Ministers are prepared to spend up to £450 million a year so EU students can pay the same tuition fees as British students, according to Guardian reporting - but only if Brussels allows the UK into its Made in Europe industrial programme. It is among the last unresolved issues before a UK-EU summit on 20 November.

Since Brexit, EU students have paid international fees, which can rise above £60,000 a year, rather than the home fee of just over £9,000. Under the reported plan, they would pay the home rate, with the government compensating universities for lost income. The £450 million figure is the most expensive scenario modelled, based on fees cut to the domestic level and very high demand; a government official called it speculative, and another source said the true cost was likely lower.

What the UK wants in return

The condition is access to Made in Europe, a proposed EU industrial programme favouring goods made in the bloc. The UK was initially excluded from the definition of European under the scheme, and ministers have pushed for inclusion as the prize justifying the fee concession. Reports say agreement has largely been reached in other areas, including emissions trading, agricultural products and a youth mobility scheme.

Nothing has changed yet

Nothing has been agreed, and no start date has been set. Students from outside the EU would continue to pay international fees. Anyone planning an application should rely on current rules on the GOV.UK Student visa pages (https://www.gov.uk/student-visa), rather than on reports of negotiations. This article is a general summary only, not personal immigration advice - check GOV.UK for the rules that apply to you.

Sources: The Guardian, 1 November 2026, via British Bulletin, 2 November 2026; MediaPavilion, 2 November 2026; GOV.UK Student visa guidance (current rules).