Around £360 million of work is needed to bring the whole college estate up to an acceptable condition, according to a new report.
Over the past decade almost £900 million has been invested in the college sector estate as a continuation of new investment made since 2000.
The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) said that following such a major period of prolonged investment, it was necessary to take stock of the whole college estate.
The review, which included all of Scotland's 25 colleges, was commissioned by SFC to provide information to help manage future estate development in the college sector.
It estimates around £360 million is needed to bring the sector's existing estate up to an acceptable wind and water-tight condition and to maintain it at that level for up to five years.
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John Kemp, interim chief executive of the SFC, said: "Over the past decade nearly £900 million has been invested to provide new and inspiring college buildings that are amongst the best in the UK.
"Anyone visiting a college in, for example, Glasgow, Stirling, Inverness and Kilmarnock will see bright, modern buildings designed for 21st century teaching and training methods. However, the college estate is extensive and some parts of it do require attention.
"The report we are publishing today provides part of the evidence that we and the college sector need to make the right investment decisions and to put public money where it is most needed."
The SFC is responsible for allocating public funds to colleges and universities in support of Scottish Government priorities.
The surveys, carried out by Gardiner & Theobald, take no account of any costs required to improve fitness-for-purpose or redevelopment and enhancement of the estate.
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Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said: "Colleges Scotland acknowledges the investment that has already been made in the college estate, however, conditions of campuses are not consistent across Scotland with some requiring significant investment.
"The survey estimates that £360m of work is required over the next five years to bring the college estate to a generally sound (wind and watertight) condition.
"However, it does not take into account any costs required to make buildings fit-for-purpose or flexible to changing curriculums or provision. Students require a modern environment in which to study, learn and gain the skills required for the workplace.
"Increased capital investment would, therefore, not only significantly benefit the learner experience, leading to improved retention and attainment, but would also allow colleges to contribute fully to Scottish Government priorities."
The Scottish Government said since 2007 it has contributed more than £900 million in Capital investment, while in the Draft Budget 2018-19 it said it has provided a real terms increase in funding for further and higher education, including an increase in the capital budget for colleges.
It said the budget was increased by £29.3 million to £76.7 million compared with 2017/18.
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Shirley-Anne Somerville, Minister for Further Education, Higher Education and Science, said: "This report clearly identifies areas where college buildings deliver on our ambitions, but equally it outlines some challenges in the condition of buildings in some specific colleges.
"It is my expectation that the Scottish Funding Council and the college sector use this report to effectively prioritise the finite capital investment available and ensure resources are targeted to where they are needed most. That is why we commissioned this report."
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