The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
EU students still keen to come, despite Brexit
Education: Universities are attracting applications in large numbers since vote
The number of prospective students from across the EU applying to study at universities in Tayside and Fife has remained steady in the wake of the Brexit vote, new figures show.
Data obtained by The Courier show a slight increase in applications from people living in other member states at both Abertay and St Andrews universities.
A total of 984 people had applied to the Fife institution as of October 15, up 1.3% from the same time last year.
Abertay had increased by 33%, but on a much lower scale – up to 27 from 18 in 2015.
These figures relate to a 2017/18 year of entry.
Dundee University refused to release this year’s figures, citing concerns over prejudicing commercial interests, but The Courier did obtain figures which showed 3,298 EU students applied last year and 3,106 applied the year before.
North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said he believed the figures showed students were trying to get into Scotland before the ramifications of Brexit were properly felt.
He said: “It could be that EU students are keen to get into Scotland’s universities before the door slams shut with Brexit.
“There is little doubt that Brexit will be bad for world-class universities on three fronts; European students, European staff and European research grants.
“It’s why Britain deserves a referendum on the Brexit deal so we can avoid the severe pending problems that are coming with exit from the EU.”
Ross Thomson MSP, a ConservativeNorth East representative who backed the Leave campaign, added: “It is interesting to see the numbers of EU students looking to study in Scotland is increasing, which is something that should be welcomed.
“Highlighting, as I argued during the EU referendum, that Scottish institutions are world class and will always continue to attract students from across Europe and the rest of the world.
“We already charge students from England to study here. It is, perhaps, time to consider charging EU students as well if the SNP wants to maintain free tuition for Scots.”
Stephen Gethins, MP for North East Fife and SNP spokesperson on Europe added: “The University of St Andrews, like those in Dundee and elsewhere in Scotland remain some of the best options for students anywhere in the world.
“I want to see students and staff who contribute so much financially and socially to be able to continue to enjoy the benefits that so many have had from our EU membership.”