
Imperial is a European university with global reach. Collaborating across borders with people from different backgrounds, cultures and nationalities is what drives the world’s best universities.
President Alice Gast has repeatedly affirmed that “Imperial is, and will remain, a European university”.
We continue to provide our current and prospective staff and students with support and regular updates as we work to manage the impact of Brexit.
Latest News
This page and our FAQs are updated regularly with key developments. If you would like to receive our regular Brexit Briefings, please contact a.wolthuizen@imperial.ac.uk.
Latest news
- UK researchers are eligible to apply for Horizon Europe funding. The European Research Council (ERC) has launched the first funding calls, following the publication of the 2021 work programme. The call for the first round of Consolidator Grants opened on 11 March and will close on 20 April, and Advanced Grants will open on 20 May. For more information, have a look at the Research Office’s EU Team Yammer or get in touch with the EU team.
- The European Innovation Council (EIC) has published its work programme. There is a call for grant applications for the EIC Pathfinder Open scheme, which aims to support the early stage development of high-risk, high-gain future technologies, which will close on 19 May.
- The new Graduate route will launch on 1 July 2021. Undergraduate and Masters students that successfully apply for this visa will be able to stay in the UK and work - or look for work - at any skill level for two years. Doctoral students will be able to stay for three years. You can find more information on the International Student Support webpages.
- The Department for Education has launched the Turing Scheme, the UK’s replacement for the Erasmus programm. Students will be able to utilise the scheme from September 2021. Further details are expected in the coming months and will be made available on the College’s Placements site.
- EU/EEA/Swiss citizens resident in the UK before 31 December 2020 will continue to be eligible for Settled/Pre-Settled Status through the EU Settlement Scheme and have until 30 June 2021 to apply. The College continues to support staff and students with this process.
- Travel to the EU has changed on 1 January: staff and students may need to renew their passport and check travel insurance and healthcare cover and they may need a visa or permit to stay for longer than 90 days in any 180-day period, to work or study. EU nationals can continue to travel to the UK without a visa for visits shorter than 6 months and EU ID cards will be accepted at the border until October 2021. In light of possible COVID-19 restrictions throughout Europe, staff and students should check each country’s travel advice page before travelling to and from the EU to see if any restrictions apply. It is also advisable to check with the travel operator/carrier.
- Staff and students may want to use the government’s Brexit checking tool to get more information tailored to their circumstances.
Please contact the College’s Brexit Advisory Group at Brexit.advice@imperial.ac.uk with any questions.
What happens next?
- 26 April 2021 European Parliament vote on Horizon Europe final text
- September 2021 Launch of Turing Scheme
More information

Information for staff
Imperial is providing information and support to staff as the UK leaves the EU. Find out about the latest information from the UK government, answers to frequently asked questions and contact points for further support.

Information for students
Imperial is working to provide current and future students from the EU/EEA with the latest information on fees, funding and immigration requirements.

European partnerships
Imperial is intensifying its European collaborations. We have formed a seed fund to support new European research collaborations and are developing new European partnerships, such as those with France’s CNRS research agency and the Technical University Munich.