Brexit-universities-studentsFollowing the rejection of the Brexit Agreement in the British House of Commons, the Ministry of Education has issued a letter informing all higher education institutions, education directorates, research institutions and affected students about the expected consequences. If there really is an exit of Great Britain without an agreement, the effects will be felt especially in the higher education sector.
Around 650 Austrians are currently studying about the EU’s Erasmus program in the UK and 400 Britons in Austria. In addition, there are 150 university teachers from Austria on Erasmus projects in the United Kingdom and 80 Britons in Austria. All ongoing Erasmus stays abroad, which end on 29 March, can still be carried out and settled in accordance with the applicable regulations.
For everyone else, they try to find solutions either with the EU Commission or themselves, according to the letter. Whether Great Britain actually leaves the Erasmus program is not yet settled. In principle, this is also open to non-EU states. In any case, the Austrian Student Benefits Act should be amended so that a mobility scholarship can be obtained in the future for studying in the United Kingdom.
Financial statements remain valid
There are no changes for degrees that have already been acquired at a British university: they remain valid in Austria. Future diplomas and qualifications of a British educational institution, for example, grant access to the profession, but must first be nostrified in this country.
It will be more expensive for British students in Austria: Currently, as EU citizens, they pay no tuition fees within the minimum study period plus the semester of tolerance. As third-country nationals, on the other hand, they have to pay dual tuition fees (€ 726.72 per semester) right from the start. In addition, before being admitted to Austria, they must prove that they are allowed to study the subject in their home country.
Great Britain’s 9th most important export partner
Great Britain is the ninth most important export partner for Austria. From January to October 2018, Austrian companies delivered goods worth around 3.6 billion euros to the country. Domestic machines and vehicles are most in demand among the British, which accounts for a good half of total exports. For Styria, therefore, the UK is even the fourth most important trading partner.
Important exporter is about Magna Steyr in Graz. In the first half of 2018, Styrian goods valued at € 647 million were exported to the UK, an increase of 53.3 percent over the first six months of 2017.
In the first ten months of 2018, exports to Great Britain increased by around eight percent in Austria, according to Statistics Austria. In addition to machinery and vehicles, domestic companies mainly export processed goods, chemicals and foodstuffs. In terms of volume, Austria exports almost the same amount to the United Kingdom as to China.
The most important trading partner for Austria is Germany. About the gang Germany, a Brexit could also affect Austria, experts expect. In terms of imports, Great Britain is only 13th for Austria.
