England extends funding for EU students amid Brexit concerns

Students from the European Union applying to universities in England for next year will still be eligible for domestic tuition fees and student loans, regardless of Brexit.

It means students from the EU will continue to pay 9,250 pounds ($11,700) a year for undergraduate courses－and will not be treated as "overseas" students, which would mean much higher fees and a loss of eligibility for student finance.

There are about 37,000 EU students currently in the process of applying for courses starting in 2019－and universities in England had been concerned uncertainty over fees could cause a drop in recruitment and a loss of income.

Universities Minister Chris Skidmore told a meeting of ministers in Brussels that EU students would continue to be funded on the same basis as students in England for undergraduate and postgraduate courses.

"We know that students will be considering their university options for next year already, which is why we are confirming now that eligible EU nationals will continue to benefit from home fee status and can access financial support for the 2020-21 academic year, so they have the certainty they need to make their choice," Skidmore said.

He added: "It is important that we remember that while we have chosen to leave the EU, we are not leaving Europe, and our universities thrive on the diversity of being global institutions."

England's Department for Education said discussions were ongoing on the future fee status for EU students starting courses after 2020-21.

Jess Cole, the director of policy for the Russell Group of universities, said Skidmore's announcement clarified the fee status for tens of thousands of EU students.

"Having clarity of their fee status is critical, especially in light of the continuing uncertainty over Brexit," said Cole.

"To reassure these students further, the government should guarantee their migration rights for the duration of their studies. Students starting courses in 2020-21 should be eligible for the EU settlement scheme regardless of whether the UK leaves the EU without a deal," Cole said.

"Students from across the EU enrich campus life and bring benefits to all regions of the UK, making a positive impact on our economy. We want to ensure the UK remains open and attractive to talented students from Europe and more widely after the UK leaves the EU."

The Scottish government had already announced a continuing status for EU students in 2020 –which in Scotland means paying no tuition fees.