We have responded to the Scottish Parliament’s Finance and Public Administration Committee’s call for views on pre-budget scrutiny 2026/27, responding to the long term fiscal pressures.

In our submission, we highlight the financial pressures that universities are facing, the benefits of further investment in universities and suggestions of actions and priorities for the Scottish Government to consider.

Some key points from our submission include:

• The key role Scottish universities play in supporting our public services, including the NHS.
• Better opportunities for multi-year budget setting will provide the higher education sector more stability and opportunity to respond to the needs of the public and Scottish Government.
• Universities need to be adequately funded to continue their teaching, research, innovation, and civic missions, which make significant contributions to delivering the Scottish Government’s priorities.
• Changing population demographics from 2030 set against Scotland’s needs for increased labour market participation means Scotland will need to redesign the way it funds and supports universities and others to provide flexible and agile education and reskilling.

You can read our full submission here.