The Commons Education Committee has today launched an inquiry into the impact of Brexit on higher education. This inquiry follows the expansion of the Committee’s remit to include higher education, further education and skills in response to changes at the Department for Education.
The inquiry will explore the implications of UK’s exit from the European Union for EU students and staff in the UK, as well as the ramifications for Britons who want to work and study at higher education institutions in the EU. The Committee also aims to examine the effect of Brexit on the reputation of England’s universities and ask how they can remain competitive; the future of the Erasmus+ student exchange programme is also be examined as part of the inquiry.
The impact of Brexit on university research and funding is not covered by the inquiry as these policy areas are the responsibility of the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy; the Commons Science and Technology Committee is currently conducting an inquiry into the implications and opportunities stemming from the UK’s exit from the EU on science and research.
The Committee thus invites submissions on the following issues:
- The likely impact of the UK exiting the EU on EU students studying in England
- What protections should be in place for existing EU students and staff
- The future of the Erasmus+ programme following the withdrawal of the UK from the EU
- Risks and opportunities for UK students
- How changes to freedom of movement rules may affect students and academics in English higher education institutions
- How to ensure UK universities remain competitive after the withdrawal of the UK from the EU
- What the Government’s priorities should be during negotiations for the UK to exit the EU with regard to students and staff at higher education institutions
- What steps the Government should take to mitigate any possible risks and take advantage of any opportunities
The deadline for written submissions is Friday 11 November 2016.
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