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Understanding Brexit and Its Impact on Students
When seeking to understand the implications of Brexit, especially for students, it's essential to start by grasping what Brexit actually is. Brexit, a portmanteau of "Britain" and "exit," refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (EU), a political and economic union of 28 European countries (now 27, following Brexit). This historic decision was made following a referendum held on 23rd June 2016, where 52% of British voters chose to leave the EU. Officially, the UK left the EU on 31st January 2020, marking a significant change in its political, economic, and social landscape.
The impact of Brexit reaches various sectors, including education, altering everything from university funding and school resources to international student exchange programs. For students, these changes can have profound and lasting effects on their educational experiences and future opportunities.
Financial Implications for Students
One of the most immediate impacts of Brexit on students is financial. UK students studying in the EU and vice versa have faced changes in tuition fee status, loan eligibility, and scholarship opportunities. Previously, UK students in the EU and EU students in the UK were eligible for 'home fee status,' which allowed them to pay lower tuition fees and access student loans. However, with Brexit, this is no longer universally applicable, potentially raising education costs and limiting access to higher education for some students.
- Tuition Fees: UK students studying in EU countries may now be classified as international students, which typically involves higher tuition fees.
- Student Loans and Grants: Similarly, EU students in the UK are no longer automatically eligible for student loans from the UK government.
- Scholarships: Funding opportunities such as Erasmus+, a popular programme that offered scholarships for studying abroad, have been replaced in the UK by the Turing Scheme, which covers global opportunities but comes with its own set of criteria and limitations.
Exchange and Study Opportunities
Brexit has also reshaped the landscape of student exchange and study abroad opportunities. The UK's departure from the EU means that participation in Europe-centric programs like Erasmus+ is altered. While the Turing Scheme introduced by the UK government aims to provide similar benefits, allowing students to study and work across the globe, it's focus and scope are different from Erasmus+. This change necessitates students to adapt to new systems and potentially miss out on established networks and opportunities that Erasmus+ provided within Europe.
Employment and Work Experience
During and after their studies, many students seek work experiences to enhance their resumes. Prior to Brexit, the freedom of movement allowed UK students to work in any EU country without requiring a visa, and vice versa. This is no longer the case, complicating the ability for students to find work across borders. Now, visas or work permits might be required, and these often come with stringent requirements and additional costs that can be deterrents for students seeking short-term work experiences or internships in different countries.
Practical Strategies for Navigating Post-Brexit Education
Despite these challenges, there are strategies that students can employ to mitigate the effects of Brexit on their educational and career trajectories:
- Research Thoroughly: Stay informed about the latest developments in tuition fees, visa requirements, and exchange opportunities for students in the UK and the EU. Websites of universities and official government platforms are valuable sources of precise and updated information.
- Explore Alternative Funding: Look beyond traditional loans and consider scholarships, grants, and bursaries available for international studies. Research the Turing Scheme and other global educational programs that might offer new opportunities.
- Plan Long-Term: If you're considering working in the EU post-graduation, think ahead about the requirements and possibly start the necessary legal processes early. Understand the specific criteria and prepare accordingly to ease the transition.
- Develop Skills: In a global job market, adaptability is key. Enhancing language skills, gaining professional experience through internships, and cultivating a global network can substantially improve prospects, irrespective of Brexit's complexities.
Brexit has indeed altered the terrain of higher education and student opportunities in significant ways. Students need to adapt to these changes through informed decision-making and strategic planning. By staying updated, exploring new opportunities, and preparing adequately for transitional challenges, students can navigate this new educational landscape effectively.
How are you feeling?
It is really important that when we need help, we feel able to ask for it. This could be speaking to a parent, a close friend, a teacher or someone else you trust. Sometimes it can be really hard to share our feelings with other people but if we are feeling low or don't know where to turn, sharing with others is really important. Teachers will always take you seriously and listen to your problems in confidence if you approach them for help. Likewise, parents, siblings or friends will help you if you reach out to them.
If you feel like you can't speak to anyone you know, there are people and organisations that can help support you:
- Childline - Call them on 0800 1111 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
- NSPCC - Call them on 0808 800 5000 between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday or email them on help@NSPCC.org.uk
- The Samaritans – Call them on 116 123 any time of the day or night, every day of the week
- SANE – Call 0300 304 7000 for support (4:30pm - 10:30pm every day)
- Mind – Call 0300 123 3393 (9:00am - 6:00pm Monday to Friday)
*Sometimes we will use real life examples in our articles to aid understanding. When we do, names and ages will be changed.
