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Advice for UK students currently on a placement, Erasmus+ or exchange scheme in the EU/EEA

Information on how leaving the European Union will impact placements, Erasmus+ and exchange schemes for UK students.

What happens if I want to travel or go home?

You can find frequently updated travel advice on the Student Immigration Service Pages.

For information about entry requirements and residency applications, please see the UK government’s living in guide for your destination country.

Will I still be covered by insurance policies on this placement?

The University’s insurance covers are not affected by Brexit . In the event that existing reciprocal healthcare agreements and the EHIC card become invalid, the medical expenses cover provided will operate as it does in the rest of the world – for most minor cases you would pay upfront for your consultation/prescription and claim it back. In the event of a serious situation, you would contact the Assistance company who would help to source treatment/arrange payment.

If you have arranged your own cover, you will need to ensure that your cover remains unaffected.

You can find more information on the University's insurance services pages.

Will I need to get a visa or work permit?

You can find the most recently updated advice on visa requirements for EU countries after Brexit on the government's Brexit advice pages.

If you do need a visa or work permit, please speak to your placement officer or exchange coordinator to get their support.

How will Brexit affect my Erasmus+ or exchange scheme place?

Students from UK universities currently participating in Erasmus+, including those taking part this academic year, are not expected to be affected by Brexit.

More information can be found on the Erasmus+ website.

What happens if I can't finish my placement?

For a variety of reasons, students occasionally cannot finish their placement and so the University has a policy in place for such circumstances - outlined in paragraph 10 of the Quality Assurance Code of Practice: Placement Learning.

If you have any questions about your academic circumstances, please contact your Director of Studies in the first instance who will be able to advise you further in the context of your specific degree programme.

Should I register as a resident in the country I'm living in?

If you were resident in an EU country prior to 31 December 2020, you were able to apply for residency, guaranteeing you retain key rights. If this applies to you, and you have not already done so, we highly recommend you follow the local guidelines for registration.

Proof of residency could prove very useful in the wake of a no-deal Brexit so we highly recommend you follow the local guidelines for registration. This process will vary from country to country so please read the guidance carefully, for example in some countries it is compulsory to register after your arrival, whereas in others it is optional.

British nationals may be required to apply for a new residency card post-Brexit, but most countries will be offering a grace period in which the current residency card will be sufficient.

If you are travelling outside your destination country after 31 December 2020, for example to return to the UK, we strongly advise you to carry your residency card along with other relevant documentation (e.g. placement agreement, contract, proof of accommodation, bank statements) in case your status as a resident is questioned at the border on your return.

If your placement/exchange does not begin until after 31 December 2020, you will not be eligible to apply for residency in most cases and your ability to remain in that country for longer than 90 days may depend on a successful visa application.