Question on loans for EU students during Brexit transition period from Baroness Garden

Written question answered on Tuesday 22 May 2018

Baroness Garden of Frognal (Liberal Democrat) asked Her Majesty’s Government whether EU students studying in the UK will be eligible for student loans in England during the EU transition period from 2019.

Answered on 22 May 2018 by Viscount Younger of Leckie, Lords Spokesperson (Department for Education) (Higher Education)

EU students, staff and researchers make an important contribution to our universities. We want that contribution to continue and we are confident, given the quality of our higher education sector, that it will. We have agreed with the EU that current EU principles of equal treatment and non-discrimination will apply during the implementation period.

We have agreed as part of the Withdrawal Agreement with the EU that those who are resident in the UK before the end of the implementation period will have a right to apply for leave to remain in the UK thereafter. Those within scope of the Withdrawal Agreement and who meet the relevant eligibility requirements will have access to home fees status and student loans after the end of the implementation period.

We recognise how important it is that students and institutions have information on eligibility for student support before applications for courses open. With regard to the academic year 2019 to 2020, we will ensure ensure that this information is available as soon as possible.