OVERSEAS income generated by Scotland’s exam body has plummeted in recent years, new figures show.

The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) generated just £1.9 million from selling its qualifications overseas in 2017/18 compared to £5.4m two years earlier.

When the £1.4m cost of running its international operations is factored in, it means the SQA made a profit of just £500,000 from overseas work last year compared to £2.6m in 2015/16.

READ MORE: Glasgow University declares climate emergency​

The body has already come under fire for the amount of money spent on international flights and hotels.

Selling qualifications such as HNDs and HNCs overseas is seen by the SQA as an important way to generate income to lessen the burden of running the organisation on the taxpayer.

However, while its work in China has been profitable, the SQA is now making a loss in several of the regions it has expanded to including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East and Africa and Southeast Asian nations such as Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Liz Smith, education spokeswoman for the Scottish Conservatives, called for greater scrutiny of the SQA’s overseas business.

She said: “The SQA plays a valuable role abroad, as well as at home, but it is essential that all of these operations provide best value for money.

“In this case, it appears the money being spent on international business is significant yet is not generating the necessary income. That will be a matter of concern to many parents and teachers.”

Iain Gray, education spokesman for the Scottish Labour Party, said the SQA should focus on the delivery of domestic qualifications.

“The SQA’s pursuit of international work is too much of a distraction and these figures suggest it does not even create the significant profits claimed,” he said.

Tavish Scott, education spokesman for the Scottish Liberal Democrats, added: “The SQA has significant questions to answer about its international work. As income from overseas reduces, the SQA needs to reassess their primary purpose.”

READ MORE: Parents 'left in the dark' over curriculum reforms

An SQA spokesman said it had worked internationally for more than 25 years.

He said: “International activities in the higher education and vocational sectors showcase Scotland’s leadership role and support the Scottish Government’s international framework.

“Services are funded by international governments, the EU, aid agencies and organisations in selected areas of expertise ... including standard setting and qualification design and development. This generates contribution to SQA’s finances and reduces dependency on the public purse.”