EU students applying for 2018-19 courses in Scotland given fee guarantee

Students - PA

The Scottish Government has guaranteed free tuition for EU nationals choosing to study in Scotland next year.

Students from other EU countries who start university in Scotland next year will therefore have their fees paid for the duration of their course.

The move follows pressure on the UK Government to do the same amid falling numbers of applications to British universities from non-British EU students.

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Deputy First Minister John Swinney made the announcement during a visit to Dundee.

“I am proud that Scotland is a destination of choice for EU students and I am delighted to give them further reassurance by confirming that support from the Scottish Government for tuition-free studies will continue for those commencing courses here in the 2018-19 academic year,” he said.

“However, the continued refusal by the UK Government to give assurances to EU nationals living in Scotland that their rights will remain in place, ahead of the formal Brexit procedures beginning next week, is deeply concerning.

“EU students will rightly have concerns about any change in their status half way through a course. These students deserve certainty and knowing that their free tuition is in place for the entirety of their course is important, that is why I have confirmed this free tuition.”

The move was welcomed by Universities Scotland, which represents the principals of every Scottish HEI.

Director Alastair Sim said: “Today’s announcement from the Deputy First Minister is both welcoming and assuring for the sector.

“Since Brexit, we have continually highlighted many of the issues that will impact higher education and have called for clarity.

“EU students are of huge importance to Scotland and its universities: educationally, culturally, economically and as a core part of many important courses.

“It’s right that the Scottish Government have given clarity for students who will be thinking about choosing Scotland to learn, study and contribute.”