Universities Scotland welcome the publication of the Scottish National Innovation Strategy by the Scottish Government. The strategy has been co-produced with partners across our country and overseen by a Steering Group co-chaired between Scottish Ministers and Sir Jim McDonald, Principal of the University of Strathclyde. The Strategy recognises the key role of universities in making…
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Universities Scotland responds to the Withers review of skills landscape
Responding to Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation, published by the Scottish Government on 7 June 2023, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “This is a bold report that seeks to tackle long-term challenges in the skills landscape head-on and proposes a major shake-up of Scotland’s structural…
More graduates in Scotland are reaching positive destinations
New figures released from the Graduate Outcomes Report for 2020/21 indicate that Scotland’s graduates are entering into more positive destinations than in previous years. According to the report published by HESA on 31 May, 92% of respondents had reached a positive destination within 15 months of graduation, which includes employment, further study, a mix of…
Scottish universities delivery to UN goals highlighted in new world rankings
Universities Scotland has welcomed global rankings that demonstrate Scottish universities are at the forefront of the United Nations’ (UN) sustainable development goals (SDGs) for peace and prosperity for people and the planet. A record ten universities from Scotland participated with four Scottish institutions featuring in the top 100. Four of Scotland’s universities: Glasgow (13), Strathclyde…
Response to the statement from the Home Secretary on graduate visas
In response to the written ministerial statement issued a short time ago by the Home Office, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “After months of speculation, we have clarity from the UK Government. We welcome the commitment to retaining the post-study work visa which benefits both students and employers. It also helps retain talent…
International students boost Scottish economy by £4.75bn
New figures show economic benefit of international students in Scotland is £4.75 billion. Aside from London, international students in Scotland are among those to deliver the greatest financial contributions across the UK On average, each of the 59 UK Parliamentary constituencies in the Scotland is £71m (per constituency) better off because of international students –…
Universities facing further cuts as the Scottish Government withdraw £20m
This week, the Scottish Government announced the withdrawal of the additional £20 million resource for universities it announced in the December budget. This has caused deep concern as universities in Scotland are facing real terms cuts and remain under resourced as further cuts take place. Universities Scotland Convener, Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal of the…
£20m cut “extremely disappointing”
This afternoon (Tuesday 2 May), Principals of Scotland’s universities were informed by the Scottish Funding Council that the £20 million of additional resource funding allocated to the sector in December’s budget by the Scottish Government is now “not available for distribution and has been identified as a necessary saving”. Universities were told that Scottish Government…
Ensuring good governance in higher education remains fit for purpose
Universities Scotland has welcomed the updated Scottish Code of Good HE Governance following a scheduled review undertaken on behalf of the Committee of Scottish Chairs in consultation with stakeholders. The review fulfils the commitment of the Committee of Scottish Chairs to achieve continual enhancement of good governance, together with transparency, inclusion and accountability. This is…
Students’ hopes, uncertainties and university support revealed to Minister on visit to Queen Margaret University
Students attending universities from across Edinburgh met the Minister for Higher and Further Education; and Minister for Veterans, Graeme Dey MSP, to share the range of challenges and opportunities they face as undergraduates, in a visit to Queen Margaret University Edinburgh on Thursday 20 April. Universities across Scotland offer active support to their students in…