When the United Kingdom left the European Union and its single market in 2020 most students in the EU lost their eligibility for the same tuition fees arrangement as students in the UK (“home” tuition fees and the loans that are available to cover those fees). Instead they face international tuition fees which for many subjects are several times the level of the home fees. This is a major disincentive. We expected that EU students would no longer be interested in applying to UK universities. Applications have indeed declined significantly, but we have been encouraged that significant numbers of students from Luxembourg schools still want to find out about what it is like to live and study in Cambridge, what courses are available, what are the entrance requirements, what extracurricular activities are available, and so on. The University of Cambridge is one of the best universities in the UK, indeed in the world, so it is not surprising that students with high aspirations want to explore the options.
We have decided that so long as there is this interest we will be present at the MESR Student Fair to provide information and answer questions.
Our experience at the 2026 MESR Student Fair held in the Coque on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 October confirmed that we have made the right decision. Students from many schools across the country kept us busy on our stand providing information and explanations, and as in previous years there were some parents who accompanied their sons and daughters. We know that many of the students will not be able to take things any further, but we will be keeping in touch with others who remain committed to pursuing their dream. In some cases that might mean obtaining a bachelor’s degree at a university in Europe and then. applying to Cambridge for a postgraduate course where there are more financial support packages available.
During the two days we met some excellent, highly talented students. It is always such a great pleasure and privilege, and most encouraging for the future, to interact with the new student generation.
Many thanks to my colleagues Claude Ewert and Laura Rehlis for joining me on our stand.
