The number of Romanian students enrolled in UK universities increased by 9.7 per cent in 2019-20 compared to 2018-19, according to the latest numbers released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency, the UK’s official agency for higher education statistics. The only country in the EU with a higher increase was Portugal, with 17.3 per cent.
In terms of total numbers, Romania recorded 10,830 students enrolled in UK universities in 2019-20, ranking fifth after Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
”I chose to study in the UK because it offers countless personal and professional opportunities, and the reputation of its teaching and research is unmatched in Europe. I fell in love with the campus and country facilities (libraries, laboratories, infrastructure, civilisation), as well as with the teachers’ passion, which showed whenever they talked about their fields. I find it valuable to be part of a multicultural environment that has undoubtedly taught me a lot about communication and patience, but what I find most valuable is having access to a top education and, along with it, great employment opportunities,” said Roberta Ciuvăț, currently a student in the UK and coordinator of LSRS UK.
Nigel Bellingham, Director of the British Council in Romania, said: ‘This increase shows that Romanian students continue to recognise the UK’s high-quality education system, which is well known for its employability and world-leading teaching standards.
UK graduates are among the most employable in the world, and the UK is the highest rated study abroad destination for quality of teaching and research among students from European countries. We believe – and studies show – that a UK education is a bridge to a bright and successful future, and we want to support young Romanians interested in studying in the UK to follow their dreams and fulfill their potential.’
From September 2021 onwards, most new Romanian and other EU students starting a course in the UK will no longer be eligible for home fee status or student loans. Each UK university will set its own fees for EU students, and several universities are taking steps to support students with access to loans and bursaries. Students are advised to check with the university of their choice for information on fee levels and financial support available.
Students will also need to factor in other practical changes, such as student visas, which have been required for Romanian students wishing to study in the UK for longer than six months since January 2021, unless the student has existing residency in the UK via the UK’s Settlement Scheme.
Despite this, the UK remains the most affordable English-speaking study abroad destination.
In addition, many UK universities are taking action to offer support to EU students coming to study in the UK from 2021-2 and beyond. Offers vary depending on the university and the course, but include capping fees for EU domiciled students starting in 2021-2 at the ‘home fee’ levels, specific scholarships for new EU-domiciled students or opening existing scholarships or bursaries to EU students.
Mr Bellingham added: ‘Together with our university partners, we are working very hard to help Romanian students understand changes that come into place from 2021 so they can get ready with confidence to start their UK education journey.
‘We are sharing information with agents we work with across Romania, and we encourage students to visit universities’ websites or contact them in person for details on the opportunities they provide.’
The British Council Romania offers a series of language exams certificates needed for admissions at the UK universities. Students can register for IELTS or Cambridge Assessment English on the British Council website, where they will also find exams dates, locations, and a series of free preparation materials to help them get ready for their exam day https://www.britishcouncil.ro/en/exam
To find out more about all the changes coming into place for EU citizens starting a new course in the UK from August 2021, students can visit the Study UK website. This includes guides to visas, fees and loan information for UK universities: https://study-uk.britishcouncil.org/moving-uk/eu-students
86% Of Romanians Think EU Funds Can Help European States Recover From The Pandemic Crisis
Vodafone has released today a new research revealing the European public’s attitudes towards the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Commissioned by its think tank, the Vodafone Institute, and conducted by Kantar, it reveals the European public’s attitudes towards the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), showing widespread support.
86% of the interviewed Romanian citizens think it is an effective way of helping European countries manage their recovery, the highest score among surveyed countries.
In fact, three out of four people believe digital public services, digital skills and broadband internet access are important aspects for the recovery of Europe. Romanian citizens share this belief at a significantly greater extent, with 86% of them considering digital public services important for the recovery, 82% – digital skills and 79% – broadband internet access.
Romanian citizens rank highest as compared to citizens in other countries the importance of digital public services, digital skills and business adopting digital technologies (80%).
Despite alignment between the European Commission and citizens, public remain skeptical on execution
With 20% of the RRF fund being directed towards digitalisation, there is clear alignment between the priorities of the European Commission and European citizens according to this new research. However:
32% of the Romanian citizens interviewed are skeptical as to whether all of the allocated money will reach the promised areas and instead be diverted into industry bailouts, furlough schemes and business competition schemes.
Citizens in Germany, Greece, Hungary and the UK are most skeptical.
77% of the Romanian citizens think the Recovery Funds should be tied to certain conditions: 45% vote for strict conditions, while 32% favour more flexible ones. Evidently, the detail matters a great deal to citizens.
The vast majority of the interviewed Romanian citizens believe the scheme should most urgently support the health sector (96%), create opportunities for small businesses (94%) and generate new jobs (95%). Also, Romanians rank highest across Europe the urgency to support the digital education (90%), digital public services (82%) and broadband internet access (79%).
Murielle Lorilloux, CEO of Vodafone Romania, stated: “This research shows that Romanian citizens believe, with an overwhelming majority, that digital transformation must be at the heart of the recovery plan, ranking highest as compared to other countries the importance of digital public services, increasing digital skills and the adoption of technologies and of digital solutions by companies. What the research also revealed is that Romanians’ expectations for the digital education, digital public services and broadband internet access to be essential sectors for the recovery are significantly higher than the European average. Romania ranks first among the other surveyed European countries in terms of citizens’ belief that EU funds are an effective way of helping the country manage its recovery, people acknowledging the role of the European Union in ensuring that Europe emerges from this crisis stronger, including through the EU recovery funds. We have a historic opportunity to rebuild the economy and society as a whole stronger and better prepared for the future, accelerating the digital transformation in key sectors such as education, health, public services. The findings of this research call even more for close collaboration between public and private sectors in a joined effort meant to effectively respond to Romanian citizens’ expectations to use this unique opportunity for achieving in-depth transformation and build a digital and inclusive society. At Vodafone we remain committed in our role to keep society connected and to contribute to increasing society and the business environment resilience through digitalization.”