Overview
Leeds is an international university and our aspiration to
attract and welcome students and staff from across Europe and around the world
is undiminished. We are working to ensure that, as Brexit progresses, European
students and staff can continue to study and work at Leeds, with support and
regular advice as the national policy picture becomes clearer.
Read the full text of the Vice-Chancellor’s statement
following the referendum in 2016, and his 2017 Leader Column in the Reporter.
EU staff
Current immigration situation
We currently have about 800 EU colleagues, who are a valued
part of our community and integral to our current and future success.
The Home Office has published guidance on the new residence
scheme for EEA nationals in the form of a ‘statement of intent’, which outlines
in some detail the Government’s plans for residence requirements after
Brexit. Though the statement of intent does not apply to citizens of
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland, negotiations are ongoing and it
is envisaged that the scheme for nationals of those countries will mirror the
EEA scheme.
Emma Brooksbank of Freeths Solicitors has provided this
briefing note.
Current research funding situation
While Leeds is not as dependent on European research funding
as some universities, it is nonetheless of great importance, accounting for
nearly 16% of our research income.
Horizon 2020: The government is encouraging UK research and
innovation to continue to apply for Horizon 2020 funding. It has confirmed we
will be eligible to participate for the duration of the programme and intends
that any funding received will be honoured for the lifetime of the project.
Read the government’s ‘UK participation in Horizon 2020’
overview for full details.
Erasmus+: The government has stated publicly that the UK is
committed to ongoing full participation in the Erasmus+ programme until
departure from the EU. With the caveat that “nothing is agreed until everything
is agreed”, in principle we will continue to benefit from all EU programmes, including
Erasmus+, until the end of the current budget plan (2014-2020).
Even if the above is not finally agreed, the government’s
promise will stand, that it will underwrite successful bids for Erasmus+
funding submitted while the UK is still in the EU, even if they are not
approved until after we leave.
Visit the Erasmus+ website for full details.
If you experience any examples of being omitted from EU
bids, please contact Ben Williams who will continue to collate examples and
liaise with BEIS accordingly.
Future updates
We are committed to ensuring that EU colleagues are kept up
to date on developments directly affecting them, and updates will be available
from the following sources:
HR’s International Staff pages have details of support
provision for all international colleagues, including Brexit legal update
sessions.
Please contact Lisa Courtney (31833) in Human Resources for further
information about immigration.
EU Students – current situation
A section of the University’s main website has been created, dedicated to informing current and prospective students on issues affecting them. This includes a letter sent to all postgraduate researchers by Professor Claire Honess, Dean of Postgraduate Studies.
While the University endeavours to keep this information as up to date as possible, it cannot be held liable for any inaccuracies. For the latest information from the government, please visit the Department for Exiting the European Union website. Regularly updated Brexit FAQs for universities and students are also available on the Universities UK website.
