Edinburgh Global

Brexit

Find out about future study and work abroad opportunities in Europe, post-Brexit, and the implications for immigration, funding and insurance.

Future study and work in Europe

 

Erasmus+ and the Turing Scheme

Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the UK government has decided not to participate in the next Erasmus programme (2021-2027).  Erasmus+ funding will not be available to UK institutions beyond the 2022/23 academic year.

Participation in Erasmus will be replaced by the new Turing Scheme.  Through this scheme, UK universities will be able to support 35,000 student work and study placements across the world, with priority support for disadvantaged students. 

Find out more about post-Brexit funding for University of Edinburgh students

Changes to immigration and visa requirements

The end of the Brexit transition period on 31 December 2020 brings with it changes to immigration rules for UK citizens travelling to/residing in the EU/EEA/Switzerland.

UK nationals will be eligible to stay in the EU for no more than 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. If you intend to stay in the EU for more than 90 days, you will require a visa to stay in your host country.  The immigration rules for each of the 27 EU member states will apply (except for Ireland, where Common Travel Area arrangements will be applicable).

Students should be aware that leaving their host country, even temporarily, might affect their immigration status (and ability to return to their host country).

You are advised to check the validity of your passport well in advance of travel. It should cover the full duration of your placement abroad, and we recommend it should be valid for at least 6 months after your planned return date.

Find out more about visa and entry requirements for your host country

Immigration and visa enquiries

University of Edinburgh staff are not qualified or permitted to answer specific visa/immigration queries and cannot be held responsible for issues that might arise due to a lack of compliance with immigration regulations.

All queries about visa and immigration requirements for UK citizens should be directed to the local embassy/consulate in your destination country and your prospective host institution.

If you are an EU citizen and have questions about how your placement will impact your immigration status in the UK, please refer to the Student Immigration website.

Travel and health insurance

All Erasmus+ and Swiss mobility students will be covered, free of charge, by University of Edinburgh travel insurance for the duration of their study or work placement. This insurance covers you for emergencies abroad during your placement.

You may be required to take out additional private medical insurance for any routine treatment or pre-existing medical conditions, as the University’s travel insurance does not provide cover for these. You may also be charged to access GP surgeries and medicine in your host country.

Student Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)

UK students going to the EU are advised to obtain a Student Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) which is a replacement of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).  You can find detailed information about how to apply for a Student GHIC card on the NHS website.

The Student GHIC gives you the right to access medically necessary, state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.  Not all state healthcare is free in the EU and you may have to pay for services that you’d get for free on the NHS. You'll have to pay the same as a patient from that country.

Find out more about the GHIC and healthcare in the EU