Information for EU/EEA/Swiss students

Information about Brexit, the transition period, the EU Settlement Scheme and what to expect from 2021.

The UK has formally left the EU on 31 January 2020

The UK is now in a transition period until 31 December 2020, while the EU and UK conduct negotiations on their future relationship. During this time, the UK will continue to observe EU rules, which means that there are no changes if you are an EEA or Swiss national, including students who have a dual nationality with a non-EEA/Swiss passport. 

The transition period

During this period, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will still be able to enter the UK under EU Freedom of Movement rules until 31 December 2020. During the transition period, EU/EEA/Swiss nationals will be able to exercise their treaty rights in the UK as normal.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals already living in the UK

If you currently live in the UK and you wish to continue living in the UK after 31 December 2020, you will need to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme by 30 June 2021 (if you have not already done so).

You can find more information about the EU Settlement Scheme application under the ‘EU Settlement Scheme’ section.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals planning to arrive in the UK before 31 December 2020

If you are planning to arrive to the UK before 11:00pm 31 December 2020 you will be eligible to apply under the EU Settlement Scheme. You must ensure to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme before 30 June 2021.

You can enter the UK using either your EU passport, or your EU national identity card.

You can find more information about the EU Settlement Scheme application under the ‘EU Settlement Scheme’ section.

EU/EEA/Swiss nationals planning to arrive in the UK after 31 December 2020

If you are planning to arrive to the UK after 31 December 2020, then you will have to apply for the new Student immigration route, which was introduced on 5 October 2020. 

EU nationals will not be eligible to apply for the Student visa route unless they are coming to the UK after 31 December 2020.

We strongly advise that EU nationals who are planning to study at the Royal Agricultural University arrive before 31 December, as there are significant benefits to applying for the EU Settlement Scheme. You can find more information in our FAQ section.