
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 mitigate and manage the impact of Brexit.
Latest News
This page and our FAQs will be updated regularly with key developments. If you would like to receive our regular Brexit Briefings, please contact a.wolthuizen@imperial.ac.uk.
Latest news
- The Brexit deal paves the way for UK participation in Horizon Europe. UK researchers are expected to be eligible to apply for funding from the first research grant calls under the Horizon Europe programme, which are expected shortly after the EU has formally adopted the regulations. Once the UK’s association agreement is ratified, UK participants will have access to funding on the same basis as EU member states and on equivalent terms as organisations in EU countries. UK researchers will continue to be able to be principal investigators (PIs) and lead and coordinate projects.
- The Department for Education has launched the Turing Scheme, the UK’s replacement for the Erasmus programme with a new website, which contains limited details on eligibility, application process, flexibility on placement length, grant rates and admin support. Students will be able to utilise the scheme from September 2021. Further guidelines are expected in the near future.
- 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.
The College’s Brexit Advisory Group is preparing for any outcome and you can email Brexit.advice@imperial.ac.uk with any questions.
What happens next?
- March/April tbc Horizon Europe legislation adopted
- March/April tbc European Parliament to ratify Brexit deal
- Spring 2021 First Horizon Europe calls expected
- 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.