Studying in England and Brexit

In recent years, Polish students have been very keen to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the European Union. Thanks to more open borders, many Poles have been able to experience studying in another country - and one of the most popular study destinations was the United Kingdom. However, in light of the result of the referendum on the UK leaving the European Union, many students and those aspiring to study in England are asking themselves - what happens now?

1. Why was studying in the UK so popular?

Before we move on to how the situation will look over the coming years, it is worth looking at the current position of Poles at English universities. It is estimated that around 6,000 students from Poland study at English universities. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, English universities have always enjoyed prestige, and in the eyes of students they represent a kind of gateway which, in their view, will give them more opportunities in the future. The second important factor is the way tuition fees are handled. Although British universities charge fees, foreign students can count on a loan on very favourable terms, regardless of where they repay it.

2. What does Brexit change?

It is hard to say precisely at this point to what extent Brexit will affect universities. Most British universities, given that the majority of them supported remaining in the Union, want to ensure that universities stay open to foreign nationals. Admissions for autumn 2018 therefore still remain in question. Even if students from abroad are still able to register freely for studies in the UK, it is not known whether they will be able to apply for loans on equally favourable terms. What is certain, however, is that those who have already started their studies will at least be able to finish their current year of education.

The certainty of higher education for Poles in the UK therefore remains unclear. Although universities are doing everything in their power to remain open to foreign students, it is hard to say at this point how much their efforts will achieve. Interest from students from many countries, including Poland, is still high, so there is no denying that by blocking access to students from abroad, the United Kingdom could also lose a great deal financially.