EU referendum Result – A Statement from the Vice-Chancellor

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby, said:

“We were shocked by today’s referendum result and are beginning to explore what it means for our University.

“The transition will take some time, during which we will remain committed to our values, including that of providing education to all, and supporting those who may be affected by this news.

“We will also be working with organisations such as Universities UK (UUK) to influence government policy and ensure that staff and students from EU countries can continue to work and study with us.

“Currently, we can confirm the following:

• EU staff: their immigration status has not changed as a result of the vote. This will remain the case until the Government decides otherwise.
• Current EU students: their immigration status and associated fee status, as well as their access to the student loan book, have not changed as a result of the vote. This will remain the case until the Government decides otherwise.

• EU students with a place to start in academic year 2016/17 and 2017/18: at this stage there is no reason to assume any change to their immigration status or access to student loan book.
• EU students studying in the UK under the Erasmus programme: their immigration status has not changed, and they continue to be eligible for their Erasmus grant until at least as long as we remain a member of the EU and could well be extended beyond this.
• UK students studying in the EU and elsewhere under the Erasmus programme: their immigration status has not changed, and they continue to be eligible for their Erasmus grant until at least as long as we remain a member of the EU and could well be extended beyond this. (UUK is liaising with the British Council as National Agency for Erasmus+ and institutions are advised to check the Erasmus+ websites regularly for updates including student-focused communications).
• All staff currently undertaking EU funded projects: the UK’s status as a full participating member of the Horizon 2020 programme has not changed as a result of the referendum vote and existing project grants and contracts will be honoured unless or until advised otherwise. UUK is liaising with the UK Research Office and the European Commission and institutions are advised that detailed advice on prospective and currently negotiated projects will be circulated as soon as is possible.”