The impact of Brexit on EU student enrolments in higher education institutions in the United Kingdom

Abstract

This study covers the impact of Brexit on EU student enrolment in HEIs in the UK, using the push-pull migration theory to explain immigration motives. This topic was studied through semi-structured interviews with current students and recent graduates from the EU to find the specific factors which describe their decisions to study in HE in the UK. Findings of the interviews display a negative trend caused by Brexit on EU students, decreasing the attractiveness of the UK as a HE destination. Prestige and high quality of education were found to be the main pull factors for HE in the UK. Increased tuition fees were found to be the key push factor for EU students. There is a clear significance borne by Covid-19 which occurred simultaneously to Brexit, further affecting EU students’ experiences and decisions for HE in the UK.