A third Scottish university has been hit by Government restrictions on the recruitment of students in subjects seen as vital and beneficial to the economy.

Yesterday, The Herald revealed that institutions were having to reduce numbers for the coming academic year in science, technology, engineering and mathematics – or face financial penalties.

The universities of Heriot-Watt and Edinburgh appeared the worst hit, but now Glasgow University has also admitted it will have to reduce numbers by around 100.

Since 2007-08, universities have been allowed to recruit as many students as they liked in priority subjects because it was seen as good for the country’s economy.

However, the students come at a cost because their fees are paid for by the Government-backed Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

As a result of the “considerable uncertainty” surrounding future financial settlements, Michael Russell, the Education Secretary, introduced a new cap on the intakes.

But, under Scottish Funding Council rules, universities will now face financial penalties if they go over the specified cap.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government defended the decision, saying it protected the quality and calibre of students.

However, Des McNulty, the education spokesman for the Scottish Labour Party, called for the cap to be lifted for next year.

In a letter to university principals he stated: “The fact universities are being pushed into cutting targets must be a cause of concern, not just to the universities, but to companies who will be looking for graduates.

“I think the cap on subjects

should be lifted this year. In the short term, it is not in the interests of Scotland for good students to be turned away.”

heraldscotland staff