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UK vote to leave EU: UCL statement

24 June 2016

Below is the statement from UCL President & Provost, Professor Michael Arthur on the UK vote to leave the EU. View a video of the statement.

The outcome of the referendum is now known. While UCL did not take a formal position during the referendum campaign, I have given my personal view and you will have heard many other voices from the UCL community. The loss of EU membership will have a clear impact on universities such as UCL, particularly around the mobility of students and funding of research.

Today, more than ever, I want to reaffirm that UCL remains a global university through our outlook, people and enduring international partnerships. I also want in particular to address UCL’s staff and students from all countries of the European Union. We value you enormously – your contribution to UCL life is intrinsic to what the university stands for.

This morning, I have reassured UCL staff and students that, barring unilateral action from the UK government, the vote to leave the European Union does not mean there will be any immediate material change to the immigration status of current and prospective EU students and staff, nor to the UK university sector’s participation in EU programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+. Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty foresees a two-year negotiation process between the UK and other member states, during which time the terms of the UK’s exit from the European Union will be decided.

There will be many questions from many people in the UCL community and beyond about what this vote means for UCL. We will address these as a matter of priority as the details become clear.

Universities UK have provided some early guidance to answer some common staff and student questions. Please find this below.

Guidance for UCL staff and student groups

EU staff

Your immigration status has not changed as a result of the vote. This will remain the case until the Government decides otherwise.

Current EU students

Your immigration status and associated fee status, as well as your access to the student loan book, have not changed as a result of the vote. This will remain the case until the Government decides otherwise. See the Student Loans Company statement for details.

EU students with a place to start in academic year 2016/17 and 2017/18

At this stage, there is no reason to assume any change to your immigration status. The Student Loans Company has confirmed that there have been no changes to rules applying to EU nationals who have applied for a place at university to undertake a programme which attracts student support. See the Student Loans Company statement for details.

EU students studying in the UK under the Erasmus programme

Your immigration status has not changed, and that you continue to be eligible for your Erasmus grant until at least as long as we remain a member of the EU – and could well be extended beyond this.

UK students studying in the EU and elsewhere under the Erasmus programme

Your immigration status has not changed, and you continue to be eligible for your Erasmus grant until at least as long as we remain a member of the EU and could well be extended beyond this.

All staff currently undertaking EU funded projects

The UK’s status as a full participating member of the Horizon 2020 programme has not changed as a result of the referendum vote – existing project grants and contracts will be honoured unless or until advised otherwise.