The Scottish Government and Universities Scotland have today (Thursday 18 December) announced the launch of a new, joint process that will co-design a Framework for a successful and sustainable future for Scotland’s universities for the next 20 years. It is the first fundamental look at how to secure the sustainability of Scotland’s universities since 2010/11….
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Universities Scotland welcomes the UK’s reassociation to Erasmus
Universities Scotland welcomes the UK’s reassociation to Erasmus Responding to today’s announcement that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus programme in 2027, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said; “Today’s announcement that the UK will rejoin the Erasmus programme from 2027 is very welcome news, and something universities have been calling for since leaving the…
Scotland highlights key assets for international education in new report
In partnership with the British Council Scotland, we have published a report in partnership ‘Scotland’s Higher Education: Partnering for Global Impact’. The report highlights the strengths of Scotland’s higher education system and the uniqueness Scotland’s institutions across five different assets. The assets where Scotland’s higher education system thrives nationally and globally are; Tradition of education…
Scotland research and innovation performance: explore the latest trends
A new study by Elsevier, has found that research carried out in Scotland’s universities has an “exceptional” international impact. Scottish research is cited 76% more frequently than the global average while 60% of its research publications are co-authored with international partners, nearly three times the global average. Dr Sarah Main, the author of the study…
Stark Financial Picture and High-Risk Financial Context for Universities Evident in Financial Sustainability Report
Stark Financial Picture and High-Risk Financial Context for Universities Evident in Financial Sustainability Report The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has today (Friday, 26 September at 10.00) published its annual Financial Sustainability report for Scotland’s universities. Amongst the financial metrics, which cover the period 2022/23 to 2026/27 which includes some financial projections, key figures include: HEIs…
Record number of Scottish young people achieving a place at university
Universities Scotland welcomes news on SQA results day on the number of Scottish students securing an undergraduate place at university via UCAS in 2025. Commenting, Universities Scotland’s Deputy Director, Lesley Jackson said: “There are lots of positives for university applicants on SQA results day, including the record number of Scots aged 17 and 18 securing…
Prosper puts universities at the heart of policy recommendations underpinning growth in turbulent times
Universities are a key part of Scotland’s growth plan for turbulent times Prosper, Scotland’s membership organisation for all sectors and all industries, has today (25 June) published a new policy blueprint focused on unlocking growth in turbulent times. Framed within three national priorities of achieving a stronger economy, a Scotland where we get things done…
Response to the Gillies’ report into the University of Dundee
The Scottish Funding Council commissioned Professor Pamela Gillies and professional services firm BDO to lead an independent investigation into the University of Dundee. The full report can be found on the Funding Council’s website. Responding to the report, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Professor Gillies’ report makes for very difficult but important reading…
UK Government immigration white paper; impact on Scotland’s universities
Following the publication of the UK Government’s immigration white paper, we have responded detailing the affects of today’s announcement on Scotland’s universities. UPDATE: Since publication of the Immigration White Paper on 12 May, the Scotland Office has confirmed that a decision on the applicability of the levy is to be devolved to the Scottish Government….
University funding allocations for 2025/26 do not give the sector the financial support needed at a time when it has never been more necessary
The Scottish Funding Council has today (Thursday, 4 April) published its funding allocations for universities for academic year 2025/26. This follows the Scottish Government’s budget settlement for universities as announced in December. The allocations set out teaching funding for Scottish undergraduates, research and innovation funding and other, smaller grants. Total teaching funding allocated to universities…