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.
Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland has said;
“Universities recognise their responsibility to ensure that international student recruitment practices are robust and that growth is well-managed and sustainable. We are happy to work closely with the UK Government to that end.
“Many of the changes announced today will help preserve an internationally competitive offer to international students. Today’s confirmation that the Graduate route will remain in place, with some minor changes will offer some relief to institutions even if it is not the direction we wanted to see UK Government policy go in.
“There are aspects of today’s announcements we need to understand in greater detail, including what length of transition period will apply to the change in compliance assessments. We are also keen to seek clarification that a UK Government levy will not apply to Scotland’s universities in a devolved context. International students’ decision to come to study in Scotland contributes significantly to the Scottish and UK economy. The financial challenges facing Scotland’s universities are well known. International tuition fees are already subsidising the higher education of Scotland’s home students and our research output. A levy on this much needed income would be unwelcome given the financial pressures already facing the sector.”