SCOTTISH universities have called for urgent action to address fears of a £60 million funding shortfall caused by the Brexit vote.
Students from European Union (EU) countries currently get their fees paid for them when they go to university here, but that will no longer be the case when Britain leaves.
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However, EU students applying to Scottish universities in the next few weeks will have made choices on university prospectuses advising they are entitled to free tuition even though their courses are likely to finish after Britain leaves.
Unless the Scottish Government agrees to underwrite the full cost of the tuition for four year degree courses that could force universities to foot a bill estimated at some £60m over two years.
Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, said: "The Scottish Government moved urgently to say that European students currently in the system or joining in 2016 would continue to benefit from funded places.
"That was very helpful, but we need a similar assurance quickly on 2017 students because prospectuses are already out, having been published prior to the
Brexit vote, that say that students can come here and benefit from Scottish funding council funding.
"We want to maintain that funding for 2017 entrants. There is a contractual element, in that the offer has already been made and applications will be arriving in the next few weeks. Further assurance in that regard is needed urgently."
Universities were supported by students and lecturers who argued that it was vital to ensure EU students had clarity over their future status.
Mary Senior, Scotland official for the UCU lecturers' union, said "In this uncertain time it is vital that Scotland remains outward looking and open to the brightest and best that want to work, study and contribute here.
"The UK government must start giving some guarantees to EU students applying for university in September 2017 that they will have the right to study in Scotland for the duration of their course and the Scottish Government must commit to covering the fees of EU students so as they are able to complete their courses."
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Vonnie Sandlan, president of student body NUS Scotland, said the priority should be to provide reassurances to students currently studying in Scotland and those looking to study here.
She added: “We welcomed previous announcements from the Scottish Government guaranteeing funding for all EU students currently studying or starting studying this September.
"However, as we look to applications soon being made for 2017/18 and beyond, we need to see both the Scottish and UK Governments offering assurances to potential students that they will still have a place in Scotland after Brexit, and without the risk of facing sky-high fees."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We are proud Scotland is a destination of choice for students and staff from overseas and are committed to ensuring this remains the case as we explore every avenue to protect our relationship with the EU.
“The First Minister has urged the UK Government to provide immediate assurances that the immigration status and rights of EU nationals currently living in Scotland will not change in the future.
"We will continue to discuss with universities and students the impact of the referendum result and how we can all ensure Scotland’s universities remain attractive and competitive.”
Although EU students compete for places with Scottish students they are seen as contributing a significant amount to Scotland's university campuses and well as the wider country.
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There are currently some 24,000 EU students in Scotland who contribute to the economy by spending an estimated £156m off campus. More than 4,000 EU students are accepted to Scottish universities every year. The average annual tuition fee paid by the Scottish Government per student is £7,500.
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