We are delighted to have a guest blog from Elisabeth Fiorioli, the Secretary General of uniko Österreichische Univeristätenkonferenz (Universities Austria). Austria was identified by the latest European Universities Association observatory report to be a system showing signs of growing investment in their universities. Universities Scotland remains concerned about the lack of sustainable funding for the…
Tag: International
Universities issue call to action as report warns Scotland’s universities are a “declining system under pressure”
A new report published today [Thursday 21st March] by the European Universities Association (EUA) has categorised Scotland’s university sector as “a declining system under pressure” based on the pace of funding cuts over the long-term. The latest Public Funding Observatory Report 2018 compares the level of public resource invested in universities in countries across Europe….
Briefing for Scottish Government Statement: Update on the Impact of Brexit on the Scottish Further and Higher Education Sectors
On Thursday 14 March 2019, the Scottish Government provided the Scottish Parliament with an update statement on the impact of Brexit on Scotland’s Further and Higher Education sectors. We took the opportunity to brief MSPs on our concerns as well as actions that could be taken by the UK and Scottish Governments to mitigate the…
Universities Scotland comments on immigration white paper
Responding to the Home Office’s white paper on immigration, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “The white paper on immigration highlights many of the benefits that immigration provides across the country. However we remain concerned that UK immigration policy post-Brexit will make it more difficult to attract talent to our nation. “Mobility of talent…
Universities Scotland comments on Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019
Responding to today’s (Wednesday 26 September) Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019, Alastair Sim, Director of Universities Scotland said: “Every Scottish university is committed to excellence. We want to do the very best for our students, our economy and our nation. Despite our commitment to excellence, we’ve seen an overall fall in rankings for…
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…
Our response to Science and Technology Committee consultation on immigration and science
Universities Scotland has submitted written evidence to the UK Parliament’s Science and Technology Committee to their inform proposals for immigration and visa rules for scientists. Our submission highlights the importance of non-UK staff to our universities’ science and innovation success and sets out key aspects of a future immigration system, as it affects academic staff and postgraduate…