REVEALED: EU students FLOCK to British universities to avoid rising fees in wake of Brexit
THE number of European Union students heading to British universities this summer has surged to its highest level ever as students rush to the UK after Brexit.
EU students are rushing to join UK universities in the wake of Brexit
Brussels students will make up 11 per cent of undergraduates this autumn – a record 26,800 in total.
Students from countries in the bloc pay £9,000 for their course, the same as British students, but Overseas students pay £12,000.
EU students have left behind a whopping £89million in unpaid tuition fees
Going to a UK university is a very attractive proposition for EU students
It is believed many freshers will confirm their places in UK universities before fees increase when Britain officially cuts ties with Brussels – when EU students will be regarded as overseas applicants.
The figures come as think-tanks call for EU students to be forced to repay tuition fees before leaving the country.
More than 26,000 EU students will make up undergraduates at UK universities this autumn
Alan Smithers, professor of education at the University of Buckingham, said: “Going to a UK university is a very attractive proposition for EU students.
Students open A level results live on TV
“There is no upfront payment for university tuition and once they’ve moved to another part of the world it is more difficult to recover the loans that were given to them.
Mr Smithers added the flux of European students would occur “sooner rather than later” after the June 23 vote to quit the EU.
And the prospect of British students from the least advantaged backgrounds getting into a university saw a boost of seven per cent.
Schools minister Nick Gibb said: “It is hugely encouraging that this year sees a record 424,000 applicants already securing a place at one of our world-class universities, with increasing numbers from disadvantaged backgrounds gaining a place too.”