In the wake of Brexit, British universities are calling on the government to reestablish the flow of European Union (EU) students to the UK, with many advocating for a return to the Erasmus student exchange programme. This plea comes as Labour leader Keir Starmer prepares for his first bilateral meeting with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen, signaling that post-Brexit relations between the UK and EU may be entering a new phase of cooperation.
Vivienne Stern, Chief Executive of Universities UK, expressed deep regret at the loss of European students who used to come to British universities in significant numbers. According to her, this has had a noticeable impact on both the diversity of students and the financial health of UK institutions. However, she remains cautious about pushing the issue too aggressively, recognizing the "toxic" political climate surrounding immigration in Britain.
The Impact of Brexit on EU Student Flow
Before Brexit, approximately 15,000 British students participated in the Erasmus programme annually, while the UK hosted a greater number of EU students. In the academic year 2018-2019 alone, 17,795 EU students studied in the UK through Erasmus, while fewer than 10,000 British students went to EU universities. Brexit brought an end to this exchange, as the UK government opted out of Erasmus and instead introduced the Turing Scheme, which focuses on global mobility and offers shorter study placements.
While Turing aims to fill the gap left by Erasmus, it has not yet achieved the same level of participation. Erasmus, known for its academic exchanges, was particularly beneficial for disadvantaged students who could participate in longer-term study abroad opportunities. The Turing Scheme, in contrast, emphasizes shorter vocational exchanges, which some argue reduces the depth of the academic experience and the cultural immersion offered by Erasmus.
Political Sensitivities Around Immigration
A significant obstacle in reviving the flow of EU students is the politically charged nature of immigration debates in the UK. Stern emphasized that the universities are adopting a “watch and wait” approach to avoid triggering a backlash on the issue of migration. “It’s not in our interest for the government to end up caught in a kind of toxic debate about immigration domestically,” she noted, underscoring the fear that too much pressure could provoke harsher immigration policies overall.
Keir Starmer, in a recent speech in New York, appeared to soften his position on international mobility schemes, stating that there were “no plans” for a youth mobility scheme but acknowledging that discussions with the EU were ongoing. Starmer's meeting with von der Leyen is expected to focus on broader issues such as defense, security, and veterinary agreements. The possibility of resurrecting Erasmus, however, remains on the periphery of the conversation.
Erasmus vs. Turing: What's at Stake?
Rejoining Erasmus could be crucial for British universities aiming to enhance their global appeal and attract talented students from across Europe. The financial implications of Erasmus were one reason the UK pulled out of the programme, as it disproportionately benefited EU students studying in the UK. However, there is growing recognition that the long-term advantages of academic collaboration and cultural exchange outweigh the immediate financial costs.
Some argue that a solution might lie in revisiting the “correction mechanism” that the UK used when negotiating its participation in Horizon Europe, the EU’s science research funding programme. In this case, the UK was able to recoup funds if it contributed more than it benefited. A similar mechanism could potentially be developed for Erasmus, allowing the UK to remain involved without shouldering an unequal financial burden.
The Turing Scheme, though offering more flexibility and global reach, is yet to gain the same reputation as Erasmus. It focuses more on vocational placements and shorter-term experiences, which can be a benefit to some, but it may also limit the long-term academic and cultural exchanges that Erasmus was known for. Supporters of Erasmus argue that it offered a richer, more immersive experience for students, contributing to both personal growth and academic advancement.
A Possible Path Forward
Though universities are holding back on formal demands to rejoin Erasmus, they remain optimistic about future negotiations. With Starmer’s meeting set to open up broader discussions about UK-EU relations, the hope is that student mobility may be on the table in the coming months. As Stern put it, it is "fantastic" that youth and student exchange is now being considered central to these negotiations.
Ultimately, British universities are seeking a balance between reviving EU student flows without reigniting divisive debates about migration. The future of student exchanges between the UK and Europe is still uncertain, but with cautious optimism and strategic diplomacy, there may be a way forward that benefits both British and EU students.
Source: The Guardian
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