Scottish universities face significant drop in overseas students

The number of overseas students at Scottish universities has dropped by almost 10,000, according to new figures. This decline follows a record high from the previous year. The latest data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that 73,915 international students were enrolled, a decrease of 12% from 83,795. European Union student numbers have significantly decreased since the UK left the EU in 2019. The total fell to just 10,430 last year. Over the years, the share of foreign students in Scotland has risen dramatically, from one in 20 in the 1990s to more than one in four more recently. Chinese students make up the largest group of overseas students in Scotland, but their numbers fell from 19,000 to 17,565 last year. Students from India and Nigeria also decreased, while the number of Pakistani students slightly increased. Dundee University reported a 27% drop in international students, and Robert Gordon University saw its overseas student numbers almost halve. In contrast, the University of Edinburgh managed to increase its international student count. Scottish universities typically provide free tuition for local students, but they rely heavily on income from overseas students to help balance budgets. International students pay between £10,000 to £40,000 in tuition fees. Concerns have been raised about the dependency on Chinese students, leading universities to try to recruit more from countries like Nigeria. However, economic issues in Nigeria and tighter visa restrictions have complicated these efforts. Dundee University is facing severe financial difficulties, with a £35 million funding shortfall. The acting chair warned that without support, the institution may face insolvency by June and has announced job cuts. The University of Edinburgh is also planning significant budget cuts due to lower income from international students and rising costs.