Information for current EU and Erasmus students
Make sure you have the most recent information.
The policy environment relating to Brexit remains subject to change. Given the continuing uncertainty, students and staff are advised to check relevant websites regularly for updated advice and guidance.
Students should ensure they have the latest information about their rights and status. If you have any further questions please contact the Red Button.
Undergraduate and postgraduate students
There is no change as a result of the vote. Your immigration status has not changed as a result of the referendum. The fee levels that you are currently charged have not changed as a result of the referendum, and neither has your access to any support you receive from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
The Scottish Government has confirmed, following the referendum, that "there has been no change in current funding arrangements and that eligible EU students already studying in Scotland or commencing their studies in the coming months will continue to benefit from free tuition and, for those who meet the residency requirement, associated living cost support."
This above advice also holds true for students with dual nationality, i.e. domiciled outside the EU but holding an EU passport.
Scottish Government statement: "Reassurance for EU students"
Erasmus students
University of the Highlands and Islands students currently studying/working abroad through the Erasmus+ programme
If you are a currently studying or working abroad through the Erasmus+ programme you will continue to be eligible for your Erasmus+ grant funding for as long as the UK remains part of the Erasmus+ programme.
Provided an agreement is reached with the EU that UK universities can participate in Erasmus+ projects after the UK has left the EU, students will be able to go abroad and receive funding through the Erasmus+ programme until the end of the academic year 2020/21.
In the event of a 'no deal' scenario, the UK may be forced to withdraw from the Erasmus+ programme. The UK Government has announced that it will underwrite the payment of all successful bids for Erasmus+ funding that are submitted before the UK exits the EU, covering students who are currently abroad. For more information about the UK Government’s underwrite guarantee, please see the British Council's Brexit update.
The university will continue to monitor external developments and will update current and future Erasmus students as more information becomes known.
UK nationals studying/working in another EU member state as part of the Erasmus+ programme will not require a visa to do so whilst the UK remains in the EU. This will continue to be the case following the UK’s exit from the EU, provided that a deal is reached between the EU/EEA and the UK Government which includes a ‘transition period’.
For further information on travelling to the EU in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario, please see the current UK Government advice on this.
Erasmus+ partner students currently studying in the Highlands and Islands
Students who are currently undertaking a study or work placement at the University of the Highlands and Islands through the Erasmus+ programme, will continue to be eligible for Erasmus+ grants from their home institution for as long as the UK remains part of the Erasmus+ programme.
Provided the UK Government reaches an agreement with the EU that UK universities can participate in Erasmus+ projects after the UK withdraws from the EU, students will be able to come to the University of the Highlands and Islands through the Erasmus+ programme until the end of the academic year 2020/21.
In the unlikely event of a Brexit no deal scenario, the UK may be forced to withdraw from the Erasmus+ programme. This could have implications on the funding available to incoming students through their home institutions and is something inward students should check with their home institution and their National Agency.
If you are a national of an EU or EEA country, or Switzerland, you do not require a visa to study in the UK, for as long as the UK remains part of the EU. This will continue to be the case following the UK’s exit from the EU on 29 March 2019, provided that a deal is reached between the EU/EEA and the UK Government which includes a ‘transition period’. Further information on travelling to the UK after Brexit.