Brexit Impact 2026: UK Students in Italy Face Higher UK Fees by 2028

If you’re a British expat living in Italy with school-age children, a recent announcement from the UK government will affect your family’s future education plans. Starting in 2028, British students who are resident in the EU—including Italy—will be classified as international students when applying to UK universities. This means they’ll face higher tuition fees, potentially adding tens of thousands of pounds to the cost of a degree. But there’s time to plan. This guide explains the changes, how they work, and what you can do now to protect your child’s options.

What the New Policy Means for British Families in Italy

The UK government announced in July 2026 that from the 2028 academic year, British students living in the European Union will no longer qualify for home fee status at UK universities. Instead, they’ll be charged international tuition rates, which can be two to three times higher than domestic fees. For example, a three-year degree that currently costs around £9,250 per year for home students could rise to £25,000 or more for international students. This change applies to all UK universities and affects students who have been living in Italy (or any EU country) for three years or more before starting their course. If you moved to Italy after Brexit and your child is currently in primary or secondary school, this policy could directly impact their university plans.

Who Is Affected by the Fee Change?

Not every British family in Italy will be affected. The key factor is the student’s residency status at the time of university application. If your child has lived in Italy for three consecutive years before starting a UK degree, they’ll be considered an international student. However, if they’ve lived in the UK for at least three years before applying, they may still qualify for home fees. This creates a tricky situation for families who split time between the two countries. British citizens who moved to Italy after 1 January 2021 (when Brexit took full effect) are most at risk. If you’re a dual Italian-British national, your child may be treated differently—check with individual universities. Additionally, if your child holds Italian citizenship through birth or descent, they might be eligible for EU fee status in some UK universities, though this varies.

Practical Steps to Mitigate Higher Costs

There are several strategies you can consider now to reduce the financial burden. First, if your child is still in early secondary school, you might plan a return to the UK before they turn 16. Living in the UK for three years before university would restore home fee eligibility. However, this involves uprooting your family and may not be feasible for everyone. Second, explore Italian universities. Italy offers high-quality, low-cost education, with tuition fees at public universities typically ranging from €1,000 to €3,000 per year for EU students. Since your child may hold EU residency, they could qualify for these lower rates. Third, start saving early. Open a dedicated education fund, such as a Junior ISA in the UK or a savings account in Italy, and contribute regularly. Even small amounts add up over 10 years. Finally, consider scholarships. UK universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students, though competition is fierce. Research options now and encourage your child to maintain strong grades.

How Italy’s Education System Can Be an Alternative

Italy’s university system is a strong alternative to UK education. Many programs are taught in English, especially at postgraduate level, but undergraduate degrees also exist in English, particularly in business, engineering, and medicine. The cost of living in Italy is generally lower than in the UK, and student accommodation is more affordable. For example, a student in Milan might spend €800–€1,200 per month on rent, food, and transport, compared to £1,200–£1,500 in London. Additionally, Italian universities are part of the Bologna Process, meaning degrees are recognized across Europe. If your child plans to work in the EU after graduation, an Italian degree could be more valuable than a UK one. However, note that Italian universities require proficiency in Italian for most courses, so your child may need language support. Start Italian lessons early—perhaps through local schools or online platforms like Duolingo or Babbel.

Tax and Residency Implications for British Families

Your tax status in Italy can affect your child’s eligibility for home fees. To be considered an EU resident for Italian purposes, you must register with the local comune (town hall) and obtain a residency certificate. This is straightforward if you own a home or have a long-term rental contract. However, if you maintain a UK address or spend significant time in the UK, you might be considered a UK resident for tax purposes. This could complicate your child’s fee status. Consult a tax advisor who specializes in cross-border issues. Also, consider the Italian tax regime for new residents: the “impatriate” regime offers a 70% tax exemption on employment income for the first five years, which could free up funds for education savings. But be careful—maintaining UK residency could trigger dual tax obligations and affect your child’s university fee status.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my child lose home fee status if we move back to the UK before 2028?

Yes, if your child lives in the UK for three consecutive years before starting university, they should regain home fee eligibility. The key is to ensure they are ordinarily resident in the UK, not just visiting. If you plan to return, do so at least three years before their intended start date. Keep records of school enrollment, utility bills, and tax returns as proof.

Does this policy apply to Scottish or Welsh universities?

The policy applies to all UK universities, including those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. However, fee structures vary. Scottish universities charge home fees for Scottish residents and EU students under certain conditions. Check with individual institutions, as some may have different rules for EU-based British students.

Can my child get a student loan for international fees?

UK student loans are available only for home fee status students. International students must rely on private loans, scholarships, or family savings. Some UK banks offer education loans for international students, but interest rates are higher. Consider Italian banks too, as they may offer favorable terms for residents.

What if my child has dual Italian-British citizenship?

Dual citizenship may help. Some UK universities treat EU citizens as home students for fee purposes, especially if they hold an EU passport. However, this is not guaranteed. Contact the admissions office of each university your child is interested in to clarify their policy. Also, Italian citizenship may qualify your child for lower fees at Italian universities.