Recommendations & Conclusions
10 items
3
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
Public sector funding for higher education in Scotland has reduced by 12% in real terms in seven years. In addition, despite the policy of free tuition for Scottish students, and a cap on Scottish student numbers, only 90% of the costs of teaching Scottish students at Scottish universities are covered …
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Public sector funding for higher education in Scotland has reduced by 12% in real terms in seven years. In addition, despite the policy of free tuition for Scottish students, and a cap on Scottish student numbers, only 90% of the costs of teaching Scottish students at Scottish universities are covered by the Scottish Government. We recognise that this leaves a 10% gap in funding that must be filled via alternative means. The main way Scottish universities fill this gap is through international students, who account for more than 16% of all income across Scottish universities, a large proportion of which comes from Chinese students. As we have seen with large fluctuations in the number of Indian students studying in the UK and the implications of the pandemic, international student numbers are potentially volatile and can be influenced by a number of internal and external factors. The Scottish Government and Scottish universities should work with the UK Government and universities in other parts of the UK to seek out examples of best practice in diversifying income streams away from potentially volatile international student fees. In doing so great care should be taken to ensure that core focus on education and research is not lost in favour of commercialised corporate ventures.
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Government response AI summary
The government effectively rejected the recommendation to diversify income streams away from international student fees by reaffirming its strategy to increase international student numbers to 600,000 by 2030 and detailing existing scholarship programs and promotional efforts.
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Scotland Office
83
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, was equally complimentary of Erasmus+ in her evidence, telling us that: 193 Q209 194 Q210 195 Erasmus+, ‘About Erasmus+’, accessed 24 January 2021 196 Erasmus+, ‘About Erasmus+’, accessed 24 January 2021 197 RSE Young Academy of Scotland (USC0006) p 2 Universities and Scotland 35 [Erasmus+] …
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Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, was equally complimentary of Erasmus+ in her evidence, telling us that: 193 Q209 194 Q210 195 Erasmus+, ‘About Erasmus+’, accessed 24 January 2021 196 Erasmus+, ‘About Erasmus+’, accessed 24 January 2021 197 RSE Young Academy of Scotland (USC0006) p 2 Universities and Scotland 35 [Erasmus+] has been incredible in terms of what it has allowed us to deliver in partnership, not just within Europe but across the world. [ … ] This is not just around facilitating exchange in Europe, although that is a really important part of Erasmus+, but there is also international credibility. It has allowed us to establish really innovative programmes and projects with international partners, and it has allowed international engagement for staff and students as well.198
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Government response AI summary
The government confirmed three-year funding for the Turing Scheme, maintaining £110 million for 2022/23, and reiterated its commitment to evaluating and developing the scheme. It explicitly stated that partial association with the Erasmus+ programme is not legally possible.
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Scotland Office
90
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
As reflected on by Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, another aspect of the Turing Scheme is that it is not currently envisaged that it will fund staff mobility, like Erasmus+ did. She told us that: Although we have had 3,000 students from the University of Glasgow who have been able …
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As reflected on by Rachel Sandison, University of Glasgow, another aspect of the Turing Scheme is that it is not currently envisaged that it will fund staff mobility, like Erasmus+ did. She told us that: Although we have had 3,000 students from the University of Glasgow who have been able to go on exchanges since 2014 [through Erasmus+], we have also had a similar number of staff who have benefited from a period of time overseas learning from colleagues in a different environment, which has been fantastic. To have that not encapsulated within a new framework would bring real challenges to the sector.210
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Government response AI summary
The government reiterated its commitment and funding for the Turing Scheme, explicitly stating that it prioritises pupils, students, and learners over staff and inward mobility funding, thereby rejecting the implied recommendation to include staff mobility.
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Scotland Office
92
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
On 28 December 2020 Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, expressed his “profound disappointment” at the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the Erasmus.213 He described the move as “a huge blow”, said that the Scottish Government would explore “alternative options” and described the …
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On 28 December 2020 Richard Lochhead MSP, Scottish Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, expressed his “profound disappointment” at the UK Government’s decision to withdraw from the Erasmus.213 He described the move as “a huge blow”, said that the Scottish Government would explore “alternative options” and described the Turing Scheme as a “watered down and less well funded version of 207 Royal Society of Edinburgh Fellows (USC0013) p 3 208 The Erasmus Programme, Briefing Paper 8326, House of Commons Library, 6 January 2021 209 “Why has the UK ditched participation in Erasmus+?”, University World News, 1 January 2021 210 Q142 211 “Academics call for Scotland to rejoin Erasmus amid criticism of UK’s ‘not fit for purpose’ alternative”, The London Economic, 23 March 2021 212 “Academics call for Scotland to rejoin Erasmus amid criticism of UK’s ‘not fit for purpose’ alternative”, The London Economic, 23 March 2021 213 “Erasmus loss ‘a huge blow’”, Scottish Government, 28 December 2020 38 Universities and Scotland Erasmus” as “it’s not even an exchange program because there is no support for visits to Scotland”.214 He reflected that students in Northern Ireland will however still to be given access to Erasmus+, due to their different EU exit arrangements.215
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Government response AI summary
The government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years at £110 million, outlining its commitment to developing the scheme and evaluating its impact. It stated that partial association with the Erasmus+ programme is not legally possible.
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Scotland Office
101
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
We note with regret however that the Turing scheme will not—as currently envisaged—support inward placements to the UK. As the Government recognises, as well as providing Scottish universities and local economies with an important income source, inward placements support the cultural education and experience of UK students in a way …
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We note with regret however that the Turing scheme will not—as currently envisaged—support inward placements to the UK. As the Government recognises, as well as providing Scottish universities and local economies with an important income source, inward placements support the cultural education and experience of UK students in a way that is difficult to replicate by other means. They also support Scottish universities’ internationalisation agenda by promoting them on a global platform and building international networks that can last a lifetime. We also regret that there is currently no long-term funding commitment beyond year-one of the Turing Scheme to the principle of international student exchange. Subject to positive year-one results from the Turing Scheme, we recommend not only that the scheme continue with at least the same level of funding in future years, but that it be expanded to incorporate the funding of international student and academic staff placements to the UK. Scottish Government ambitions to remain in Erasmus+
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Government response AI summary
The government confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23 but noted the scheme prioritises outward mobility over inward placements and staff. It therefore did not commit to expanding the scheme to incorporate inward international student and academic staff …
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Scotland Office
103
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
Similarly, academics in Scotland have backed proposals to look at ways in which Scotland can continue an association with Erasmus+. It has been reported that a motion calling for a working group to examine options to achieve this received support during the University and College Union’s Congress in March 2021.233 …
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Similarly, academics in Scotland have backed proposals to look at ways in which Scotland can continue an association with Erasmus+. It has been reported that a motion calling for a working group to examine options to achieve this received support during the University and College Union’s Congress in March 2021.233 Mary Senior, University 231 Q242 232 Q198 233 “Erasmus: Support for moves to protect Scotland’s participation”, The Herald, 31 March 2021 Universities and Scotland 41 and College Union Scotland, said that moves were underway to look at how a relationship could be preserved, possibly taking advantage of possibilities within the EU scheme for outward mobility to countries that are not official partners and using Turing money to maintain reciprocity.234
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the possibility of Scotland continuing an association with Erasmus+, stating that it is not legally possible for part of a country to associate with the program. It reaffirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years.
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Scotland Office
106
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
The Scottish Government has indicated a desire to remain in the Erasmus+ programme. Should they decide to continue down this path and be willing to cover the associated costs, and should the EU consent to Scottish participation, the UK Government should not block this endeavour (at least until such a …
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The Scottish Government has indicated a desire to remain in the Erasmus+ programme. Should they decide to continue down this path and be willing to cover the associated costs, and should the EU consent to Scottish participation, the UK Government should not block this endeavour (at least until such a point that the Turing Scheme can facilitate inward exchanges). 234 “Erasmus: Support for moves to protect Scotland’s participation”, The Herald, 31 March 2021 235 Q242 236 Q286 42 Universities and Scotland 5 Academic research by universities in Scotland Scotland’s place in UK academic research Impact, reputation and benefits of Scottish academic research
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation for Scotland to independently participate in Erasmus+, stating that association by part of a country is not legally possible, according to President Von Der Leyen.
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Scotland Office
130
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
The work of Scottish universities in combating covid-19 has been nothing short of remarkable. Going forward, the academic outputs of Scottish universities will not only support our economic recovery following the pandemic but also bolster the UK’s standing in the world as we forge new post-Brexit international relationships. In 298 …
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The work of Scottish universities in combating covid-19 has been nothing short of remarkable. Going forward, the academic outputs of Scottish universities will not only support our economic recovery following the pandemic but also bolster the UK’s standing in the world as we forge new post-Brexit international relationships. In 298 Q27 299 Q29 300 Q27 301 Q258 302 Q259 303 Q260 304 Q260 50 Universities and Scotland return, Scottish academic research institutions deserve appropriate recognition and influence at UK-level. Scottish institutions should be given greater prominence and influence within UKRI decision-making structures. That should include a seat on the UKRI Board (as is already the case for English institutions such as the London School of Economics and the University of Cambridge), which is at the discretion of the Secretary of State for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, and a seat on the UKRI Executive Committee, for example for the Scottish Funding Council (in the same way that Research England are already represented), which is at the discretion of UKRI CEO (who should take into account public sector goals, such as ensuring that the voices of all UK nations are appropriately welcomed and heard). UK participation in Horizon Europe Horizon 2020 and its funding of Scottish academic research
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Government response AI summary
The government rejects the recommendation for dedicated Scottish seats on the UKRI Board and Executive Committee, stating appointments are merit-based and do not represent specific constituencies or regional groupings.
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Scotland Office
145
Conclusion
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
A UK immigration policy raised—and praised—by many witnesses to this inquiry was the Post-study work visa (detailed further in paragraph 78).338 Witnesses were also complimentary of the UK’s Global Talent visa, and its ability to facilitate inward mobility of world-leading research talent. Wellcome have said the Global Talent visa “is …
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A UK immigration policy raised—and praised—by many witnesses to this inquiry was the Post-study work visa (detailed further in paragraph 78).338 Witnesses were also complimentary of the UK’s Global Talent visa, and its ability to facilitate inward mobility of world-leading research talent. Wellcome have said the Global Talent visa “is an excellent first step towards ensuring that administrative barriers facing researchers coming to the UK are as low as possible”.339 They have however criticized its cost, noting that “the UK is one of the most expensive countries in the world for immigration charges”.340 Both Minister Lochhead341 and Wellcome have highlighted that there is: [ … ] an upfront cost of more than £13,000 for a family of four on a five- year Global Talent visa. In contrast, the French Talent visa is approximately £1,000 for the same family.342
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Government response AI summary
The government asserts that UK visa fees are broadly competitive and are kept under review, justifying them as necessary to fund the migration system and reduce taxpayer burden, without committing to changes.
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Scotland Office
146
Recommendation
First Report - Universities and Scotland
Rejected
Wellcome go on to say that “for the Global Talent visa to be a globally competitive offer for researchers, and particularly for those early on in their careers, this must be revisited as a priority”.343 They also point out that: UK [visa] charges are more than five times higher than …
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Wellcome go on to say that “for the Global Talent visa to be a globally competitive offer for researchers, and particularly for those early on in their careers, this must be revisited as a priority”.343 They also point out that: UK [visa] charges are more than five times higher than the average for leading science nations. If the Government is serious about attracting research talent to the UK it should substantially reduce these charges so 334 Q210 335 Q178 336 Q25 337 Q252 338 For example: Q24 & Q25 339 Wellcome, The UK’s role in global research: How the UK can live up to its place in the world (October 2020), p 6 340 Wellcome, Priorities for the 2020 Spending Review (September 2020), p 5 341 Q178 342 Wellcome, The UK’s role in global research: How the UK can live up to its place in the world (October 2020), p 6 343 Wellcome, The UK’s role in global research: How the UK can live up to its place in the world (October 2020), p 6 Universities and Scotland 55 that they are in line with other competitor countries, and account for any effective cross-subsidy of [the Department of Health and Social Care] to effectively reduce or remove the Immigration Health Surcharge as needed.344
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Government response AI summary
The government rejected the recommendation to substantially reduce visa charges, stating that UK visa fees are broadly in line with competitors and that income from fees helps fund the migration and borders system, reducing the burden on taxpayers. Fees are kept under review but no …
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Scotland Office