UK Scholarships for EU Students: High-Value Opportunities Post-Brexit
The UK has long been a favoured destination for students from the European Union (EU), known for its prestigious universities and world-class education. However, the landscape for EU students changed significantly following the UK’s decision to leave the EU. Despite Brexit, many UK universities still offer scholarships for EU students to help offset tuition fees.
If you’re an EU student considering studying in the UK, understanding these changes and the new opportunities available is essential. Here’s what you need to know about studying in the UK post-Brexit and the scholarships for EU students that can help make it affordable.
What Changed After Brexit?
In 2016, the UK voted to leave the European Union in a referendum, a process commonly known as Brexit. The formal departure took place in January 2021, bringing significant changes to the way EU students are classified and charged at UK universities.
Before Brexit:
EU students were treated as domestic or “home” students.
Under EU regulations, member states were required to treat students from other EU countries as domestic students.
Tuition fees for EU students were capped at £9,250 per year for undergraduate degrees in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Postgraduate fees were also the same as those for UK students.
In Scotland, undergraduate degrees were free for both Scottish and EU students.
After Brexit:
Starting in the 2021/2022 academic year, EU students were reclassified as international students.
EU students are now charged higher international tuition fees, which vary by university and programme.
This reclassification has led to a sharp decline in EU student enrolment. According to the Migration Observatory, there was a 53% drop in EU students studying in the UK in 2021/2022, the first year the new fee structure was applied.
Understanding UK Scholarships for EU Students
The loss of EU students is not just a financial challenge for UK universities; it also impacts the classroom experience. EU students contribute to a diverse and dynamic learning environment, enriching discussions with varied cultural perspectives. Additionally, universities with a diverse student population, particularly from Europe, remain attractive to other international students from countries like China and India.
To address these challenges and continue attracting talented EU students, some UK universities have introduced targeted scholarship schemes. These UK scholarships for EU students aim to offset the financial burden of international fees and encourage more EU students to apply.
UK Scholarship Opportunities for EU Students
Our research into international scholarships for September 2025 has identified that 11 UK universities offer specific scholarships for EU undergraduate students, while 7 universities have schemes for EU postgraduate students. These scholarships for EU students vary in value and eligibility criteria, but some stand out for their generosity.
Key Highlights:
Fee Reduction Scholarships: Four universities have introduced scholarships that reduce the tuition fees for EU students to the same level as domestic fees. This means successful applicants can study in the UK at the same cost as home students, just like before Brexit.
Diverse Range of Support: Other universities provide partial tuition fee waivers and merit-based scholarships for EU students.
These initiatives not only make studying in the UK more affordable but also signal the importance UK universities place on maintaining strong ties with Europe.
How to Find UK Scholarships for EU Students
If you’re an EU student exploring the possibility of studying in the UK, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial burden. To discover the best UK scholarships for EU students search our undergraduate or postgraduate UK scholarship finder to compare EU-specific scholarships that match your profile.
Top UK Universities Offering Scholarships for EU Students
Many universities provide UK scholarships for EU students, helping reduce the financial burden. Here are some of the best options available:
1. University of Glasgow – EU Welcome Award
Offers a £5,000 tuition fee discount per year for eligible EU students.
Available for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
2. University of Essex – EU Scholarship
Provides a £5,000 tuition fee reduction per year for undergraduate students.
Open to self-funded EU students paying international fees.
3. London Metropolitan University – EU Transition Scholarship
Automatically applied to eligible students with overseas fee status.
Helps bridge the tuition gap for EU students post-Brexit.
Final Thoughts: Financial Support for EU Students in the UK
While Brexit has brought challenges for EU students wanting to study in the UK, scholarships offer a pathway to make a UK education more accessible. With some universities going the extra mile to reduce fees to pre-Brexit levels, there are still high-value scholarships for European students to pursue their academic dreams in the UK.
Don’t let higher fees deter you—explore your options, and take advantage of the financial support available. Your journey to a world-class UK education starts here!