The University of Suffolk has outlined the importance of European students after it welcomed the Government’s decision to maintain financial eligibility for EU students next year.
The Government this week confirmed that EU students applying for an undergraduate or master’s course for the 2018/19 academic year would remain eligible for student loan support – even if their courses finish after the Brexit process has been completed in 2019.
The University of Suffolk backed the decision, and said that it was important that both EU and international students continued to be welcomed.
Chris Garrett, international and EU recruitment manager at the University of Suffolk said: “We are really pleased the government has carried out their promise to continue to support EU students.
“We are committed to attracting and supporting a diverse community of students, open and welcoming to all nationalities and providing them with a great place to study.
“EU nationals make a powerful contribution to university teaching and research and have a positive impact on the British economy and society.
“Brexit may impact some trade, travel and work arrangements between the UK and certain European nations in the future, but our welcome to both EU and international students remains as warm as ever.”
In August, the university launched its Suffolk Supports social media campaign to prevent European students and staff from feeling disengaged or unwelcome following the referendum decision to leave the EU.
Mr Garrett said that everyone is welcome at the university and would continue to be, and added: “This diversity brings an extra something to the learning environment as well as creating a global community for our UK students.”
EU students are eligible for home fee status, meaning they pay the same amount as domestic students – a cap that is not able to be extended to other non-EU nations.
The University of Suffolk has continued to buck the national trend for declining university applications having reported an increase at the latest intake in January, with students from both the EU and domestically continuing to rise.
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