What impact is Brexit having on UK universities?
A recent report from Universities UK shines a light on the impact of Brexit, and the Conservative government's drive to reduce net immigration figures, on the higher education sector. Rising visa costs, restrictive policies, and the delay in rejoining key research programmes like Horizon after Brexit have inflicted considerable harm on our institutions. Let’s break it down.
How have visa fees changed for academics and universities post-Brexit?
A key discovery of the report is the substantial rise in visa fees for researchers, lecturers, and technical personnel. The Royal Society's analysisreveals that initial immigration expenses for foreign workers in the UK have increased by as much as 126% since 2019. For a family of four seeking a five-year Global Talent visa, the cost has increased to £20,974 – a 57% rise since 2021. The report cautions that the increasing costs, along with limitations on work visas for early-career scientists and support personnel, are diminishing the UK's appeal as a hub for international research talent. These changes threaten to exclude numerous prospective academics, who might now consider other nations that provide more affordable and accessible routes to immigration. Already, top universities are struggling to attract global talent, having to front large capital-intensive projects - for example, Cambridge University spending £50 million on fully funded PhDs - techniques usually used by less popular universities to fill their programmes.
In light of these rising costs, Universities UK recommends that the UK government benchmark its visa and immigration policies against competitor countries to ensure it remains an appealing destination for world-class talent.
Is the UK part of the Horizon programme?
A major concern highlighted by Universities UK is our diminished participation in the Horizon Europe programme, the world’s largest collaborative research fund. While the Conservative government secured association to Horizon Europe in January 2024, this late deal has left the UK with a lot of ground to make up.
The report stresses that the UK must engage actively with Horizon Europe’s successor programme, the European Framework Programme 10 (FP10), to ensure continued collaboration with EU countries and restore the UK's position as a key player in global research. The government is urged to prioritise early negotiations on the next Horizon programme to secure long-term access to funding and research partnerships.
Why have international student numbers declined?
While the UK remains a popular destination for international students, Brexit has strained the UK's ability to draw and retain talent. The end of free movement with the EU has created many additional hurdles for students from Europe, such as visa requirements and higher tuition fees.
Universities UK suggest that the government should explore ways to reduce barriers for international students, especially from the EU, by introducing more flexible visa policies and improving support for inbound mobility. The success of our universities largely relies on the arrival of international students, both financially and to promote innovation and cultural exchange.
How does the Turing Scheme differ from Erasmus+?
In response to the loss of Erasmus+ funding following Brexit, the UK government launched the Turing Scheme to aid student exchanges. While the scheme has made progress in broadening access to disadvantaged students, it has fallen short in other areas, particularly in terms of supporting inbound mobility and providing adequate funding for staff training. The report highlights that the Turing Scheme has not been able to replicate the benefits offered by Erasmus+, particularly when it comes to promoting staff exchange and international exchange.
The report recommends a broader review of the Turing Scheme, suggesting that the government should consider association to the next Erasmus scheme, to ensure UK students and staff have the same opportunities for international involvement as they did before Brexit.
How can the global position of UK universities be restored?
As a whole, the report calls on the UK government to take immediate action to counter the effects of Brexit on the university sector. To ensure the survival of our institutions, the UK must be attractive to international researchers, and we should take steps towards reengaging with European programmes such as Erasmus+ and FP10. Restoring the UK's position as a global leader in research, education, and soft power requires more than a 'reset' in words. Without meaningful change, UK universities risk losing their standing as world-class institutions.
This article first appeared on Best for Britain