The decision means that EU students applying for an undergraduate or master’s course at an English university will continue to have access to student loans and grants, even if the course concludes after the UK’s exit from the EU.

The government has confirmed that EU students will remain eligible for undergraduate, masters, postgraduate financial support for courses beginning in 2018. EU students are charged the same tuition fees as UK students. Other non-EU international students do not have their tuition fees capped in this way.

PhD students remain eligible to apply for UK Research Council studentships for the duration of their study.

Universities and Science Minister Jo Johnson said: “A key part of our success is attracting talent from across the globe. This will provide reassurance to the brightest minds from across Europe to continue applying to study in the UK, safe in the knowledge financial assistance is available if needed.”

See the Government website for further information.