CHANGING RIGHTS FOR STUDENTS:  Irish and UK students, as EU citizens, currently enjoy the right to equal treatment.

Free movement of persons also includes the right to study in another EU jurisdiction under the same conditions as nationals. Regardless of other entry requirements, they may not be refused access to training or education in another EU country on grounds of nationality, for example be required to pay higher tuition fees.   Exactly how Brexit will impact upon student rights is currently unknown but the potential for diverging rights between the following groups of students needs to be monitored by those considering crossing borders to further their education.

• UK students in Irish education institutions
• UK students in EU education institutions
• Irish students in UK education institutions
• Irish students (born in Northern Ireland) in EU education institutions

Newly diverging rights may impact on:

• Fees
• Right to reside as a student
• Right to work while a student
• Access to healthcare as a student
• Right to reside after completion of studies
• Right to work after completion of studies

The Universities UK website includes a useful Brexit hub, and as of December 2017 the information includes assurances that EU students who have already started their education courses in the UK will have the right to remain to complete their studies and potentially afterwards (via a Settled Status application).  Tuition fees will remain the same as UK citizens and entitlement to grants and loans will also continue until the course ends, even if that is after the UK leaves the EU.   Future students, those who move to the UK after 29th March 2019, will be subject to UK immigration rules and potentially much higher university fees.  Employment restrictions may also be placed upon them.

There may even be implications for those students who decide not to travel, choosing instead to study locally.  Each year thousands of Irish students attend universities in the UK, should Brexit act as a deterrent there will be a considerable increase in the demand for higher and further education courses in Ireland.  The Irish education system could be faced with the challenge of meeting that increased demand, and in the short term that could mean decreasing opportunities for Irish students.

This webpage is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep it up-to-date, errors may occur. It is very important that you check with the relevant body to ensure the information is current and is applicable to your situation.

If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.