The Principal, Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, has welcomed the announcement at the weekend by the Scottish Government that EU students starting their studies in 2020/21 will get the same fee support as Scottish students – even if current legal obligations to EU students cease to apply when the UK exits the EU.

Sir Anton described the announcement by Richard Lochhead, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, as “fantastic news – a demonstration that Scotland welcomes EEA/EU students, many contributing actively to our economy after graduation”.

In his letter to HE principals, Mr Lochhead said of the home fee status guarantee: “This guarantee will cover the duration of a student’s course and will provide confidence for prospective EU students considering coming to Scotland to study.”

He added: “I appreciate that the Further and Higher Education sectors have faced continuing uncertainty in the face of Brexit, amidst the continuing EU exit negotiations which the UK Government have failed to deliver on and the wider implications for your institutions, staff and students.

“As a Government, we continue to welcome EU citizens to live, work, study and build their lives here in Scotland. EU students bring so many benefits to our institutions including an enriched learning experience and international outlook amongst home students and graduates, as well as the development of an international network of alumni. They are, and will remain, an integral and valued part of our universities and indeed our colleges too.”

First published: 23 April 2019

<< 23 April 2019