New directive on the rules to attract non-EU students, reasearchers and interns to the EU

An EU directive to harmonise EU entry and residence rules to make it easier and more attractive for people from third countries to study or do research at EU universities.

Today, the directive has been published in the European Official Journal and is now entering into force. Member states now have two years in which to transpose its provisions into their national laws.

The new rules merge two existing directives (one on students and one on researchers) to ensure that:

  • students and researchers may stay at least nine months after finishing their studies or research in order to look for a job or to set up a business, which should also ensure that Europe benefits from their skills,
  • students and researchers may move more easily within the EU during their stay. They may, in certain cases, enter and carry out part of their research or studies in another member state upon simple notification.
  • researchers have the right to bring their family members with them and these family members are entitled to work during their stay in Europe, and
  • students have the right to work at least 15 hours a week.

The new rules also clarify and improve conditions for non-EU interns, volunteers, school pupils and au pairs.

As a reminder, the Council adopted its position at first reading on 10 March 2016 and the European Parliament approved it on 11 May 2016.

For additionnal information, please visit the Council website as well as the European Parliament website. The debate in details and the complete text adopted are available here. Here attached you will find the directive in English. Other languages versions are available here.

Publication Date: Sat 21 May 2016
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