Dame Goodfellow said that it was absolutely necessary to provide the reassurance in order to ensure the country did not see a sudden decline in EU student applications.
More than 125,000 students are currently studying at UK universities and they currently make up 5 percent of the UK student population.
There is an overall uncertainty among the student body about what would happen to people from the EU and whether they will still be paying the same fees as UK students. Most of the members of the UUK voted for Britain to remain as part of the EU.
"Having campaigned hard for a remain vote myself, and as vice-chancellor of the University of Kent, the UK's European university, I know the shock and disappointment so many people felt at the outcome," Dame Goodfellow said in a recent statement.
Read our latest advice for universities and students about the implications of Brexit. https://t.co/aCayQZHpal
— Universities UK (@UniversitiesUK) 5 July 2016
For the UUK, the general concern is the anxiety that is shared among the 125,000 EU students and the 43,000 EU staff at universities across the country.
"We understand that answers are unlikely to be quick or easy as there are complex political issues at play, but clarity is needed right now — for our staff as they consider whether to stay in the UK; for our current students who are anxious about what it means for their place here; for and prospective students as they consider entry in 2017," Dame Goodfellow said.
Goodfellow: UUK also calling on govt to support enhanced mobility programmes for UK students/staff, provide extra public research funding.
— John Morgan (@JMorganTHE) 7 September 2016
Goodfellow stressed that UK universities were unsure and unable to clarify two burning questions, firstly what fees EU students would pay and secondly, will they be able to access financial support?
The UUK has called for the Prime Minister and her government to take positive steps to create the conditions for the university sector so that it will be allowed to contribute fully to the UK's economic success and global influence, inside and outside the EU.
"I therefore ask that the UK government supports us on four key issues, firstly, enhancing international research collaboration, with partners both in Europe and across the globe. Secondly by developing policies to enhance the UK as an attractive destination for international students and staff, including immigration policy reforms, thirdly by growing global opportunities for UK students and staff by enhancing mobility programs and finally by increasing public investment in research and innovation," Goodfellow said in a recent statement.
