Brexit update as of 07/02/2019

In July 2018 the UK Government issued an assurance to underwrite the payment of Erasmus funding in the event of a No Deal Brexit for the duration of the current programme (until 2020). However, UK Government technical notices released over the last week have cast doubt on this underwrite and we are awaiting further clarity on the implications of this for our two student cohorts - both those out on an Erasmus placement this year 18/19 and those intending to study and/or work abroad in 19/20. This is what we know at the moment:

On an Erasmus placement in 2018/19
The UK Government is in ongoing talks with the EC to negotiate our participation in the Erasmus programme. If there is a No Deal outcome the European Commission have expressed their support for the UK’s continued participation in Erasmus for EU and UK students currently on an exchange placement in 2018-19. Consequently we are optimistic that expected funding will remain in place for Durham students currently abroad or due to go out in 18-19.

The European Commission recently released a proposal around supporting 2018/19 students who are abroad on the date of Brexit. The notice can be found here and the FAQs can be found here.

Planning an Erasmus placement in 2019/20
The situation for students planning to undertake an Erasmus placement in 2019-20 is less clear. Durham is working with European partners to ensure bilateral agreements are in place to mirror our existing Erasmus partnerships in the event that the UK is no longer eligible to participate in the Erasmus programme as it currently does. European student exchanges will continue, however if there is a No Deal, both Erasmus and UK Government underwrite funding may no longer be available for 19-20 placements.

If you have applied for an Erasmus placement for 19/20, we would advise you to continue with this process. The University is monitoring this continually changing situation and we will keep students updated as we know more.