In 2016, 51,850 EU students applied to study at UK universities, while in 2017 the number dropped to 49,250, or a 5 percent fall. The data were gathered as for June 30, 2017.
EU students used to maintain the highest amount of international students in the UK, but Brexit seems to have impacted their interest, UCAS annual report shows.
This annual survey reports the very first drop of EU students’ applications in the UK since 2013 when 43,290 EU students applied to study in the UK. Obviously, the reason is related to the Brexit process.
The UCAS’s annual report on the UK educational data approved all the concerns higher education institutions feared, following Brexit.
Apart from the high-quality education and a better perspective, international students’ scope for a good political and social environment. EU students don’t feel like they’re finding it in the UK anymore.
Before Brexit, EU students were treated just like resident students. But from now, they will have to apply for a student visa, undertake international tuition fees… etc.
However, the UK remains one of the top two destination countries for international students. Together with the US, they are the only countries with more than a million foreign students.
Educational experts in the UK warned the government that the prolonged and unclear process of Brexit will negatively indicate their highly-reputed educational institutions, especially amongst European students who used to maintain the highest portion of international students in the island.
Along with EU students, a worrying issue for the UK remains the academic staff coming from Europe. Earlier in 2017, it was reported that European academics are leaving their teaching and research positions in the UK due to the uncertain future after the United Kingdom left the EU.
A detailed picture of the Brexit effect will be revealed in the upcoming years.