Clarity on rules for EU students after Brexit needed
Scottish Minister Richard Lochhead has written to the Education Secretary Gavin Williamson asking for answers on the government’s post-Brexit immigration scheme.
In the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, the UK Government proposes students can obtain leave to remain for only three years, meaning prospective students applying to Scottish universities will have no guarantee they will be able to complete their four year undergraduate courses.
Following reports that the UK Government would find a “solution”, Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead has written to Secretary of State for Education Gavin Williamson to ask for clarity.
Lochhead said: “The three-year non-extendable time limit will have serious consequences for Scottish institutions, putting them at a competitive disadvantage. It is likely to discourage EU citizens from applying to Scottish universities as there is no guarantee they will be able to complete their courses.
“This is clearly an issue which needs to be resolved and reports now suggest that EU students at Scottish universities will be able to complete their degrees after Brexit. We need to know how, and the UK Government must publish its policy and disclose full details to the Scottish Government and Scotland’s higher education sector.”
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