The British Government has set up an EU Settlement Scheme for post-Brexit EU citizens (settled and pre-settled). The purpose of the scheme is to ensure the rights of European citizens to continue living, working or studying in the UK post-Brexit. From 1 August 2021, EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members who are not covered by the withdrawal agreements will no longer be eligible for financial support for undergraduate and postgraduate studies and Student Finance England loans for courses. starting in the academic year 2021/22 or later.
In general, this scheme covers those who:
• lived in the UK until 31 December 2020 and exercised their right of residence under EU law, the EEA Agreement or the Agreement on the Free Movement of Persons
• continues to live in the UK after 31 December 2020
There are two types of registration for the new immigration status, according to the official website of the UK Government:
• SETTLED status - applies to European citizens and their family members who have resided in the UK for at least 5 years;
• PRE-SETTLED status - applies to those who have not resided in the UK for at least 5 years until 30 June 2021.
If you want to apply to university and get a student loan from the national organization Student Finance England, you must have pre-settled or settled status and have lived in the UK or EU for at least 3 years. If you have one of these types of status you can continue or start your studies and even work in the UK. In addition, you have the right to access the UK medical and social security system in the UK.
Before the expiration of the 5 years, while your PRE-SETTLED status is active, you must apply for SETTLED status - continuous residence, which will NOT be granted automatically.