With more than 120 nationalities represented on campus, we’re proud that the University of Stirling is home to students and staff from all over the world. Our international partnerships and diversity bring vibrancy to our community, foster academic insight and enhance awareness of social and cultural perspectives.
If you’re a current student or member of staff, or if you’re thinking about studying at the University, you probably have questions about what Brexit means for you. Below you’ll find guidance on some frequently asked questions related to studying and working here after the UK leaves the EU – as well as links to the most up-to-date information available from relevant bodies. Please be assured that we are committed to maintaining an inclusive and diverse learning environment for all of our students irrespective of the outcomes of Brexit.
Stirling welcomes the world
"The University of Stirling is an international university that welcomes and values staff and students from across the EU and internationally, and will continue to do so."
Professor Gerry McCormac, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Current update
Message from the Principal - leaving the EU
Previous updates
Message from the Principal - Brexit process
Principal calls for post-Brexit stability
Principal gives evidence to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee
Applicant FAQs
Information for prospective students thinking about studying in the UK after Brexit.
Are undergraduate students from the EU still eligible for free tuition in Scotland?
Starting your studies in 2019 and 2020
The Scottish Government has confirmed that EU students starting their degree in Scotland in 2019 and 2020 will continue to be eligible for Scottish/EU fee status and will retain that fee status for the duration of their studies.
EU students enrolling in 2019 and 2020 are eligible for tuition fee support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
Starting your studies in 2021 or later
EU nationals and associated groups, who are starting their degree in the academic year 2021/22 or later, are not eligible to apply to SAAS for tuition fee support.
Some students who are starting an undergraduate course in 2021/22 may be eligible to apply for home tuition fees, if they are progressing from a Higher National qualification.
The Scottish Government are still considering the position for students from the Republic of Ireland.
Please refer to the SAAS for up to date information.
Can postgraduate students from the EU still apply for funding support in Scotland?
Starting your studies in 2019 and 2020
The UK Government has confirmed that EU students enrolling in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 academic years for a taught postgraduate course will be admitted as Scottish/EU fee status students, and will be eligible for the same student loan support as Scottish domiciled students. This applies to those joining us in October 2020 and February 2021. See more information about postgraduate loans and funding.
Starting your studies in 2021 or later
If you are starting your course in academic year 2021/22, your fee status may change. This could result in higher fees. The University is yet to set out its policy on this, and we will update this page in due course.
Can I still apply for Research Council funding for my PhD?
It has been confirmed that EU postgraduate research students commencing their studies in 2019/20 and 2020/21 will retain their fee status and eligibility for Research Council support for the duration of their course. Future changes to the fee status and available funding for EU students will depend on the timing and terms of the UK's exit from the European Union.
Will a no-deal Brexit affect my healthcare cover?
In a no-deal scenario, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover for both UK and EU students may cease. However, the UK Government has confirmed that it will cover the cost of healthcare for UK students who begin their courses in the EU ahead of the UK’s exit date, and for the full duration of their courses.
Beyond this, the UK Government aims to establish reciprocal healthcare arrangements with each EU member states, valid for a limited time, in the event of a no-deal exit.
EU students commencing courses after exit date, therefore, will be subject to the reciprocal arrangements between the UK and the country of origin and may require third party cover, depending on the length of their course.
I am a non-EU international student: how does Brexit affect me?
Brexit will not affect the status of international students outside the European Union and we will continue to encourage international
I am an EU national applying or a programme starting in 2021. Will a I need a visa to study?
Students arriving from 1 January 2021 will need to apply for immigration permission to come to the UK under a category of the immigration Rules which are in place at that time. Anyone intending to come to the UK from January 2021 will need to apply under the relevant category of the immigration Rules.
The government has set outfurther details on the UK’s points-based system. These new arrangements will take effect from 1 January 2021, once freedom of movement with the European Union (EU) has ended. It will treat EU and non-EU citizens equally and aims to attract people who can contribute to the UK’s economy.
Irish citizens will continue to be able to enter and live in the UK as they do now.
Will I be able to live and work in the UK after I graduate?
EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme is now open to most students, who are eligible to apply if they are either:
- An EU national with a valid passport (not identity card)
- A non-EU citizen who has a residence card or permanent residence card issued on the basis of an application made under EU law provisions on or after 6 April 2015
Please visit the UK Government website, or the UK Council for International Student Affairs website, for information on who should consider applying under this scheme and updates on post-Brexit rules and entitlements.
Graduate Immigration Route
The Graduate Immigration Route is a new UK post-study work visa. It is set to be introduced for international students completing a UK degree from the summer of 2021 or after.
It will allow you to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate (three years for PhD students), with no restriction on the type of work you can do. There will be no cap on the number of students who can benefit from the scheme.
Exact details for the new Graduate Route are still being clarified. It is expected to pass in to legislation in Spring 2021. You can find up to date information on the Home Office website.
Helpful information and resources
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View the latest information compiled by Universities UK on the implications of Brexit.
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The UK Council for International Student Affairs offers up-to-date advice for students on post-Brexit rules.
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Read the Student Awards Agency Scotland's full guidance on Brexit.
- See the latest information from Erasumus+ about how Brexit will impact their European Union programme for education, training, youth and sport. You can also contact us at erasmus@stir.ac.uk if you have any questions related to the programme.
- Trained citizens advice bureau advisers can be contacted on 0800 916 9847 or visit www.cas.org.uk/brexit.
Current student FAQs
Learn more about the implications of Brexit if you're already a University of Stirling student.
Will my fee status change after Brexit?
No, your current fee levels will not change. If you’re an undergraduate student from the EU already studying here, you’ll still be entitled to tuition fee support from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) for the duration of your course. Current postgraduate students from the EU will still pay the same fees agreed on entry and have access to the same funding sources.
Will I be able to live and work in the UK after I graduate?
EU Settlement Scheme
The EU Settlement Scheme is now open to most students, who are eligible to apply if they are either:
- An EU national with a valid passport (not identity card)
- A non-EU citizen who has a residence card or permanent residence card issued on the basis of an application made under EU law provisions on or after 6 April 2015
Please visit the UK Government website, or the UK Council for International Student Affairs website, for information on who should consider applying under this scheme and updates on post-Brexit rules and entitlements.
Graduate Immigration Route
The Graduate Immigration Route is a new UK post-study work visa. It is set to be introduced for international students completing a UK degree from the summer of 2021 or after.
It will allow you to stay in the UK for up to two years after you graduate (three years for PhD students), with no restriction on the type of work you can do. There will be no cap on the number of students who can benefit from the scheme.
Exact details for the new Graduate Route are still being clarified. It is expected to pass in to legislation in Spring 2021. You can find up to date information on the Home Office website.
I am an EU national. Will a no-deal Brexit affect my immigration status?
If you are already studying in the UK then there is no need to do anything immediately. The UK government
The EU Settlement Status scheme is live and open for applications. All EU nationals in the UK will be
If you have not yet travelled to enrol on your course then the implications of Brexit may depend on when
Read this guidance covering a number of considerations
How will Brexit impact Erasmus+?
All students participating in Erasmus study or work placement are being kept up to date via pre-
See the latest information from Erasumus+ or contact us at erasmus@stir.ac.uk if you have any
My course has a compulsory year abroad – what support can I expect with arrangements?
Opportunities to spend time abroad will continue to be available post-Brexit. Students with a compulsory period abroad can contact the relevant Faculty to discuss their options. ?
Please note that those spending a semester or year abroad would continue to pay their tuition fees to the University, so there are no tuition fees due to a host institution, however you should expect
Will a no-deal Brexit affect my healthcare cover?
In a no-deal scenario, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) cover for both UK and EU students may cease. However, the UK Government has confirmed that it will cover the cost of healthcare for UK students who begin their courses in the EU ahead of 31 October 2019 exit date, and for the full duration of their courses.
Beyond this, the UK Government aims to establish reciprocal healthcare arrangements with each EU member state valid for a limited time in the event of a no-deal exit.
For EU students commencing courses in the UK before the date of exit, the UK Government has confirmed they will be able to access 'needs arising treatment' through the NHS.
If reciprocal healthcare arrangements are not in place by the date of departure, the UK Government has stated it will provide funding for healthcare for UK nationals in the EU27 for a period of 6-months after exit.
I am a non-EU international student: how does Brexit affect me?
Brexit will not affect the status of international students outside the European Union and we will continue to encourage international applications from around the globe. With over 120 nationalities on campus, the University of Stirling offers a diverse and multi-cultural student experience.
Helpful resources and information
- The Students’ Union is here to support you and further information can be found on their website.
- See a range of resources about Brexit from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.
- Living in the UK beyond your studies - read the government's detailed guidance on settled and pre-settled status for EU citizens and their families.
- Read a case study about an EU student's application for settled status in the UK.
- The UK Council for International Student Affairs has this helpful breakdown of the UK Government's white paper on the post-Brexit immigration system.
- Trained citizens advice bureau advisers can be contacted on 0800 916 9847 or visit www.cas.org.uk/brexit.
Staff FAQs
Resources and guidance for our staff about the impact of Brexit.
Will I be able to continue living and working in the UK after Brexit?
Yes. The Government has issued the following guidance on EU citizen's rights:
In advance of the UK’s exit from the European Union (EU), the UK government has committed to protect the rights of EU citizens and their family members currently living in the UK. This includes the right to live, work and access public services such as healthcare and benefits. To retain these rights, EU citizens must apply for either “settled status” or “pre-settled status” under the EU Settlement Scheme by 31 December 2020 if the UK exits without a deal (or 30 June 2021 if the UK exits with a deal).
Settled status would be granted to EU citizens and family members resident in the UK for more than five years and pre-settled status granted if resident in the UK for less than five years. Further details on the EU Settlement Scheme can be found here and details of who should apply (including those EU citizens with existing permanent residency status) can be found here.
How do I apply?
To apply to the scheme you are required to complete an online application form. Applicants are then required to prove their identity using the newly developed software app – “EU Exit: Identity Document Check”. The app is available on android devices and on iPhone 7 and newer models. Further detail on how to use the app can be found here.
If you are unable to access an android device to download the app, please contact HR Services via hroperations@stir.ac.uk.
Will it cost me to apply?
No. On 21 January 2019, the UK government announced that it would no longer be charging EU citizens the ￡65 application fee. If you made an application during the pilot phase, ie before 30 March 2019, the Home Office will reimburse the fee.
Can I apply if I am a national from the wider European Economic Area or Switzerland?
Yes. The Home Office has confirmed that nationals of the wider European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland and Lichtenstein) and Swiss nationals can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme now that it is fully open.
What support will the University give me?
An Android device is available for staff who require it to submit their application to the EU Settlement Scheme, this can be used within HR&OD and can be booked by contacting HRoperations@stir.ac.uk.
I am an EU National and will be outside the UK when the UK’s exit date is expected to occur. Is there anything I should do in advance?
It is strongly recommended that you make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme before you travel.
All staff and students travelling on University business should notify insurance@stir.ac.uk of their travel plans if they are travelling outside of the UK.
What impact might Brexit have on travel plans?
The UK Government have advised that you ensure your passport has six months validity.
All staff and students travelling on University business should notify insurance@stir.ac.uk of their travel plans if they are travelling outside of the UK.
For EU citizens who want to re-enter the UK around the UK’s exit date, those without settled or pre-settled status are advised to take proof of residence with them (eg Council tax bill or equivalent).
I will be travelling in Europe on University business when the UK’s exit date is expected to occur, am I insured?
University travel insurance remains in place and will continue to provide the same level of cover after Brexit. All staff and students travelling on University business should notify insurance@stir.ac.uk of their travel plans if they are travelling outside of the UK and there is no change to this after Brexit. If staff or students travelling on University business have any concerns they can contact insurance@stir.ac.uk.
Key Travel is the University’s preferred way of arranging travel and it should therefore normally be used by staff for this function (including booking air travel and as many other travel-related services as practicable). Further information can be read here.
I am an Irish national. Do I need to apply for settled status?
As an Irish national you do not need to apply for settled status. However, you will need to apply for it if you either wish to become a British citizen, or you wish to bring non-EEA dependent family members to the UK with you in the future.
I am currently away from the UK on business / personal travel – can I still apply to the EU Settlement Scheme?
Yes, overseas applicants are able to apply to the scheme.
How will Brexit impact my pension?
The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) has published a series of FAQs. Alternatively, please contact HR and Organisation Development, email: hroperations@stir.ac.uk
Helpful resources and information
- Detailed information about the EU Settlement Scheme.
- See example case studies of EU citizens living in the UK after it leaves the EU.
- Read the latest information from Universities UK about Brexit.
- Trained citizens advice bureau advisers can be contacted on 0800 916 9847 or visit www.cas.org.uk/brexit.
- Information on driving in the EU after Brexit can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/driving-in-the-eu-after-brexit-international-driving-permits
Research, innovation and Brexit
Will the UK continue to have access to EU funding for research and innovation?
Updated 23 January 2020
UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has published new information about UK scientists, researchers and businesses’ ability to continue to participate in, bid for and lead projects in the European Union’s (EU) flagship programme Horizon 2020.
Following the Second Reading in parliament of the Withdrawal Agreement on 20 December, the UK has now stepped down its preparations for leaving the EU without a deal, with confidence that it will ratify the EU Exit deal by 31 January.
This means that you should continue to participate in your project in the same way as you currently do, in line with the terms of your grant agreement.
The full article is available here – UKRI News
Further information:
- UKRI has a special email address for EU Exit-related enquiries: EUGrantsFunding@ukri.org
- UKRI’s UK Research Office in Brussels has an EU Exit factsheet at www.ukro.ac.uk
- For information about opportunities in your sector see this info on gov.co.uk
- For details of Science Minister Chris Skidmore’s speech about international collaboration after Brexit, given on 9 October 2019, see here
What about participation in future research programmes?
Universities UK, the sector’s representative body, is lobbying for full association for the next EU framework programme, Horizon Europe, which is due to start on 1 January 2021. The proposal for this programme was published by the European Commission in June 2018, and leaves open the possibility of full UK participation as an associated country.
Get in touch
There is still a lot of uncertainty around the full implications of the EU Referendum result for the UK Higher Education sector, but if you have any questions or concerns related to studying or working at the University of Stirling after Brexit, please get in touch.
Study in Scotland
Scotland is a diverse and inclusive country that celebrates being home to many different people and cultures from around the world. Find out more about studying here.
#WeAreInternational
We’re supporters of the #WeAreInternational campaign – a celebration of the talented students and staff from across the globe who choose to study or work in UK universities.