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last mo.

Scottish Universities Face Financial Crisis as International Student Numbers Drop 20%

A sharp decline in overseas enrollment, driven by Brexit and restrictive migration policies, has exposed the sector's reliance on international fees to offset chronic underfunding.

The University of Edinburgh, Scotland’s top institution, fell five places in international rankings to 27th in the world
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Overview

  • The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) reports a 20% average drop in international student enrollment for the 2023/24 academic year, with postgraduate courses seeing a 25.7% decline.
  • The decline has resulted in an estimated £150 million annual loss for Scotland's higher education sector, with some universities warning of potential program and service cuts.
  • Universities have become increasingly dependent on international student fees due to insufficient government funding of £1,820 per Scottish student annually, which institutions claim does not cover costs.
  • The University of Dundee reported a 27% drop in international students, contributing to a £35 million budget deficit, while Edinburgh University experienced a slight increase in overseas enrollment.
  • The Scottish Government has proposed a 'Scottish Graduate Visa' to retain international talent post-graduation, but no immediate solutions have been implemented to address the crisis.