WIREDGOV

EU students applying for a place at Welsh universities for the next academic year will be eligible for loans and grants, Education Secretary Kirsty Williams announced yesterday (Tues 11th Oct).

EU nationals who are currently in receipt of student loans from Student Finance Wales and to those EU nationals who intend to begin studying in the academic year 2017/18 will continue to receive financial support.

Students are being advised to consult their university’s student finance office, or the Student Finance Wales website, for information about the support available.

Kirsty Williams said:

“We want to make sure Welsh universities continue to attract the best and brightest from across the EU despite the uncertainty following the vote for Brexit.

“Our decision not only provides welcome certainty for our universities and colleges regarding future funding, but also assures prospective EU students they will not have the terms of their funding changed if the UK leaves the EU during their studies.

“Our universities are central to our social and economic future, which value and celebrate their links with Europe, and thrive through the diversity of the people who come to them. 

“The Welsh Government is determined to protect Wales’ reputation as a friendly and tolerant place to study and carry out world-class research. Whatever the long-term implication of the vote, we remain an outward looking and welcoming nation where we are committed to sharing knowledge across national borders.”

The Welsh Government and Student Finance Wales have been able to make the announcement following constructive engagement on this issue with the UK Government and the Student Loans Company to make sure the students applying to study in both Wales and England have certainty.