Uni-LIFE: What consequences do we have to fear?
There is much stuff on the Brexit on the internet. Many business people and politicians talk about the consequences for the British and European economy and so on. But I am more interested in personal consequences. Does the Brexit affect MY life? Actually YES! I have not studied abroad yet but my university -that is to say my “Studienordnung” — demands a stay abroad for at least three months. My plan was to go to an English university or to teach as a German language assistant. The Brexit forces me to reconsider my plans and to seek for alternatives, but how does the Brexit actually influence uni life and academic careers? Here are some important questions about studying in Britain:
Can you still study in Great Britain?
Yes, you can! There are students from Turkey or Iceland who take part in Erasmus programs and as you know, these two countries are no members of the EU as well. BUT: Great Britain will only stay a Erasmus-member if it can support the programe with national funds. If - and to what extent Britain would do that, is written in the stars.
Do you need a visa, if you want to study there?
Probably yes. It could be similar to the situation in Switzerland or Norway. EU citizens are allowed to stay in Great Britain for 90 days without a visa but if you want to stay longer you might have to file a visa application. But: The implementation of visa requirement would also mean much bureaucratic work and it would deter tourists from traveling. So, there is no real reason to panic at the moment.
Will it be more expensive to study there?
Yes, certainly. At the moment, Erasmus-students do not have to pay tuition fees. If you study without Erasmus you have to pay shortened fees — the so-called “home fees”. Swiss students for example just pay such fees. So it is entirely possible that also EU-students will have to pay “home fees”. But: It is also likely that the EU-Students and British students are treated equally. If so — then you will have beg mommy and daddy for money because it will be awfully expensive: For their studies, British students pay up to 10.000 Euro a year! :-(
So there will be only British students in the lecture halls?
The percentage of EU-students will probably decrease because of the reasons mentioned above. According to a current Hobsons study, 82 per cent of EU students reported that they would find the UK less attractive.
For me, studying in the EU also became less attractive and I definitely have to look for alternatives.
So where should I go?
Pamela Barrett, the director of the international educational consultancy Barton Carlyle, told Fortune that the number of international students in the UK student population should be significantly higher and that Brexit may make it more difficult to add more international students. She also thinks that Canada and the U.S. will benefit. Canada and the US might be good alternatives which have a lot of institutions for international students, where you can choose a university which sorts well with your budget and professional qualifications.
