The plan, launched at Edinburgh Napier University on February 7, sets out the region's ambition to work with universities to “help diversify its international student population” and ensure they can “maximize their contribution” to the region.
The long-awaited document, according to Graeme Dey, Scotland's higher education secretary, “sets out our shared aim to create the conditions in which our universities can continue to thrive”.
“Scotland already has more top universities per capita than any other country in the world,” Dey said.
The strategy outlines actions based on three ambitions:
To diversify the region's international student population, the government will promote “a welcoming Scotland to prospective international students and staff” through Brand Scotland and deliver a “Scotland Education Exchange Test and Study Project” before the end of the academic year. grade.
This is accompanied by a talent attraction and migration service that provides information about Scotland to those considering staying after their degree and generally encourages more students to stay in Scotland and work in the region's “growth sectors”.
The report highlights Scotland's recognition as a “cultural and creative hub” and a “world leader in research and innovation”, particularly through the film, television and games sectors.
“Over the coming months and years, we will continue to work with Scotland’s universities and colleges to help them diversify their international student, research and staff populations, enhancing our reputation as one of the world’s safest and most inclusive countries with open social policies. no see. policy,” Dey added.
The strategy's second ambition, to maximize the region's social, educational and economic contribution on a global scale, states: “We will use our international offices and ministerial visitation programs to actively promote and grow Scotland's world-class transnational education .” it says.
HESA statistics show that in 2021/22, Scotland had around 45,115 TNE students, accounting for 8.4% of total TNE enrollments in the UK.
“We will continue to work to promote our University’s TNE offering globally, including with the UK Government and the British Council, and will work with our University to engage our alumni community by establishing a Scottish Connections Framework.” The strategy continued.
Scotland's international student population makes up a quarter of the total student population.
According to the strategy, in 2022/23, more than 83,000 students from more than 180 countries were studying in educational institutions.
HESA figures show that in the previous year Scottish institutions admitted 82,440 international students. In 2020/21, the number of non-EU students increased from 47,630 to 65,300 as the number of EU students fell from 20,550 to 17,140.
The total number of international undergraduate students decreased to 31,650 in the 2021/22 academic year, while the number of international postgraduate students increased from 35,940 to 50,785 in the 2020/21 academic year.
Universities UK International's report on the economic contribution of international students to the UK found that international student admissions boosted the Scottish economy by £4.75 billion in 2021/22.
that much Scottish Connectivity Framework is an existing platform launched by the government in 2023 to better connect with the local diaspora – “Scotland’s family and friends” globally.
“Scotland already has more top universities per capita than any other country in the world.”
In the final core ambition, which focuses on research capabilities, gThe government said it would “maintain and strengthen” domestic and international cooperation through continued investment in key university research and knowledge exchange.
“In pursuing these international collaborations, it is important that Scotland’s research sector is able to manage the associated risks as it becomes increasingly dynamic and complex,” he added.
The strategy also commits to maximizing participation in the Horizon Europe program, which the UK recently rejoined for the first time since Brexit.“This is an area where further effort is needed to expand Scotland’s access to the programme”.
“We will work with networks including Connected Scotland and our international offices to increase network building, strengthen international links and maximize the profile of the Scottish research sector, including through events and national and international visits,” the strategy added.
Andrea Nolan, Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier and Universities Scotland International Council, said: “This provides a platform to work with government and other partners to develop these positive links further, strengthening the sector’s contribution to the economy, society and culture.” He said. Convenor.
“We also see a deepening of support for the university’s overall international role,” she added.
Peter Brown, British Council Scotland director, welcomed the strategy and said the organization looked forward to promoting Scottish education internationally.
“Scottish universities and colleges continue to push beyond their weight and have been able to leverage the UK’s strong reputation as an international learning destination, while providing a clear ‘Scottish differentiation’ and building international relationships,” he said.
“It is important that we continue to look to the wider world in terms of education, by showcasing Scotland and the rest of the UK as a world-class learning destination and fostering cultural and educational links and collaboration with other countries. There is genuine mutual understanding and respect.”