The government of Andy Burnham is considering allowing European Union citizens to pay the same university tuition fees as British students, as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at rebuilding relations between London and Brussels.
The proposal could significantly reduce the cost of studying in the UK for EU nationals, who have faced substantially higher tuition fees since the implementation of the Brexit agreement. Fees for international students at some universities and on certain courses exceed £30,000 a year, compared with just over £9,000 annually for British students in England. The exact amounts vary depending on the university and course.
According to media reports, the government is prepared to provide British universities with up to £450 million a year in compensation for the revenue they could lose as a result of lower fees for EU students.
However, sources at the UK Treasury have stressed that this figure is indicative rather than a confirmed funding commitment. It is based on a scenario involving a sharp increase in the number of EU students enrolling at British universities. The final cost could therefore be considerably lower, the same sources suggest.
Universities raise concerns over financial implications
British universities have reacted cautiously to the proposal, with institutions already expressing reservations about its potential impact on their finances.
They have warned that bringing EU tuition fees into line with domestic rates, without sufficient government funding to cover the shortfall, could exacerbate existing financial difficulties.
According to estimates by the Russell Group, which represents 24 of the UK's leading research-intensive universities, the cost of the proposed changes could exceed £500 million.
The gap between the government's indicative compensation figure and the universities' estimates highlights one of the key challenges facing the proposal: securing an arrangement that makes UK higher education more accessible to EU students without placing additional pressure on university budgets.
London seeks access to EU's Made in Europe initiative
The Burnham government is also expected to seek a significant economic concession from Brussels in exchange for agreeing to lower university tuition fees for EU citizens.
Specifically, the UK wants the EU to allow British businesses to participate in its proposed Made in Europe programme.
The initiative is designed to strengthen European industry by giving priority to products manufactured within Europe. Its broader objectives include protecting jobs, boosting competitiveness and reducing dependence on third countries, particularly China.
The programme is expected to cover several key sectors, including the automotive industry, steel production and clean energy technologies.
The British government is concerned that excluding UK businesses from the initiative could damage the country's industrial base, exports and investment prospects.
For this reason, London sees the proposed reduction in university tuition fees not as an isolated education policy, but as part of a broader package of economic cooperation with the EU.
Brussels summit set to shape negotiations
Preparatory discussions are taking place ahead of the UK-EU summit scheduled for 20 November in Brussels.
The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for both sides to advance negotiations on closer cooperation following Brexit.
The proposed changes to university tuition fees could form part of a wider agreement, linking improved access to British higher education for EU citizens with greater opportunities for UK businesses in the European market.
Whether Brussels is prepared to offer the concessions sought by London, and whether British universities can secure sufficient financial guarantees, will be among the key issues shaping the discussions.
Source: CNA
