Universities in the U.K. are already feeling the repercussions of their decision to leave the European Union. Apparently, academics are already passing out on research bids as a consequence of Brexit.
The Independent reported that the Director of Education and Society for the British Council, Dr. Jo Beall, has warned the government to take immediate action to secure the future of university research or risk damaging the industry's credibility.
Universities UK and London Economics expressed their concerns about the future of university funding. They also want to have a detailed reassurance for EU students and staff in the nation.
Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the University and College Union, said that the higher education sector feels that Brexit is giving people from the EU "a sense of being unwelcome." Moreover, EU national members are said to be looking at other places for long-term employment.
According to The Guardian, applications from EU students have dropped by over 7 percent. This is the first decrease to happen after about 10 years of unhindered growth, which will likely be blamed on Brexit.
A drop of nearly 5 percent has been seen in the number of applications from UK students as well. Applications from international students have fallen by less than one percent.
University experts have long warned the Members of Parliament about the damaging effects that a "hard Brexit" would have on the higher education sector. It has been reported that Brexit could lead to the "biggest disaster for the university sector in many years."
University of Oxford's head of Brexit strategy Alastair Buchan said that Brexit would lead to high risks of damage on one of the nation's best industries. He described this industry as the "knowledge-based economy" in the country.
Moreover, the exit would most likely lead to the cutting off of the flow of excellent people to Britain. As Oxford Brookes University's vice-chancellor, Alistair Fitt, phrased it: this may be the "biggest disaster for the university sector" in recent years.
