Scottish/European Scholarship Programme Plans
Local Stirling politicians Alyn Smith MP and Evelyn Tweed MSP have welcomed an announcement from the Scottish Government, that hundreds of EU students will be supported to study in Scotland through a new £2.25 million scholarship programme.
The Saltire Scholarship scheme has been designed to help ease the negative impact of Brexit on student numbers. The latest data from UCAS shows a 41% decrease in the number of EU students applying to study at Scottish universities this academic year.
The funding has been allocated to institutions through the Scottish Funding Council and students starting their studies this autumn or in January can apply for support.
Scholarships will be considered by universities for Masters level post-graduate study and colleges will consider applications for Higher National (HN) level, Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
Stirling MP Alyn Smith said:
‘Brexit has had a detrimental impact on Scotland’s Higher Education sector. Adding further insult to injury, Scotland did not vote for Brexit, yet it was foisted upon us regardless. I very much welcome this scheme from the Scottish Government, to support European students to study in Scotland. Before Brexit, Scotland enjoyed high numbers of incoming students, and it’s my hope this scheme forms the firm foundation for expanded numbers in the future. We must be clear: the best way to protect Scotland’s academic sector is independence in Europe.’
Stirling MSP Evelyn Tweed said:
‘Brexit has severely jeopardised Scotland’s European links, so this scholarship scheme is very welcome news indeed. Our academic sector attracts top talent in the form of staff, students and research grants, yet this has all been placed at risk as Scotland has been dragged out of the European Union against our democratically expressed will. European students are absolutely welcome in Stirling and Scotland, and I hope this scheme forms the basis for continued strong links with our European friends and institutions.’
Notes:
Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships is a programme of scholarships offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities. These new scholarships are an extension of current existing Saltire scholarships.
The Saltire Scholarship will support University – Masters/Taught Postgraduate (TPG) level (Undergraduate level may be considered on a discretionary basis); College – Higher National (HN) level, i.e. Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Higher National Diploma (HND).
