By Jack Beeching
In 2021, 53 percent fewer EU students enrolled in their first year at a UK university compared with 2020, according to figures by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).
HESA said, “This decrease aligns with the UK’s exit from the EU and a change in international fee policy from 1 August 2021.”
Since 2021, EU students have been subject to international tuition fees – estimated to average £22,000 per year for undergraduates. Prior to Brexit, EU students paid home fees, usually £9,250, and were eligible for student finance.
In contrast, the number of non-EU international students enrolling in their first year rose by 32% between 2020 and 2021. Chinese and Indian students are the largest groups, making up 27% and 23% of non-EU international students in 2021, respectively.
The total number of EU students at LSE has declined from 2,424 in 2020 to 1,885 this academic year, indicating that enrolments to the School are following the national trend.
An LSE spokesperson told The Beaver, “Similar to most UK universities, LSE has seen an overall drop in EU students enrolling over the past few years, although the numbers vary across departments and nationalities.
“We remain committed to attracting outstanding applicants from all over the world. Overseas students, including from the EU, make an enormous contribution to our community and to the UK’s culture, society and economy.”
