Responding to the announcement made this morning (Thursday 14 April) by the Scottish Government that displaced Ukrainian students settling in Scotland will be given access to free tuition and living cost support. Universities Scotland’s Director, Alastair Sim, said: “Scotland’s university leaders are appalled at the continuing desperate crisis in Ukraine. We are committed to offering…
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Statement of solidarity with Ukraine
Universities Scotland stands with Ukraine. We unequivocally condemn the invasion and are deeply concerned by the horrific events in Ukraine. We express our support for Ukrainian students and staff, studying, working and living in Scotland and those around the world. Every university has reached out directly to the individuals most affected by this conflict to…
Record breaking widening access success highlighted in new figures
Responding to the publication of the Higher Education Student Statistics UK 2020-21, which shows the highest number and proportion of Scottish students from Scotland’s most deprived areas, Universities Scotland Director, Alastair Sim said: “It’s a source of pride for the sector that more students than ever from Scotland’s most deprived areas are studying and hopefully…
Universities Scotland comment on plans for blended learning in January 2022
Commenting on universities’ preparations for the new semester starting in January 2022, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “Universities have been working at level zero since September, which is a whole level more cautious than required of other sectors. In response to omicron, we’ve stepped up that level of caution again in the last…
Universities respond to Scottish Government budget for higher education
Universities Scotland has responded to the Scottish Government’s budget for 2022/23 as published by Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, today. The settlement is likely to mean a real-terms cut to core HE budgets for teaching and research as COVID consequential funding delivered last year to support activity including the delivery of graduate apprenticeships is discontinued with…
Thriving Learners study into student mental health is published
The largest study into the mental health and wellbeing of students in Scotland has revealed nearly three quarters (74%) of university students surveyed reported having low wellbeing, according to the research published by Mental Health Foundation. The Thriving Learners study also found that more than one third of university students surveyed (36%) reported moderately severe…
Colleges and unis unite for fair budget claim for students
College and university principals have come together to call on the Scottish Government to deliver for Scotland’s students in December’s budget. Audrey Cumberford, Chair of College Principals and Gerry McCormac, Convener of Universities Scotland have united in a call to the Scottish Government to deliver funding in the budget on 9 December to ensure college…
Scotland’s SMEs boosted by university links
Universities are at the forefront of Scotland’s economic recovery from COVID-19 with their innovative partnerships with small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) being given a special focus. As part of a UK-wide campaign from Universities UK, Getting Results highlights the ways in which universities are aiding sustainable economic growth through their partnerships with businesses, charities…
University sector celebrates widening access progress with the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills
The Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP, has met with university students to celebrate the higher education sector’s achievement of the interim widening access target set by the Scottish Government. Ms Somerville hosted a group discussion with students whose routes into university are considered non-traditional as a way of recognising the sector’s…
Mental health and wellbeing is a top priority in the new academic year, say Principals and Student Union Presidents
The Principals and Student Union Presidents of Scotland’s 19 universities have issued an open letter to students assuring them that mental health and wellbeing is a top priority in the new academic year. The letter sets out to raise the visibility of general opportunities for wellbeing and preventative measures as well as more focused mental…