The strategy aims to showcase Scotland’s leading university research and economic opportunities.
The strategy aims to showcase Scotland’s leading university research and economic opportunities.
Scotland has launched its inaugural International Education Strategy (IES) in a bid to bolster its international student population and encourage post-graduation residency.
The strategy aims to showcase Scotland’s leading university research and economic opportunities, according to an Erudera report.
One of its key objectives is to lure more international students and academic personnel while providing essential support for their retention and integration into key industries within Scotland.
The Scottish government, in a recent statement, outlined its commitment to strengthening connections with Scottish diaspora and alumni communities, recognizing the contributions international students and staff bring to the nation’s academic landscape.
“International students and staff bring a diverse range of views, expertise, and knowledge. They widen access to international networks and infrastructure that drive our research competitiveness,” the statement read.
As part of the strategy, plans are underway to establish a Scottish Exchange Programme and launch a Talent Attraction and Migration Service later this year, aimed at facilitating the transition of students into the Scottish workforce post-graduation.
Higher and Further Education Minister Graeme Dey, speaking at the strategy’s launch event at Edinburgh Napier University, underscored the collaborative efforts between government and academic institutions to ensure Scotland remains an attractive destination for international education and research.
“Scotland already has more top universities per head of population than any other country in the world,” said Dey. “This strategy sets out our collective aim to create the conditions for our universities and colleges to continue to flourish.”
In higher education institutions across Scotland, the current enrollment of non-UK students stands at 82,440. The University of Edinburgh has emerged as a frontrunner, boasting 18,050 international students from non-UK origins. It is closely trailed by the University of Glasgow with 17,390, as per statistics from Erudera.
Within this cohort, European Union (EU) international students contribute significantly, totaling 17,140 in number. Ireland leads among EU nations with 2,275 students, followed closely by Germany with 1,925.
The University of Edinburgh accommodates the highest number of EU international students at 3,570, with the University of Glasgow following suit at 2,595.
Interestingly, the Open University currently does not have any EU international students enrolled.
At the postgraduate level, 5,185 EU students are pursuing advanced studies, while 11,955 are engaged at the undergraduate level.
Non-EU international students constitute a substantial portion of the higher education landscape in Scotland, with an overall enrollment of 65,300. Leading the pack are students from China, comprising 20,830, followed by India with 10,165, and the United States with 6,320.
Meanwhile, the University of Glasgow claims the top spot for non-EU students, accommodating 14,795, closely followed by the University of Edinburgh with 14,480. The allure of postgraduate studies attracts 45,605 non-EU students, while 19,695 are enrolled in undergraduate programs.
Moreover, a recent report by a consortium including Universities UK International, the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), Kaplan International, and London Economics revealed that international students injected £4.75 billion (US$ 5.98 billion) into Scotland’s economy in the 2021-22 academic year.
Despite factoring in the impact on public services, estimated at £536 million (US$ 675), the overall net benefit to the UK economy associated with international students studying in Scotland stood at £4.2 billion (US$ 5.3 billion).
The report also revealed a 34 percent increase in economic benefits from £31.3 billion (US$ 39.4) to £41.9 billion (US$ 52.7 billion) between 2018-19 and 2021-22, with international students making an average net economic contribution of £58 million (US$73 million) per parliamentary constituency, or roughly £560 (US$ 705) per citizen.
“This report further highlights the positive contribution that international students make to the UK. They offer both a cultural and social benefit to our country, and make a significant contribution to our economy,” Jamie Arrowsmith, director of Universities UK International, said.
Arrowsmith also pointed out the unique nature of higher education as one of the UK’s most important exports, noting its economic contribution alongside its global impact in creating opportunities for learners and addressing pressing global challenges.
