On Monday 4 November, the Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson announced that tuition fees in England would increase by 3.1% from £9,250 to £9,535 in academic year 2025/26 and there will be an increase in maintenance loans, in line with inflation. Responding to this announcement, a spokesperson from Universities Scotland has said; “England…
Tag: Students
The National Student Survey: Amplifying the Student Voice and Enhancing University Experiences in Scotland
Last month, the National Student Survey (NSS) results for 2024 were published. Looking at the data, Mark Wild, our Learning and Teaching Policy Officer outlines the importance of this survey and what students think about Scottish higher education. NSS results for 2024 were published in July and speak to the quality of Scottish university education….
Scotland united behind no NDAs in harassment cases since 2019
Yesterday, the Office for Students (OfS) announced new requirements for universities in England to protect students from harassment and sexual misconduct. This includes a ban on non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), commencing on 1 September 2024. Scotland’s universities have been united behind a position never to use NDAs or “confidentiality clauses” in cases of harassment since 2019….
Joint letter warns of risks to Scottish economy if migrations rules are tightened
We, with Scottish Cities Alliance, have written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak regarding our concerns of the Migration Advisory Committee’s (MAC) review of the graduate route, and the implications increased migration controls would have on international students. We emphasise that the economic benefits that international students bring to Scotland go far beyond universities as they…
University students from underrepresented backgrounds highlight importance of the access agenda and the need to achieve the 2030 access goals
Universities Scotland, which represents Scotland’s 19 universities and higher education institutions, has today (Monday, 15 April) unveiled a new campaign on widening access, called “40 Faces”. The campaign gives a platform for 40 non-traditional students and graduates to share their experience of university and set out their perspectives on what is key to achieving Scotland’s…
International students critically important for Scottish jobs, growth and global ambitions
International students have contributed between £4-6 billion to Scottish economy. The graduate route is a win-win for international students and the UK. The MAC’s planned review of the Graduate Route visa must retain an internationally attractive post-study work route in the UK. Since 2019, the presence of international students in Scotland, supported by the Graduate…
Joint Articulation: what is it and what are the priorities?
Last week, the Commissioner for Fair Access, Professor John H. McKendrick published his first annual report on widening access to HE. In it, he champions an alliance between colleges and universities as a means to achieving the access targets. Colleges and universities have been working closely together on progression routes at both national and regional…
Response to Scottish Government’s Education Bill consultation
The Scottish Government’s consultation on the forthcoming Education Bill, which will legislate for a qualifications body (to replace SQA) and an inspection agency (to replace the existing function in Education Scotland) closed yesterday. The Education Bill will establish a new qualifications body for Scotland, which will have similar functions to SQA but will also have…
Scotland’s universities collaborate on unprecedented approach to student data as part of ongoing commitment to tackle gender based violence
Scotland’s universities collaborate on unprecedented approach to student data as part of ongoing commitment to tackle gender based violence Scotland’s universities have announced a new common baseline approach to the collection and processing of personal student data relating to relevant unspent criminal convictions and relevant criminal charges. The data will be used to improve student…
Success for Team Scotland in Paris this weekend
Over the weekend, Universities Scotland’s International team, Ela Kossakowska and Dr David Donaldson attended L’Etudiant Study Abroad Fair in Paris, representing the Scottish higher education sector. They have shared insights into the successful Fair and highlighted the importance of international partnerships and students for Scotland. With the eyes of Scotland focussed on Paris on Saturday,…