Scottish universities experienced a significant decline in the number of overseas students last year, with nearly 10,000 fewer international students enrolling. This drop, from 83,795 to 73,915, has raised concerns about the financial stability of these institutions. Several universities are now grappling with the impact of these changes, as they also face broader economic challenges.
The University of Glasgow was notably affected, seeing a 15% reduction in overseas students, with numbers falling from 15,200 to 12,935. Similarly, Dundee University reported a 27% drop in international students, decreasing from 4,570 to 3,335. Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen experienced the most drastic reduction, with its overseas student population nearly halving to just 2,365.
Despite the overall decline, some trends did emerge within specific student demographics. The number of students from Pakistan saw an increase from 5,075 to 5,540. Conversely, students from India and Nigeria decreased significantly, with Indian students dropping from 12,235 to 9,950 and Nigerian students falling from 9,415 to 5,985. Notably, Chinese students continue to represent the largest group of overseas students in Scotland.
European Union (EU) students also contributed to the decline as their numbers fell by half following Britain's exit from the EU in 2019. This downward trend continued last year, with EU student numbers decreasing to just 10,430.
In contrast to the overall trend, the University of Edinburgh managed to increase its overseas student numbers slightly, rising from 16,625 to 17,020. However, despite this growth, the university is preparing for significant financial adjustments. Plans have been announced for £140 million in cuts to address severe financial difficulties. Additionally, the University of Edinburgh disclosed that it would be reducing its workforce by cutting 632 jobs, approximately one-fifth of its staff.
The financial strains are not isolated to Edinburgh. At the University of Glasgow, Prof Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice-chancellor, emphasized the need for "radical action" to achieve a "sustainable reduction" in costs amid these challenges.
"egregious management failure" – The University and College Union (UCU) Scotland
The UCU Scotland has criticized what it describes as "egregious management failure," highlighting growing concerns over university governance and financial oversight.
