EU students

Our EU community

EU students are an important part of our student family, and have always been active members of our community. Our EU students have started and run a number of cultural societies, offering an opportunity for students to meet and spend time with students from their country, and for other students to learn about the cultures of our European students.  Our country webpages include details of cultural societies and student networks from your region.

A notable number of our staff are also from the EU, and we form part of the wider European research community, with networks extending across the continent. Part of our commitment to our European networks is our membership in the YUFE and YERUN alliances. Through our partnership with the alliance universities around Europe, our students have the opportunity to apply for a YUFE Diploma Supplement programme, build networks across Europe, or spend time studying abroad at one of the partner universities, either virtually or in person.

Applying to Essex from October 2021

Our academic courses and student services will continue to be available to European students as before, but you should be aware of a few changes to student funding and immigration requirements after the UK has left the European Union. Please note that these changes do not apply to Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland.

Funding your studies

If you'll be coming to study in the UK for the first time from October 2021 you are likely to be classified as an international student for tuition fee purposes. This means that you will be required to pay international tuition fees, and will not have access to tuition fee loans from the UK government. In recognition of the changed funding, we have introduced EU scholarships for new undergraduate, masters and research students. The £5,000 undergraduate scholarships are available for the duration of your degree so you'll receive the scholarship for each year of studies in your undergraduate degree. There are additional scholarships and funding sources available for some countries, please check the webpage for your country for further information. 

Visas and immigration

If you're arriving in the UK after 31 December 2020, you're likely to require a student visa for your degree studies in the UK. The new Student Immigration Route visa is now open for applications. Our Immigration webpages will continue to be updated with guidance for applying for your student visa. 

If you arrived in the UK prior to the end of the transition period (31 December 2020) you may be eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme. Our Students' Union has put together useful information about the Settlement Scheme.

Part-time courses

Please note that if you are an EU or EEA national, you'll only be able to study a part-time course if you hold Settled Status in the UK. If you will need a student visa to study in the UK then you will not be able to study part-time.

Working in the UK after your studies

It will still be possible for you to stay in the UK to work after graduation through the new Graduate Immigration Route. Our courses prepare you for the world of work, and our Student Development Team are on hand to support you in making the most of your time outside of your studies, with careers advice and preparation, and part-time work opportunities to gain real-world work experience (subject to your visa conditions).