Oxford University Reports Decline in Number of EU Students – Blames Brexit for Negative Trend

Through its annual report, the university revealed that the number of students from the EU has halved. Previously, the students from the EU accounted for eight per cent of the total number of students, whereas in 2021, they accounted for only four per cent, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reports.

The data published by the university shows that the average of more than 260 that has been registered in the last four years decreased to 128 this year.

Commenting on the situation, Vice-Chancellor Professor Louise Richardson said that such a decline was expected due to the changes that have occurred by Brexit. However, she noted that the decline ‘is stark’.

The report further shows that the proportion of state school pupils gaining a place in the university increased from 58 per cent registered in 2017 to 68 per cent in 2021. This means that the figures increased mainly during the pandemic period.

In 2019, around 62 per cent of state applicants gained a place in the university. On the other hand, the data shows that 69 per cent gained a place in 2020 and 68 per cent gained a place in 2021.

In addition to the above-mentioned, the report published by Oxford University showed that the number of students that identify as black and minority ethnic increased from 18 per cent to 25 per cent during the period 2017-2021.

Previously, AtoZSerwisPlus.com reported that the interest of EU students in studying in the UK decreased by 40 per cent. The Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) said that students from the Member States had submitted way fewer applications in the UK higher education institutions in the 2020/2021 period.

According to UCAS, only 31,670 EU students applied during the period mentioned above, and 16,025 got accepted, which is 50 per cent less than in the pre-Brexit period.

Due to the decreased number of EU students, local media previously reported that the tuition fees at British universities had increased significantly compared to the pre-Brexit period when the British and EU nationals had to pay around €11,083 per year equally.

Since the August of last year, the universities have drastically increased their fees, with some of them charging up to €47,927.