ABERYSTWYTH University has seen more than 100 prospective students from the European Union withdraw their applications to the institution following the UK’s decision to leave the EU.

John Grattan, acting vice-chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said about half of those pulled out the day after the Brexit vote, and the loss would have a “stunning impact” on the university’s finances.

Speaking to students during one of the graduation ceremonies last week, Prof Grattan said: “I won’t hide it from you that Brexit poses a challenge to the university.

“Over 100 European students have withdrawn their applications to us at this point, 50 by the end of Friday on Brexit day.

“That’s a stunning impact on our finances.”

Other Welsh universities have also told the media that uncertainty following the decision to leave the European Union could affect student numbers and finances.

Aberystwyth had 800 students from EU countries in 2014/15, and welcomed just over 200 new undergraduates from the EU in 2015/16.

There are now fears that new EU students for the September intake could dip to below half last year’s total.

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