Brexit update: "We'll work to secure best outcomes for our staff and students"
Friday, 14 December 2018
As Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Engagement, I have avoided giving a running commentary on the discussions around Brexit. The past few months have been quite uncertain, and it has been my view that we share with you any firm developments, and avoid engaging in any speculation.
The political events of the week indicate that it may be some time before we know what our future relationship with the European Union will be. Whatever happens, we are keen to secure the best outcomes for our students and staff from any withdrawal process, and will continue to work with the government through Universities UK.
For now, I want to reassure you that the University of Reading is and will continue to be a globally engaged institution. We see ourselves as a university that brings together curious and capable minds, and delivers teaching and research that helps them deliver a positive impact across national borders.
If you are an EU student already studying with us, there will be no change to your tuition fees for the duration of your course. For the 2019/20 intake, the UK government has already guaranteed that all EU undergraduate students will have the same tuition fees levels and status as home UK students.
We also continue to run student exchange schemes, including the EU-funded Erasmus and Erasmus+ programmes for UK students wanting to study abroad and EU nationals wanting to study at Reading.
Colleagues who are EU citizens can register for the EU Settlement Scheme pilot, which will enable you to make an early application for a UK immigration status to live and work in the UK after the end of the planned implementation period on 31 December 2020. The cost of the application fee, where applicable, can be claimed as an expense in the normal way.
The UK government has also confirmed that UK organisations, including universities, that secure funding through EU programmes until the end of 2020, will be guaranteed by the UK government even in a ‘no deal’ Brexit scenario.
A Brexit Working Group, chaired by me and including colleagues from across the University, is working to prepare the institution for Brexit in March 2019. Among other things, it is exploring the potential impact on student recruitment from the EU and placement of home students in EU nations, research collaborations, and the procurement of goods and services.
I will keep you updated on the progress of this work in the new year.
Regards,
Enzo
Vincenzo Raimo
Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement)