News Archive

University of Reading statement on Brexit

Today is the day Britain was originally scheduled to leave the European Union. Although we are facing an uncertain time ahead, the University of Reading wishes to make clear that its commitment to Europe has not, and will not, change.

We remain a global institution and are fully committed to our staff and students no matter where they are from. Our teaching and research is powered by international academic talent and partnerships and benefits the UK, Europe and beyond. We are proud to welcome a diverse range of students from across the world.

Remaining a strong institution internationally will benefit Reading, Wokingham and the wider Thames Valley area. We exist for our community, and our links with Europe feed into what we do. It is therefore vital that our outlook on Europe and the rest of the world remains unchanged regardless of what is agreed around the UK’s exit from the EU.

"The University of Reading wishes to make clear that its commitment to Europe has not, and will not, change"

The University has set up a Brexit Working Group, including colleagues from across the University, and a lot of work has taken place to identify and manage potential impact on students from the EU and placement of UK students in EU nations, research collaborations, and the procurement of goods and services.

Three years of government negotiations after Article 50 was triggered have not yielded a clear agreement and direction for the UK, and uncertainty over our future relationship with Europe could continue for some time.

We understand the impact of the ongoing uncertainty on our diverse staff and student body. We therefore want to share this update with our community on the support on offer and the University’s ongoing work to prepare for life after Brexit.

Students

EU and EEA students starting a course prior to and in 2019/20 will still be eligible for home fee status and financial support consistent with the existing rules. This will apply even in ‘no deal’ scenario.

The UK government will underwrite the Erasmus+ grants already in place so that students can complete current study placements. The position of the UK within Erasmus+ in a ‘no-deal’ scenario is subject to the ongoing political discussions, but we are working with our Erasmus partners to limit any potential disruption.

You can find more information on Brexit Student FAQs.

Staff and students

The EU Settlement Scheme will fully open on 30 March. A pilot has been open since November 2018 allowing EU citizens and non-EU family members of EU citizens to register and take part. Currently, an Android phone is required to register (one is available at both HR and Student Services), but this will change when the scheme opens fully.

The deadline for applying will be 30 June 2021, or 31 December 2020 if the UK leaves the EU without a deal. Information on the scheme is available on gov.uk website.

You can find more information on Brexit: Information for staff.

Research

Until the UK leaves the EU, it remains a Member State and researchers can participate in all aspects of the Horizon 2020 programme. Under the Withdrawal Agreement, approved by the EU summit on 25 November 2018, the UK maintains a Member State/Associated Country-like status with its participation in Horizon 2020 unaffected by EU exit.

In the event of a no-deal, the UK’s status will change from Member State to Third Country, and the UK’s Underwrite Guarantee will come into effect. The government will cover the funding for all UK participation in Horizon 2020 grants applied for or awarded prior to the leave date.  The guarantee will also cover successful UK grant applications for Horizon 2020 funding streams open to Third Country participation, which are submitted after the UK leaves the EU.  The guarantee would cover successful applications submitted up to the end of the Horizon 2020 programme and would cover the lifetime of projects.

You can find more information at our Research and Enterprise website.