PETALING JAYA, June 26 — Malaysian students studying in Britain are bracing for a period of uncertainty following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union. 

Chief among their concerns were higher cost of living, restricted travelling across Europe and limited job opportunities. 

University of Leeds actuarial finance masters student Adam Haris Norman, 28, felt fresh graduates would face difficulty finding a job in the new isolated market.

"Some say Britons will take back jobs in local industries from economic immigrants but it could also mean there would be limited job opportunities for the younger generation of Britons as they would not be able to secure jobs in EU countries,” he said. 

Adam said Brexit would mean students who had enjoyed unrestricted travelling in EU nations before could face possible restrictions.   

"The arrangements within the EU were based on the tenets of being able to work, study and travel freely within the continent,” he said. 

"With the referendum, I do not think this would be possible any more as restrictions could be placed on those travelling into and out of the island nation.”  

University of Hull finance student Linda Ooi, 26, said Brexit could mean it would be more difficult for foreigners to secure a job locally. 

"For years, young Britons have always complained the local job market, especially construction, has been taken over predominantly by Polish immigrants,” she said.

Ooi said the more restricted market could also mean many, including Malaysians, looking for professional jobs could be turned away as employers may favour citizens to non-citizens. 

A local chemistry undergraduate in London, however, said Brexit would likely reduce living costs and this could be good, especially for foreign students. 

"The Value Added Tax might decrease, now that the UK is no longer subject to the EU’s tax system, and this would be beneficial to students,” said the 21-year-old student, who requested anonimity. 

He said that unlike Malaysians, students from EU nations would be more affected as they may no longer be able to apply for study loans in Britain.

"This may not be possible any more, and they could end up paying higher tuition fees,” he said.