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…
News
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…
University of the West of Scotland Principal, Professor James Miller FRSE, is elected Universities Scotland’s next Convener
The next Convener of Universities Scotland, the representative organisation for Scotland’s 19 higher education institutions, will be Professor James Miller FRSE who will take up the role for a period of two years, from 1 August 2025. Professor Miller is Principal & Vice-Chancellor at the University of the West of Scotland and is elected to…
New student data from HESA shows sudden, sharp falls in international students coming to Scotland’s universities
New data on university students out today for academic year 2023/24 confirms the fall in international numbers as experienced by universities across Scotland and the UK. In total, the number of international (non-EU) students coming to Scotland in 2023/24, compared to the previous year, dropped by just short of 10,000 (9,380). The sharpest fall amongst…
Retaining talent in Scotland: First Minister’s migration aspirations
In a speech in Glasgow today (Wednesday, 22 January) First Minister John Swinney spoke to his aspiration to work with the UK Government to develop migration policy that would help to support Scotland’s future workforce and population needs, thereby boosting economic prosperity. The outline policy proposal sees Scotland-specific dimensions to the retention of highly skilled…
AI opportunities action plan: responding to the UK Government launch
The UK Government has today launched its AI opportunities action plan following the commission of the Clifford Review. The Government has accepted all 50 recommendations from the Review. Responding to the UK Government’s announcement of the AI Opportunities Action Plan on Monday 13 January, Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Scottish universities are at the…