Macpherson concern over Brexit uncertainty
The latest UCAS figures reveal that a record number of Scots were accepted to UK universities in 2017 and Scottish universities opened their doors to record numbers of new students. Scotland has also bucked the UK trend with increasing numbers of Scots accepted to universities here – but there is a note of concern: after years of positive growth, UCAS has cited Brexit as a possible cause for the 4.4% decline in EU applicants choosing to come and study in the UK.
The damage that this Brexit-fuelled reduction in EU students will do to both our economy and the world of academia is highlighted by the Universities UK research which found that EU students generated £414.1m for the Scottish economy in 2011-12, and in doing so created 3,743 jobs.
Commenting, local SNP MSP Ben Macpherson said: “It is brilliant that Scotland’s education system has supported 36,500 people into a place at university this year – that’s a 2.4% increase on last year. We have also seen an increase in the number of Scots accepted to universities here at home, while all other UK nations have experienced a decline in local applications to university.
“And while it’s great that Scottish universities opened their doors to record numbers in 2017, it is concerning that the UK has become a less popular destination for EU students since the Brexit vote. This is worrying for our universities and for the wider Scottish economy, which is boosted by hundreds of millions of pounds generated by EU students and graduates each year.
“The Tories’ increasingly insular approach to the world, and the damaging uncertainty that they have created for EU citizens living here in Edinburgh, is damaging the UK’s reputation, our economy and our future prosperity. On the other hand, the SNP will continue to do all that it can, within its limited powers, to protect EU citizens in Edinburgh and continue to promote Scotland as an attractive place to study and work.”
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