector to explain why EU students are not just good for universities, but good for the country as a whole.”

Alistair Jarvis, Deputy Chief Executive of Universities UK, added: "We welcome this announcement, which provides much needed clarity for EU students applying to start courses at English universities in the 2018–19 academic year. The university sector has made clear to government the urgent need to address this issue, as universities have already begun to receive enquiries from prospective students for the 2018–19 intake.

"It is good to see that the government has recognised the value of EU students and guaranteed their access to financial support and home fee status across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.”

EU Students with any questions or concerns about funding or about the triggering of Article 50 should email: teameu@beds.ac.uk