This article originally appeared in The Scotsman on Thursday 27 September 2018. Universities Scotland Director Alastair Sim gives his thoughts on how Brexit is impacting the higher education sector. People. That’s our priority when it comes to Brexit. It has been since the vote came through and it remains our top priority whether the UK Government…
Tag: Common good
Universities Scotland comments on latest UCAS figures
Commenting on the figures released today, Professor Andrea Nolan, Convener of Universities Scotland and Principal of Edinburgh Napier University said: “This is the data we all want to see. There’s more to do but there is a lot to feel encouraged by in today’s figures. The number of students from the poorest 20 per cent…
Universities Scotland comments on MAC EEA report
Commenting on the publication of the Migration Advisory Committee final report on EEA migration, Director of Universities Scotland, Alastair Sim said: Our starting position with the Migration Advisory Committee was that staff from the EEA are a vital part of the success of Scotland’s universities. That remains unchanged. Today’s MAC report reaffirms that EU migrants…
Universities Scotland comments on the Migration Advisory Committee report
Responding to today’s Migration Advisory Committee report on international students, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: Today’s report explicitly says that ‘international students offer positive economic benefit.’ If the government’s industrial strategy is to be a success it needs a vibrant higher education sector and it is impossible to imagine that without significant and…
Universities Scotland evidence to APPG for International Students
The All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Students announced an inquiry in August into the the opportunities and challenges in building a sustainable future for international students in the UK. You can read our evidence here.
Scots support more flexible immigration rules for international students
New polling data on Scots’ attitudes on immigration shows strong support for easing restrictions placed on students from overseas (outside of the EU). Public support comes as our sister organisation, Universities UK, launches a new policy proposal for a post-study work visa for international students. The proposed arrangements would allow international students to work in…
Universities Scotland comments on SQA results day
Responding to today’s SQA results and UCAS university placings, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Hearty congratulations are in order to Scots the length and breadth of the country on their Highers results and for the next stage in their life, whatever that may entail. “We have seen a 5% increase in placed applicants…
Protection of Vulnerable Groups and the Disclosure of Criminal Information: Universities Scotland responds to Scottish Government consultation
The Scottish Government has consulted with stakeholders on the proposed changes to Protection of Vulnerable Groups and the disclosure system. You can read our submission to the consultation here.
Professional legal education: Universities Scotland provides evidence to the Justice Committee
The Scottish Parliament’s Justice Committee is undertaking an inquiry into professional legal education. As part of the inquiry, we felt it was worthwhile drawing to the Committee’s attention the work of the Reach programme in schools across Scotland to help widen access to a number of degree programmes, including law. You can read the evidence…
Universities Scotland comment on latest UCAS 30 June applications release
Commenting on the latest release from UCAS 2018 cycle applicant figures – June deadline, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Universities are places of lifelong learning, and it’s encouraging to see an increase in applicants aged 20 and over. The 20 plus age group is also key to widening access, as we see increased applicant…