📚 The Impact of Brexit on International Students’ Applications and Studies | 英国脱欧对留学生申请与就读的影响
Brexit has fundamentally reshaped the landscape of higher education in the United Kingdom, most notably for international students. From visa policies and tuition fees to work opportunities and cultural integration, the departure from the European Union has created both challenges and new advantages for those aspiring to study in the UK. This article provides a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of how Brexit affects international students' application processes and study experiences, guiding prospective applicants through the changed terrain.
英国脱欧从根本上重塑了英国高等教育的格局，尤其对留学生影响深远。从签证政策、学费到工作机会和文化融入，离开欧盟为赴英求学的学子同时带来了挑战与新机遇。本文全面、实证地分析脱欧如何影响留学生的申请流程与就读体验，为计划申请者提供穿越变革地形的指南。
1. Post-Brexit Visa System and the Points-Based Immigration | 脱欧后签证体系与积分移民制度
Following Brexit, the UK ended the free movement of EU citizens and introduced a single immigration system for all nationalities. The Student Route visa, part of the new points-based system, requires international students – including those from the EU, EEA and Switzerland since 1 January 2021 – to obtain a visa if their course is longer than six months. Applicants must score 70 points by meeting requirements such as a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), English language proficiency, and maintenance funds.
脱欧后，英国结束了欧盟公民的自由流动，对所有国籍实施统一的移民体系。学生路线签证是新积分制的一部分，自2021年1月1日起，包括来自欧盟、欧洲经济区和瑞士在内的国际学生，若课程时长超过六个月，均需申请签证。申请人必须通过满足录取确认函（CAS）、英语能力和资金证明等要求获得70分。
This shift has streamlined the process for non-EU students, who were already familiar with the Tier 4 visa, but it introduced new bureaucratic hurdles for EU students. However, the uniform system is now more transparent and merit-based. The removal of the previous cap on student numbers has also given universities greater freedom to enroll international students, potentially increasing the number of offers to qualified applicants worldwide.
这一转变简化了本来就熟悉第四层级签证的非欧盟学生的流程，但给欧盟学生带来了新的官僚障碍。然而，统一的体系如今更加透明且基于择优原则。取消以往的学生人数上限也让大学在招收国际学生方面有了更大的自主权，有可能增加全球合格申请者获得录取的机会。
2. Tuition Fee Reclassification for EU Students | 欧盟学生学费重新分类
One of the most immediate and significant impacts of Brexit is the change in fee status for EU students. Prior to Brexit, EU nationals were eligible for 'home' fee status and could access tuition fee loans from the UK government. From the 2021/22 academic year onward, new EU students are classified as international and face considerably higher tuition fees, often two to three times the home rate. For example, a humanities degree that costs a UK student £9,250 per year may now cost an EU student between £15,000 and £30,000 per year depending on the institution.
脱欧最直接且显著的影响之一是欧盟学生学费身份的改变。脱欧前，欧盟公民有资格享受“本土”学费标准，并可申请英国政府学费贷款。自2021/22学年起，新入学的欧盟学生被划归为国际学生，面临高得多的学费，通常是本土学费的两到三倍。例如，英国学生每年支付9250英镑的人文学科学位，现在欧盟学生可能每年需要支付1.5万至3万英镑，具体因院校而异。
This financial barrier has led to a sharp decline in EU student enrolments, particularly from lower-income countries. By contrast, non-EU international students, already accustomed to international fees, are less affected. The change has also prompted many UK universities to offer dedicated scholarships and bursaries to mitigate the drop in EU applicants, which can benefit both EU and other international students seeking financial support.
这一经济障碍导致欧盟学生入学人数急剧下降，特别是来自低收入国家的学生。相比之下，早已习惯国际学费的非欧盟留学生受到的影响较小。这一变化也促使许多英国大学设立专项奖学金和助学金以缓解欧盟申请者减少的影响，这对寻求资助的欧盟及其他国际学生都有利。
3. The Graduate Route: Enhanced Post-Study Work Opportunities | 毕业生路线：提升毕业后工作机会
Brexit gave the UK government the autonomy to revamp its post-study work offer, leading to the launch of the Graduate Route in July 2021. International students who successfully complete an undergraduate or master's degree can stay and work, or look for work, in the UK for two years; PhD graduates receive three years. This route does not require sponsorship and no minimum salary threshold, making the UK a highly attractive destination for building a career after graduation.
脱欧使英国政府获得了自主权，得以革新其毕业后工作政策，于2021年7月推出了毕业生路线。成功完成本科或硕士学位的国际学生可在英国居留并工作或找工作两年；博士毕业生则为三年。该路线无需担保，也没有最低工资门槛，使英国成为极具吸引力的毕业后职业发展目的地。
The Graduate Route is particularly beneficial for students from countries outside the EU, as they previously faced more restrictive work options unless they secured a sponsored job. Coupled with the UK's new points-based skilled worker visa, which includes lower salary and skill thresholds for new entrants, the post-Brexit immigration framework clearly favours international graduates who wish to contribute to the UK economy.
毕业生路线对非欧盟国家的学生尤为有利，因为他们此前除非获得担保工作岗位，否则面临更严格的工作选择。结合英国新的积分制技术工作签证（对新入职者降低了薪资和技能门槛），脱欧后的移民框架明显有利于希望为英国经济做出贡献的国际毕业生。
4. Language Proficiency and Standardized Testing | 语言能力与标准化考试
Under the post-Brexit student visa rules, English language ability has become a uniform requirement for all students, including those from majority-English-speaking countries within the EU, such as Ireland (though Irish citizens maintain special status under the Common Travel Area). Most applicants need to demonstrate proficiency through a Secure English Language Test (SELT), usually IELTS for UKVI. The requirement ensures a consistent academic standard and has increased the demand for English test preparation globally.
在脱欧后的学生签证规则下，英语能力成为所有学生的统一要求，包括来自欧盟内以英语为主要语言的国家（如爱尔兰，但爱尔兰公民根据共同旅行区保留特殊地位）。大多数申请人需要通过安全英语语言测试（SELT）证明其熟练程度，通常是用于英国签证及移民的雅思考试。这一要求确保了学术标准的一致性，并增加了全球英语备考的需求。
While this change adds an extra step for some EU students who previously relied on school qualifications, it creates a level playing field. UK universities have also increased investment in pre-sessional English courses and pathway programmes, which provide a route for students who narrowly miss the required scores. For non-native speakers globally, this reinforces the importance of English preparation as a key component of the application process.
尽管这一变化给某些以前依赖学校资质的欧盟学生增加了一个额外步骤，但它创造了一个公平的竞争环境。英国大学也加大了对学前英语课程和桥梁课程的投入，为那些以微弱差距未达标的学生提供渠道。对全球非英语母语者而言，这进一步强化了英语准备作为申请过程关键组成部分的重要性。
5. Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) and Healthcare Access | 移民健康附加费与医疗保健
International students applying for a UK visa must pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) upfront, which grants access to the National Health Service (NHS). The surcharge has increased post-Brexit: as of early 2024, it stands at £776 per year for students. EU students who previously held a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) now also need to pay the IHS, adding a significant upfront cost to the visa application.
申请英国签证的国际学生必须预先支付移民健康附加费（IHS），从而获得国民医疗服务（NHS）的使用权。这笔附加费在脱欧后上涨：截至2024年初，学生每年需支付776英镑。以前持有欧洲健康保险卡（EHIC）的欧盟学生现在也需要支付IHS，这给签证申请增加了可观的预支成本。
However, the comprehensive NHS coverage remains a valuable benefit, especially for students from countries with high medical costs. EU students now face parity with non-EU counterparts, and the increased IHS is often factored into overall cost calculations for studying abroad. Universities have improved their support services to help international students navigate registration and understand their entitlements.
尽管如此，全面的NHS覆盖仍是一项宝贵福利，尤其对来自高医疗费用国家的学生而言。欧盟学生现在与非欧盟学生处于同等地位，且上涨的IHS通常被纳入出国留学的整体成本计算中。大学已改善其支持服务，帮助国际学生完成注册并了解其权利。
6. Exchange and Mobility Programmes: From Erasmus+ to Turing | 交换与流动计划：从伊拉斯谟+到图灵计划
One of the most debated consequences of Brexit is the UK's withdrawal from the Erasmus+ programme, a pan-European exchange initiative. The UK government replaced it with the Turing Scheme, which funds UK students to study and work abroad globally, not just in Europe. For international students coming to the UK, the end of Erasmus+ means they cannot participate in incoming European exchanges arranged through that framework, potentially reducing structured short-term study opportunities.
脱欧最受争议的后果之一是英国退出泛欧交换计划伊拉斯谟+。英国政府以图灵计划取而代之，该计划资助英国学生前往全球（不仅是欧洲）学习和工作。对于来英的国际学生而言，伊拉斯谟+的终结意味着他们无法参与该框架安排的欧洲来英交换项目，可能减少了结构化的短期学习机会。
On the positive side, the Turing Scheme broadens horizons beyond Europe, aligning with the UK's vision of a 'Global Britain'. However, it does not currently fund incoming students, which could limit European participation in UK universities unless bilateral agreements are established. Many UK institutions have proactively signed bilateral exchange agreements with European partners to fill the gap, ensuring some level of mobility remains for international students.
从积极方面看，图灵计划拓宽了欧洲以外的视野，与英国“全球英国”的愿景一致。然而，该计划目前不资助来英学生，这可能限制欧洲对英国大学的参与，除非建立双边协议。许多英国高校已主动与欧洲伙伴签订双边交换协议以填补空白，确保留学生仍有一定程度的流动机会。
7. Research Funding and Collaborative Opportunities | 研究资金与合作机会
Brexit has altered the research landscape. The UK lost full access to Horizon Europe, the EU's key research funding programme, though it reassociated in late 2023. During the gap, uncertainty loomed over collaborative research grants, PhD studentships, and cross-border projects. International PhD students and researchers faced concerns about funding eligibility and the ability to work with European labs.
脱欧改变了科研格局。英国失去了对欧盟关键研究资助计划“地平线欧洲”的充分参与权，尽管在2023年底重新加入。在这段空白期内，合作研究资助、博士生奖学金和跨境项目的不确定性笼罩。国际博士生和研究人员面临着资金资格和与欧洲实验室合作能力的担忧。
With reassociation, UK-based researchers can once again lead and participate in Horizon Europe consortia, restoring confidence. For international postgraduate students, this means access to a wider array of funded projects and the prestige of EU-wide collaborations. Additionally, UKRI (UK Research and Innovation) continues to provide substantial funding opportunities specifically for international students, reinforcing the UK's position as a research powerhouse.
随着重新加入，英国的研究人员可以再次领导并参与地平线欧洲联合体，恢复了信心。对国际研究生而言，这意味着能够获得更广泛的资助项目和欧盟范围的合作声誉。此外，英国研究与创新署（UKRI）继续为国际学生提供大量专项资金机会，巩固了英国作为科研强国的地位。
8. Part-Time Work and Internship Rights During Study | 学习期间的兼职与实习权利
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