Principal's statement on EU referendum result
“No change for existing and future EU students arriving in 2016/17 and 2017/18.”
The University of Edinburgh’s Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Timothy O'Shea FRSE, has issued a statement following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU), following the referendum held 23 June 2016.
All students and staff have received a copy of his statement, which is duplicated below. Emails have also been sent to all EU undergraduate and postgraduate offer holders for 2016/17 entry and a website with further information has been set up at http://edin.ac/eu-news.
Statement
The statement says:
"These are very early days in the aftermath of this very significant decision but clearly whatever happens during the negotiations to come will have major implications for the HE sector as a whole and our core activities of research and teaching.
"Edinburgh is and always will be a truly global university and I think it is very important to stress in times of uncertainty the stability and strength of the institution both financially and also in terms of its reputation. All the indicators of success, whether they be research excellence, student recruitment or partnerships with industry, show the University to be in a very solid position from which to face the changes and challenges ahead. Our priority will be to maintain our research and exchange partnerships across Europe.
"We value hugely the work of our European staff and students who, together with our UK and international staff and students, make this University what it is today.
"As far as our EU students are concerned, it is particularly important to note that, as things currently stand, there will be no change for existing and future EU students arriving in 16/17 and 17/18 for the duration of their studies.
"While there will be no immediate impact on work colleagues who are EU nationals, we realise that this period of uncertainty is stressful for colleagues and their families and we will keep everyone informed over the coming weeks and months as the longer term position becomes clearer.
"Now that the referendum is over it is our responsibility to work with Government and other bodies, to ensure a smooth and successful transition to a productive future for the University and all of our students and staff."
Further information
University of Edinburgh EU news
We value hugely the work of our European staff and students who, together with our UK and international staff and students, make this University what it is today.