Changes to University Fees in 2028

The Withdrawal Agreement between Britain and the European Union does not cover 'home fee' status for British nationals resident in the EU who wish to study in the UK. British in Europe campaigned over several years for a grace period and were successful to cover applications for courses that start before 31st December, 2027. This means that for courses starting in 2028, students who are British nationals but living in the EU will be classed as 'international students'.

In order for you to be eligible for home fee status in 2028 you must:

• Be resident and ‘settled’ in the UK on ‘the first day of the academic year’ for which they are paying fees.
• Have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK on the first day of the first academic year of their course and for the three years before that date.

Source: https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/eligibility-for-home-fee-status-and-student-support-in-england/

Home fee status currently means that you would pay £9,353 a year for tuition costs, international student fees vary with each university and course, in many cases you are paying double or triple the fee for the same education.

Not only does your status as a student decide on your tuition costs, it also affects access to student loans for tuition fees and for living expenses. This varies not only by university, but also by nation (England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland), as well as for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

What can be done?

Since 2024, all British Citizens living abroad can vote in UK elections, therefore this is an ideal time to tell your MP how you feel about the change in fee statuses, the impact it will have on your life and demand for equal treatment for British nationals living abroad.