'No immediate changes to HE' minister says

Universities and Science minister Jo Johnson has moved to calm fears about the impact of Brexit on the higher education sector by saying there will be no immediate changes for European students studying in the UK.

However, he also said that “further future funding arrangements” for the sector with the EU will be determined as part of “the UK’s discussions on its membership”.

Jo Johnson, who is the brother of prominent Leave campaigner Boris Johnson, also said the government would continue taking forward the the Higher Education and Research Bill.

His department acknowledged there would questions about how the referendum result affected higher education and research, but said many of these questions would need to be considered as part of wider discussion about the UK’s future relationship with the EU.

“EU and international students make an important contribution to our world-class universities, and our European neighbours are among some of our closest research partners,” he said. “There are obviously big discussions to be had with our European partners, and I look forward to working with the sector to ensure its voice is fully represented and that it continues to go from strength to strength.”

He went on to say that EU students who are eligible under current rules to receive loans and grants from the Student Loans Company would continue to do so for courses they are currently enrolled on or about to start this coming year, along with Masters students. EU students will also continue to receive funding for the duration of their courses.

However, he added: “Further future funding arrangements with the EU will be determined as part of the UK’s discussions on its membership and we will provide what updates and clarity we can.”

There will also be no immediate changes for students and teachers working in UK universities, he added, and no immediate changes to visa policies.

The referendum result also does not affect students studying in the EU, beneficiaries of Erasmus+ or those considering applying in 2017. However, he added: “The UK’s future access to the Erasmus+ programme will be determined as a part of wider discussions with the EU.”

UK students should continue to apply for the Horizon 2020 programme, but the future of UK access to European science funding will also be a matter for future discussions.

“Government is determined to ensure that the UK continues to play a leading role in European and international research,” he concluded.