Guidance
UK students in the EU: continuing your studies from 1 January 2021
Contact your higher education provider to check whether your situation will change after the 31 December 2020.
New rules for January 2021
The UK has left the EU, and the transition period after Brexit comes to an end this year.
This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It will be updated if anything changes.
For current information, read: Study in the European Union
You can also read about the transition period.
Completing your studies in the EU from 1 January 2021
- Ask your higher education provider whether your situation will change after 31 December 2020.
- Read the FCDO living in guide for the latest information on the country you’re studying in.
You will be eligible for broadly the same support as students from the EU member state you are studying in, as long as you are living there by 31 December 2020 and meet residency requirements.
UK nationals studying in the Republic of Ireland will continue to be covered by the Common Travel Area arrangements.
Erasmus+ students already studying in the EU on 1 January 2021
You should be able to continue with your placement. Speak to your home provider to confirm:
- your placement will continue
- if anything will change including whether there will be any additional fees or visa requirements
You should make sure both your home provider and host agree that it is safe to proceed as planned during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
You may need to make changes to your plans or start your placement at a later date if the situation changes.
Contact your provider to let them know of your plans if you need to return early from your placement.
Starting a new course in the EU from 1 January 2021
Read the guidance on starting a full degree course in the EU from 1 January 2021 if you’re considering your higher education options.
Support when you’re abroad
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic you:
- should be ready to comply with local isolation, testing or quarantine requirements
- will need to rely on the local healthcare system
Before starting your course you should take out comprehensive travel insurance while in the UK. It’s important to make sure all your health needs are covered.
Read guidance on what you can do if you need financial help when abroad and who you can contact for support when abroad.
You can contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission or the FCDO in London on 020 7008 1500 for help or advice if you need emergency help from the UK government while overseas because:
- the country you are in will not allow you to travel back to the UK
- there are no commercial travel options available
Last updated 21 October 2020 + show all updates
Study in the European Union
What you need to do if you’re planning to start higher education in the EU.
There are actions you’ll need to take if you’re planning to study in the EU.
Doing part of your course in the EU
Talk to your UK higher education provider or visit the UCAS website if you’re thinking about studying part of your course in the EU. Your higher education provider will be able to talk you through your options.
You can also check:
- living in guides which include residency rules and visa requirements for the place you want to study
- healthcare advice for UK nationals
Make sure you meet all visa requirements for your destination country if travelling after 31 December 2020 or you may not be allowed to stay.
Financial support
You may be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England if you’re enrolled on a course in England and want to do part of your course in the EU.
Contact your relevant student funding body if you’re from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Applying for Erasmus+
Erasmus+ is the EU funding programme for education, youth, training and sport.
You can apply for a placement through your home institution, who will be able to talk you through Erasmus+ and any other schemes you might be eligible for.
Anyone with a placement already organised should make sure both your home provider and host agree that it is safe to proceed as planned during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
You may need to make changes to your plans or start your placement at a later date if the situation changes.
Doing your whole course at a higher education provider in the EU
The student support you may be eligible for and the fees you need to pay will depend on where in the EU you’re planning to study and when you move there.
You will be eligible for broadly the same support including fees, as students from the EU member state you are studying in, as long as you are living there by 31 December 2020.
UK nationals planning to study in the Republic of Ireland will continue to be covered by the Common Travel Area arrangements.
You should contact the relevant HE provider in the EU member state you are going to, so that you can check:
- what fees you may have to pay
- if there are any funding schemes, bursaries or scholarships you can apply for
You should also check:
- living in guides which include residency rules and visa requirements for the place you want to study
- healthcare advice for UK nationals
You will not be eligible for financial support from Student Finance England if you’re enrolled on a course wholly provided abroad.
Contact your relevant funding body if you’re from Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
Moving to the EU to start a course from 1 January 2021
UK nationals wishing to study their whole degree course at a university within an EU member state after 31 December 2020 may need to pay different fee rates than currently.
UK nationals studying in the Republic of Ireland will continue to be covered by the Common Travel Area arrangements.
Support when you’re abroad
During the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic you:
- should be ready to comply with local isolation, testing or quarantine requirements
- will need to rely on the local healthcare system
Before starting your course you should take out comprehensive travel insurance while in the UK. It’s important to make sure all your health needs are covered.
Read guidance on what you can do if you need financial help when abroad and who you can contact for support when abroad.
You can contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission or the FCDO in London on 020 7008 1500 for help or advice if you need emergency help from the UK government while overseas because:
- the country you are in will not allow you to travel back to the UK
- there are no commercial travel options available
Last updated 21 October 2020 + show all updates