Today, the UK Prime Minister has written to the President of the European Council to trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. This marks the formal start of the two-year negotiation for the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union.

We understand there will be concern amongst our students surrounding the uncertainty of the formal negotiation period and the effect Britain’s exit from the EU might have on you personally or on your fellow students. We therefore wanted to write to you once again to reassure you of our commitment to supporting all University of Bath students throughout this momentous change and of the great value we place on the university being an internationally diverse, supportive and inclusive community.

As the negotiation process unfolds we will have a clearer understanding of what it means for us all as individuals and as a University. However, it is important to stress that the UK will remain a member of the EU for the next two years and there will be no immediate change for universities.

We would like to reiterate once again that all current EU students and EU students who begin studying in September 2017 will retain the same Home (EU) fee status for the entire duration of their programme. The Student Loan Company (SLC) has also confirmed they will guarantee access to student loans for eligible students throughout their course. More information can be found on the SLC website.

We are working with colleagues across the UK Higher Education sector to ensure that the interests of the sector, and those staff and students who make it so successful, are taken into account during the formal negotiation period. The University of Bath takes pride in its international outlook and engagement, and we place great value on the presence and contribution of our staff and students from outside the UK, who enrich all aspects of university life. Further information and advice can be found on our website.

If you have any specific questions or concerns, please contact Student Services in the Roper Centre in 4West on the Claverton campus.

Kind regards,

Professor Peter Lambert

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Learning & Teaching)