The number of international students at Scottish universities has fallen sharply, with over 10,000 fewer overseas enrollments recorded last year. New data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) highlights the financial strain this decline is putting on institutions that have come to rely on foreign tuition fees to sustain their budgets.
Universities Face Declining Foreign Enrollment
Fresh figures show a 12% drop in overseas students at Scottish universities, from 83,975 in the previous year to 73,915. This downturn comes after a record high in foreign enrollments, which had become a crucial revenue stream for universities struggling with budget constraints.
Meanwhile, the number of students from Scotland at local universities stood at 173,795. However, the most striking trend has been the continued decline of European Union (EU) students, whose numbers have halved since Brexit. The latest figures show just 10,430 EU students in Scotland, a stark contrast to pre-Brexit levels.
Where Are the Largest Declines?
The biggest fall in overseas enrollment came from key student markets:
- China: Down from 19,000 to 17,565.
- India: Dropped from 12,235 to 9,950.
- Nigeria: Declined significantly from 9,415 to 5,985.
- Pakistan: Bucked the trend with a slight increase from 5,075 to 5,540.
Some universities have been hit harder than others:
| University | 2022/23 Overseas Students | 2023/24 Overseas Students | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dundee | 4,570 | 3,335 | -27% |
| Glasgow | 15,200 | 12,935 | -15% |
| Robert Gordon | 4,400 | 2,365 | -46% |
| Edinburgh | 16,625 | 17,020 | +2% |
Despite the overall decline, the University of Edinburgh managed to buck the trend, increasing its overseas student intake slightly.
The Financial Fallout
Scottish students receive tuition-free education at local universities, with the government covering their costs. However, universities argue that government funding has not kept up with inflation, leaving them increasingly dependent on international students, who pay significantly higher fees—ranging from £10,000 to £40,000 per year.
For some institutions, foreign students now make up close to 40% of total enrollments. The financial impact of this decline is already being felt:
- Dundee University faces a £35 million shortfall and has announced 632 job cuts, nearly one-fifth of its workforce. Senior officials warn insolvency is a “real possibility” without emergency funding.
- Edinburgh University is planning £140 million in budget cuts to counteract revenue shortfalls.
- The University and College Union (UCU) Scotland has criticized management for financial missteps, blaming “egregious management failures” for the crisis.
What’s Causing the Decline?
Several factors have contributed to the drop in international student numbers:
- Brexit Impact: The end of EU student subsidies has driven a long-term decline in European enrollments.
- Visa Restrictions: The UK government has tightened student visa rules, including limiting the ability to bring dependents.
- Economic Pressures: The devaluation of the Nigerian naira has made UK tuition unaffordable for many students from the country.
- Shifting Recruitment Strategies: Universities had previously reduced their dependence on Chinese students, seeking to diversify into Indian and Nigerian markets. But economic instability and policy changes have disrupted these efforts.
What Lies Ahead for Scottish Universities?
With some universities teetering on financial instability, institutions are looking for alternative funding sources. The Scottish government has blamed the decline on UK-wide immigration policies, but universities argue that deeper structural funding issues need urgent attention.
For now, the drop in international students is not just an enrollment issue—it is an existential financial challenge for several of Scotland’s top universities.
