Current British students will retain rights in ‘hard’ Brexit scenario

British students currently studying here have nothing to worry about if the United Kingdom leaves the European Union without a deal in place. They will be able to continue their studies under the same conditions.

Minister Blok writes to the Lower House that in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario on 30 March of this year, British students currently studying in the Netherlands will retain their right to student grants and loans. Furthermore, they will be permitted to pay the statutory tuition fee. However, they will still have to fulfil the other conditions applicable to EU citizens.

British students coming to the Netherlands after a ‘no deal’ Brexit will be considered nationals from outside the European Economic Area. They will then pay the higher institutional tuition fee. Their situation will be the same as, for example, Chinese students. They will also not receive any student grants or loans.

The British parliament votes on Prime Minister Theresa May’s Brexit proposal on 15 January. The vote was originally planned for December, but was postponed because May was concerned there wasn’t sufficient support for her plans.