International education blueprint fails to address risks of ‘over exposure’
new strategy to promote Scottish universities around the world fails to recognise the risk to the sector of international “over exposure", it has been claimed.
The government yesterday revealed its blueprint for unlocking greater research and economic potential for universities by developing and strengthening global links.
It sets out plans to attract more academic staff, and to encourage and support international students to stay in Scotland after qualifying to work in key industries.
However, the strategy has come amid growing concern over the reliance of Scottish universities on the fees of internationalstudents, amid cuts to teaching grants.
On Monday, The Scotsman revealed international students were more likely than Scots to get an offer to study in most subject areas at Edinburgh and St Andrews universities, with the offer-rate for prospective undergraduates from overseas being more than double that for Scottish students in some subjects.
Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie said: “For the first time, the income from international students surpassed that from domestic students and both research and teaching is now subsidised by the fees of international students.
"This leaves Scottish higher education open to shocks in other parts of the world, whether that be economic, security or otherwise. The Scottish Government’s strategy is not only delayed, but doesn’t sufficiently recognise the risk faced by higher education as a result of over exposure.
“We have already seen this year a reduction in student numbers from some couna tries like China where economic issues have impacted applications.”
The government said activity would be increased to promote universities and colleges internationally to prospective students.
Work to develop a Scottish exchange programme will also continue, and a Talent Attraction and Migration Service will be launched later this year, providing information and advice for students considering staying in Scotland after qualifying.