On-campus quarantine alternative considered for overseas students

Overseas students in Dundee could avoid Covid quarantine at Scottish hotels, with university bosses in talks with the government about on-campus alternatives.

It was reported several universities had asked the Scottish Government if overseas students arriving in the country could avoid the mandatory hotel quarantine period.

Under Covid rules in Scotland, anyone arriving from overseas must quarantine in a hotel at a cost of £1,750 for 10 days.

Some universities say this could be a barrier for international students, arguing for them to be allowed to undertake their isolation on-campus.

Universities Scotland said it was “sensible” to undertake a pilot.

“We think quarantining in a university-managed arrangement could offer more students more practical and wellbeing support whilst maintaining high standards of Covid safety,” a spokesperson said.

Each year around 20% of Scottish university students come from the EU or elsewhere in the world.

The BBC reported that it was not known which universities planned to take part, but added that Heriot-watt, Stirling, and Aberdeen universities had all expressed an interest.

A Dundee University spokesperson said: “We are currently awaiting further guidance from the Scottish Government regarding oncampus quarantine for students arriving from overseas, which is currently being piloted at a number of other universities in Scotland.”

They said: “The majority of overseas arrivals are not expected until late summer/ early autumn, in line with the start of the next academic year.

“We will continue to offer support and advice to any students arriving in the UK, in line with UK and Scottish government advice on international travel to the UK.”

The Scottish Government said: “Restrictions around international travel are in place to limit the risk of importing new cases and variants to Scotland.

“The Scottish Government is currently exploring options for managed isolation with the university sector.”

“We are currently awaiting further guidance

CAMPUS: The Scottish Government said it is “currently exploring options for managed isolation with the university sector”.