The Manifesto for the Mobility of Talent was published last month by Universities Scotland, NUS Scotland and UCU Scotland. At Universities Scotland, we are delighted to have the support of the Committee of Scottish University Chairs. In this blog, Fiona Sandford, Chair of the University of Stirling’s Court outlines why the Committee are supportive of…
News
May
24
2017
Going International: why studying abroad matters
Anna Bradshaw is a Policy Officer in our International team here at Universities Scotland. She is in a joint role, also working at British Council Scotland. After attending Go International, Anna blogged on the importance of studying abroad. Lots of universities understand that giving students the chance to study, work or volunteer abroad is a…
May
18
2017
Beyond the General Election
Duncan McKay works in the Public Affairs team at Universities Scotland. With the General Election only a few weeks away, he speculates on what the political landscape may be like and the implications for the Higher Education sector in Scotland. Theresa May’s decision to call a snap general election was largely unexpected given the Prime…
May
01
2017
Staff, students and university principals launch a Manifesto for the Mobility of Talent
Students, staff and principals have called on political parties contesting the General Election to support a Manifesto for Mobility of Talent which focuses on three clear immigration and mobility policies for Scotland. Political parties’ manifestos for the General Election on the 8 June are expected to be published in the coming days. The Manifesto for the…
April
13
2017
83% of Scots say it’s better for international students to work in the UK when they graduate rather than return to their home country
New polling published today finds that Scots are overwhelming in favour of international students staying in the UK once they graduate rather than returning to their home country. 83% of Scots asked in a ComRes poll commissioned by Universities UK[1] agreed that when international students graduate from universities, it is better if they use their…
March
30
2017
Building from the Blueprint: Fair access one year on
Dr Kirsty Conlon is Head of Learning & Teaching and Widening Access at Universities Scotland. Kirsty is working with three Principals from across the sector to deliver universities’ response to the Blueprint for Fair Access, published in 2016. Kirsty writes: “March 2017 marks a year since the Blueprint for Fair Access was published by Dame…
March
29
2017
Statement on the day that Britain triggers Article 50 to leave the EU
Wednesday, 29 March 2017 will see the Prime Minister, Theresa May MP, trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty. This will signify the formal start of the two-year negotiation for the terms of Britain’s exit from the European Union. Responding to the official start of Brexit negotiations, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland, said: “On…
March
28
2017
Office space available at Universities Scotland
Universities Scotland is looking for an organisation to share our modern, well-serviced business premises. We are able to accommodate between 5-8 work desks with flexible options between cellular and open-plan accommodation. The office is 8-10 minutes’ walk from Waverley train station and 2 minutes from the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh’s Holyrood district. Edinburgh airport is 30-40…
March
24
2017
Universities Scotland welcome EU student status confirmation
The Scottish Government has confirmed today that EU nationals choosing to study in Scotland, enrolling in 2018-19 will not have their fees status changed during their courses. Commenting on the news, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Today’s announcement from the Deputy First Minister is both welcoming and assuring for the sector. Since Brexit,…
March
09
2017
“I am welcome to study, but not to work”: An international student’s reflection on being in the UK
Gisele Alves is two years into a PhD in Civil Engineering at Glasgow Caledonian University. Gisele is Brazilian and recently spoke about her reasons for choosing to study in Scotland, and the visa challenges facing her, at a Universities Scotland fringe event at the Scottish Conservatives Party Conference in early March. Gisele said: “When I was…