Molly WilliamsOnce major beneficiaries of EU funding and home to thousands of European students, UK universities are now facing significant financial strain in the wake of Brexit. Brexits impact on Universities has led to funding gaps, a sharp decline in EU student enrollments, and increased barriers to international mobility. With the loss of Erasmus+ and rising tuition fees for European students, institutions are struggling to attract talent and maintain global partnerships. While the introduction of the Turing Scheme has provided alternative opportunities for study abroad, concerns remain over long-term financial sustainability and accessibility within UK higher education.
Impact on Study Abroad & Exchanges
Brexit significantly altered the landscape of study abroad opportunities for UK students. The removal of the Erasmus+ program meant that students and universities had to seek alternative funding sources. The Turing Scheme, introduced as a replacement, offers broader global opportunities but presents challenges in long-term planning. (UK Government, 2025)
“While the Turing Scheme has allowed us to expand our partnerships beyond Europe, securing consistent funding remains a challenge,” said a financial officer at Sheffield Hallam University. “Unlike Erasmus, which had multi-year agreements, Turing requires yearly applications, making long-term mobility planning difficult.”
Students have also faced obstacles. Oscar Howell, a third-year Liverpool John Moores student currently studying in Spain, described the administrative hurdles: “The visa process was complicated and expensive. Under Erasmus, a lot of the paperwork was handled for us and we didn’t need a visa. Now, the burden is entirely on the student.”
International Partnerships & Recruitment
With the UK’s departure from the EU, European students are now classified as international students, subject to higher tuition fees. This has led to a decline in EU student enrollments at many UK institutions.
“We’ve seen a significant drop in European students applying,” said Sarah Dredge, an Erasmus lead at Sheffield Hallam University “The increased tuition fees and visa requirements are major deterrents.”
For universities that relied heavily on EU partnerships, the shift has been particularly noticeable. “We had strong exchange relationships with universities in Spain and Germany,” said Jayne Kerwin, a Liverpool John Moores University representative. “Some of those partnerships have weakened due to financial and visa constraints.”
Financial & Administrative Challenges
Brexits’ impact on universities has led to financial concerns for universities and students alike. The financial burden of Brexit extends beyond tuition fees. Increased administrative costs and visa expenses have made studying abroad more costly for students.
“The visa alone for my placement in Amsterdam cost nearly £200,” said Zak Robinson, a student at Sheffield Hallam. “That’s a huge barrier for students from lower-income backgrounds.”
Universities have also struggled with increased bureaucracy. “We’ve had cases where students’ visas were delayed or denied, causing academic disruptions,” the finance officer added. “Before Brexit, students could travel freely, but now there are extra layers of complexity.”
While Brexit has undeniably created financial and logistical challenges for UK universities, institutions are adapting. The Turing Scheme has provided new opportunities, but issues surrounding funding stability, student mobility, and international recruitment remain. For students considering studying abroad, thorough planning and awareness of visa and financial requirements are more crucial than ever.
