This afternoon, the Prime Minister triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon following the UK’s decision in last summer’s EU Referendum to leave the European Union (EU). Today marks the start of a two year negotiation process, during which time the UK Government and EU member states will agree the terms of the UK’s exit from the EU.
The outcome of the referendum has created considerable uncertainty and genuine concern about what the future will hold. Against this background, it is more important than ever before that we come together, as a community, and support one another.
I am proud to be able to say that Royal Holloway is one of the UK’s most international universities, and our priorities remain unchanged. We value different perspectives. We are strengthened by our diversity. Our commitment to excellence and inclusivity is unwavering.
As discussions develop and decisions are made around the UK’s exit from the EU, we will continue to support you and your friends, from every nation, to successfully complete your studies. If you’re a current student from an EU country, your immigration status, fee status and tuition fee loans haven’t changed as a result of Brexit. Equally, if you’re on the Erasmus+ programme, your immigration and grant status haven’t changed.
If you have friends from the EU who are thinking of applying to Royal Holloway for a course that starts in 2017, the UK Government has confirmed that these students will continue to be eligible for student loans and grants, and will be for the duration of their course. This eligibility will continue even if the UK exits the European Union during that period. Royal Holloway has also confirmed that, if relevant UK legislation continues to permit it, we will maintain parity between the tuition fees charged to UK and EU students for the duration of their degree studies.
Together with our collaborators and partners, Royal Holloway is working hard to ensure that UK universities remain accessible to everyone across the world and to protect the powerful contribution that EU and international students and staff make to higher education in the UK.
As the next stage of Brexit gets underway, you can stay up to date on the EU Hub on the student intranet, and if you or your friends have concerns or questions, please get in touch.
Professor Paul Layzell
Principal