Post-Brexit Changes For EU Students Studying in Britain From 2021

From 1 January, the reality of a post-Brexit world will be confronted by British and EU citizens as the transition period ends and borders that have been removed decades ago return. From that date on, Britons will be treated as third-country nationals by the EU, no longer enjoying the freedom of movement throughout the European Union to work, study or retire.

In turn, Britain will process EU nationals at its borders as it does other non-UK passport holders. Theoretically, EU citizens residing in Britain, or Britons living in a European Union country, will retain their rights under a withdrawal agreement reached at the end of 2019.

Tourists

Apart from the fluctuating COVID-19 restrictions already crimping travel, tourists will see some immediate changes. Still, both sides have agreed that travel will be visa-free as long as the other side keeps it that way after Brexit. But the EU will stop using British passports in its automated e-gates, which would potentially mean longer queues at staffed passport booths. British citizens must hold passports that are still valid for at least six months and are restricted to EU stays of 90 days over a rolling 180-day period. They will also need to show travel insurance coverage, adequate funds, and a return ticket on request.

Until October, for stays of up to six months, Europeans entering Britain can use a national ID card, after which only passports will be accepted. Under existing guidance, EU passport holders will be able to continue using British e-gates. Those with criminal records may be banned and, depending on nationality, non-European family members of a European family may need a visa. As long as rabies vaccines are up to date, Europeans will keep using EU pet passports. However, Britons must see a vet a month before their trip to an EU country to prepare their pets for travel.

Business Travelers

On Thursday, the EU-UK agreement established visa requirements for business travellers, the details of which have yet to be made public. In the EU, British people attending conferences or meetings are likely to be visa-free if they do not receive payments or provide services. However, a visa and a work permit may be imposed for other UK business travellers, including posted and self-employed workers, following each EU country’s laws. Tax and social security will also be available.

For non-EU citizens or residents or those lacking national licences, certain services or company ownership in those countries may be off-limits, and customs declarations may be necessary for goods brought in. In Britain, EU citizens with a job offer will be required to demonstrate their English-language skills and a minimum wage, depending on whether they are qualified (26,500 pounds, equivalent to 29,600 euros or 35,000 US dollars) or have a job shortage (20,480 pounds or 22,800 euros).

What post-Brexit means for EU students and universities

Starting in January, EU students going to Britain will need a visa for courses longer than six months. They will have to pay four times the steeper tuition fee for degrees such as medicine or MBAs at prestigious universities. That heavy burden could force many European students to choose EU institutions, some of which are free from British institutions. UK universities fear they will blow a big hole in their finances. They also say they are already being shunned for EU university-led research projects.

Starting in January, EU students going to Britain will need a visa for courses longer than six months. They will have to pay four times the steeper tuition fee for degrees such as medicine or MBAs at prestigious universities. That heavy burden could force many European students to choose EU institutions, some of which are free from British institutions. UK universities fear they will blow a big hole in their finances. They also say they are already being shunned for EU university-led research projects.

Emigrants

Their rights to stay are protected under the 2019 Withdrawal Agreement for the estimated 1.3 million Britons living in the EU and the more than four million EU citizens living in the UK before the end of the transition period. There will be a very different situation for those wishing to emigrate elsewhere in the EU after January 1. For example, Britons have long favoured Spain, France, Germany and Italy to set down new roots as workers or retirees.

Even Britons settled under the Withdrawal Agreement will no longer have automatic rights to move to another EU country. If they want to do so, they will face national immigration laws. For its part, Britain is bringing in a 2021 point-based system that will make it considerably more difficult for Europeans to move there. Age, ability to speak English, funds and the requirement to pay a health surcharge will all be assessed, with caps on some of the immigration channels.