EU student advice

'We continue to be open to all international students, including those from the EU, and we value the important contribution they make to our universities.'

Michelle Donelan, Universities Minister

Here in the UK, a warm welcome is waiting for you

The UK is one of the most trusted and popular study destinations in the world. Every year, over 500,000 international students choose to study in the UK over other destinations, so as a student here, you will meet people from all over the world.

European students and staff are extremely welcome in the UK, and they make a significant contribution to the UK and to the success of its universities.

This page offers information and advice specific to European students about studying in the UK, following the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU).

What fees do European students pay to study in the UK?

Students from the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland pay the same fees as international students in the UK. Visit our money and budgeting page to find out more about the cost of studying in the UK as an international student.

There are some exceptions to this, including:

• EU nationals who have settled status may still be eligible for ‘home fee status’ and pay the same as UK nationals.
• Irish nationals living in the UK or the Republic of Ireland are treated the same as UK students for fee and funding purposes, due to the UK-Ireland Common Travel Area agreement.
• UK nationals living in the EU, EEA and Switzerland may continue to be eligible for ‘home fee status’, subject to eligibility criteria.

Remember that universities can set their own fees for EU students, so always check individual universities’ funding pages to check how much you’ll pay as an EU student. Some universities offer discounts to students from the EU. If you’re not sure about what fees you should be paying, contact your university for advice.

EU students are not eligible for UK student loans. Visit our scholarships page to find out more about the options available to you for funding your studies in the UK.

Do European students need a visa to study in the UK?

Unless you have settled status, it is most likely you will need a visa to study in the UK.

Visit our student visas page to learn everything you need to know about applying for a visa to study in the UK as a European student.

If you arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, and you have settled status, you don’t need a visa to study in the UK.

Can European students still come to the UK on the Erasmus+ exchange programme?

The UK no longer participates in Erasmus+. Read more about the UK's withdrawal from Erasmus+.

For the latest information on Erasmus+, visit the UK National Agency website.

Can European students stay in the UK after graduating?

There are lots of options available to you if you want to stay and work in the UK after you graduate.

The length of your student visa will depend on the duration of your course, but will usually end within a few months of finishing your course, so it is likely you will need to apply for a different visa to remain in the UK.

The Graduate Route welcomes international students to apply to stay in the UK and work, or look for work, upon graduation. International students who have successfully completed an undergraduate or master’s degree can apply to stay in the UK for up to two years after their studies. PhD graduates can apply to stay for up to three years.

Other types of visa may better suit your situation. Learn more on our after your studies pages.

If you arrived in the UK before 31 December 2020, and you have settled status, you have the right to live and work in the UK as part of your status.

Where can I find more information?

• Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates about studying in the UK.
• The UK government’s guidance for European students has the latest information and advice.
• Visit Universities UK’s guidance for EU students.
• Visit UKCISA’s guidance for EU students.