What does Brexit mean for international students?

The UK has formally left the EU after almost 50 years. Understandably, the country is undergoing significant changes across all sectors. With the UK university sector worth over £21.5 billion, the future of the higher education landscape has been an important question throughout the transition. With EU students now requiring student visas to study in the UK and paying the same fees as international students – how will this affect the student status quo?  What are international students’ perceptions of studying in a post-Brexit Britain, and how exactly do they stand to benefit from the transition? 

International students see ample opportunities for themselves in post-Brexit Britain  

According to a 2019 report by QS¹, following a survey of 75,000 students from over 151 countries, a significant portion of international students are more interested in studying the UK after Brexit. Many non-EU expressed their increased interest in studying in the UK due to feelings that they would find it easier to be accepted for their chosen university, secure a student visa and also find a job post-graduation due to their belief that the UK will be stronger outside the EU. Some international students are also opting to choose the UK as their study destination due to their native currency’s increased buying power over the pound. 

Overall, it seems the Brexit effect on international students is coming off as majorly positive. Non-EU countries are optimistic about their prospects in the UK – as they anticipate an increase in academic and professional opportunities opening up for them as EU student enrollment takes a step back.

The reintroduction of 2-year post-study work visas gives graduates a boost

In early March 2021, the UK announced the roll-out of its Graduate route – a post-study work visa system that allows students to work or look for work for up to 2 years (3 for Doctorate students). First announced in 2019, the first eligible batches for the scheme would be graduating this year, with applications opening in July 2021. The return to 2-year visa system will be an impactful deciding factor for many international students. 77% of international students in a 2019 survey by QS said that an extension like this would make them more open to studying in the UK.

Are there advantages of Brexit for international students? The answer seems to be yes   

For international students, Brexit can be seen to reduce competition for professional opportunities in the UK for them after graduation. Moreover, with the Graduate route 2- & 3-year post-study visas an option, and the ability to switch over to a Skilled Worker visa – the benefits of studying in Britain are only increasing for international students. The UK is providing strong pathways to promising professional opportunities for international students – and we can expect to see many more choosing to start their higher education journey here.

_{1. Source – QS, Growing Global Education | Rising to the international recruitment challenge, International Student Survey, 2019}