Scotland has revealed its intentions to broaden the diversity of its international student body and increase the retention of foreign students post-graduation.
This was discussed during the country’s inaugural international education strategy held recently as the Scottish government outlined plans to launch a new “Talent attraction and migration service” later this year.
TheWitness learns that this service aims to offer guidance and support for students considering remaining in Scotland after completing their studies to pursue employment in sectors experiencing growth.
Additionally, the country plans to leverage its nine international offices to promote transnational education through Scottish educational institutions and bolster the efforts advocating for Scottish universities and their research on a global scale.
The strategy also includes initiatives to foster stronger connections with Scotland’s diaspora and alumni networks.
Furthermore, a pilot project for a replacement scheme for Erasmus, potentially named the Scottish Education Exchange Programme, is scheduled for implementation.
The Scottish National Party also proposed plans for a five-year post-study work visa for international students.
Scotland’s strategy focuses on attracting students, staff, and researchers from outside the UK to diversify the international student body and maximize their contributions to Scotland.
In the academic year of 2022-23, Scotland hosted 83,000 international students from 180 countries, constituting approximately one-quarter of the total student population. This cohort contributed £4.2 billion in economic benefits during that year.
The strategy underscores Scotland’s identity as an “outward-looking, inclusive nation” that values its international education capabilities and export potential.
This strategy is contrast to UK government’s recent decision to prohibit taught postgraduates from bringing family members, which came into effect last month.
Launching the plan at Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland’s higher education minister, Graeme Dey, said,
In a similar vein, Professor Andrea Nolan, Universities Scotland’s international committee convener and Edinburgh Napier’s vice-chancellor, said,
