Scottish universities: funding, fees and the future

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A report on a Scottish citizens' jury showed strong support for retaining free tuition for higher education and investing more in colleges, although opinions were split over the necessary steps to take.

Citizens’ jury says higher education funding should be 'reprioritised'

A Scottish citizens’ jury has backed free tuition and shown support for greater investment in skills-based higher education delivered at colleges.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, spoke to The Herald about his career before his controversial tenure at the ancient university.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Edinburgh, spoke to The Herald about his career before his controversial tenure at the ancient university.

Edinburgh University

'Every good thing that’s happened in my life is because of university'

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, has been appointed to lead Pillar 2 of the Future Framework for the Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities.

Professor Dame Sally Mapstone, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of St Andrews, has been appointed to lead Pillar 2 of the Future Framework for the Sustainability and Success of Scotland’s Universities.

Universities in the UK

Leader announced for ‘radical’ next phase in university project

As universities begin to piece together a route to a sustainable future, the next phase of reform talks will consider all options – including mergers.

As universities begin to piece together a route to a sustainable future, the next phase of reform talks will consider all options – including mergers.

Scottish Government

‘No red lines, nothing off the table’ in university transformation talks

University of Edinburgh Principal Professor Sir Peter Mathieson has announced he will not seek a third term in 2028.

University of Edinburgh Principal Professor Sir Peter Mathieson has announced he will not seek a third term in 2028.

Edinburgh University

'If I got hit by a bus, things wouldn't change': Edinburgh principal on departure

Many colleges and universities are in deficit, and more are expected to be in the future. But their names are being withheld.

Many colleges and universities are in deficit, and more are expected to be in the future. But their names are being withheld.

The State of Scotland's Colleges

I can't name the 27 colleges and universities forecasting deficits – here is why

Scottish colleges and universities face growing financial risks according to the latest annual sustainability reports.

Scottish colleges and universities face growing financial risks according to the latest annual sustainability reports.

Two-thirds of Scottish colleges and universities forecast deficits

The ongoing dispute at the University of Edinburgh fits into the wider debate about the purpose and nature of a modern university.

The ongoing dispute at the University of Edinburgh fits into the wider debate about the purpose and nature of a modern university.

Edinburgh University

Time will tell the truth of the two sides in Edinburgh's restructuring battle

Instead of an attack on humanities, school leaders said programe closures will not reduce teaching in the affected subject areas and that courses will remain in many cases.

Instead of an attack on humanities, school leaders said programe closures will not reduce teaching in the affected subject areas and that courses will remain in many cases.

Edinburgh University

University leaders separate controversial programme closures from teaching

Edinburgh University

Union says university solutions should not 'exploit' or 'undervalue' staff

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli led a project to quantify the funding gap facing Scottish universities.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli led a project to quantify the funding gap facing Scottish universities.

Anton Muscatelli

Sir Anton Muscatelli: Universities have ‘run out of runway’ on funding

Scottish universities face an uncertain financial future, and the Scottish Government has just been handed a report that could force it to confront the issue head-on.

Scottish universities face an uncertain financial future, and the Scottish Government has just been handed a report that could force it to confront the issue head-on.

Scottish Government

Why Scottish Government faces tough truths in new university funding analysis

The university sector's total gap between income and actual cost has been quantified for the first time, resulting in a

The university sector's total gap between income and actual cost has been quantified for the first time, resulting in a

Scottish Government

The £200m hole at the heart of Scotland's university system - what happens next?

Reports earlier this year that Heriot-Watt University was at capacity for Scottish student places reignited questions about whether international students are taking places from qualified Scots.

Reports earlier this year that Heriot-Watt University was at capacity for Scottish student places reignited questions about whether international students are taking places from qualified Scots.

Heriot-Watt University

Explained: International students are not taking Scots' places at university

The University of Aberdeen is targeting new minimum staff-student ratios for courses, but attempts to see the details behind this plan have been denied.

The University of Aberdeen is targeting new minimum staff-student ratios for courses, but attempts to see the details behind this plan have been denied.

Aberdeen University

University refuses to publish 'controversial' data behind savings plan

Scottish universities: funding, fees and the future

Why universities must stop competing for status and rankings

Universities' once reliable source of income has become unpredictable, raising fundamental questions about the shape and size of the sector.

Universities' once reliable source of income has become unpredictable, raising fundamental questions about the shape and size of the sector.

Higher Education

The international student boom transformed Scottish universities - now what?

Murray Pittock believes the arts and humanities are important to Scotland's economy

Murray Pittock believes the arts and humanities are important to Scotland's economy

Arts and humanities courses 'are under threat at Scottish universities'

As staff and management battle over the shape of the university sector, it's worth remembering the cost students have to pay in the deliberations.

As staff and management battle over the shape of the university sector, it's worth remembering the cost students have to pay in the deliberations.

The university fight has three sides and one clear loser

Glasgow Caledonian University Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson sees the sector's funding crisis as a call to focus on universities' collective mission to serve.

Glasgow Caledonian University Principal and Vice Chancellor Professor Mairi Watson sees the sector's funding crisis as a call to focus on universities' collective mission to serve.

From prison officer to university principal - an unorthodox path to a hot seat

Staff at the University of Edinburgh worry that complicated and confusing employment strategies are hiding the true scale of jobs cuts at the university.

Staff at the University of Edinburgh worry that complicated and confusing employment strategies are hiding the true scale of jobs cuts at the university.

Edinburgh University

Union warns misleading contracts mask the true scale of university job cuts

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and Susan Murray are chairing the important first pillars of a project to bring stability and sustainability to Scottish universities.

Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli and Susan Murray are chairing the important first pillars of a project to bring stability and sustainability to Scottish universities.

Anton Muscatelli

Sector leaders outline first steps towards securing Scotland's universities

Sources have raised concerns about a contract at the University of Edinburgh.

Sources have raised concerns about a contract at the University of Edinburgh.

Universities in the UK

Edinburgh University spends £200k on consultants during cost-cutting drive

Striking UCU members hosted an election hustings this week.

Striking UCU members hosted an election hustings this week.

2026 Holyrood election

'Dundee toppled before the others did’: Parties debate university model

The University of Dundee is one of many Scottish institutions facing strike action as it seeks to cut positions to save millions.

The University of Dundee is one of many Scottish institutions facing strike action as it seeks to cut positions to save millions.

University of Dundee

University financial crisis was 'not a matter of if but when', report argues

American students are one of the most reliable financial and cultural resources for Scottish universities. How are they bucking the trend of international student decline, and why are they coming?

American students are one of the most reliable financial and cultural resources for Scottish universities. How are they bucking the trend of international student decline, and why are they coming?

Americans in Scotland

'Pride and privilege': Why so many more Americans are opting to study in Scotland

There are strikes planned across Scotland's university sector, with concerns growing that a welcome review of funding will not be in time to save hundreds more jobs from being lost.

There are strikes planned across Scotland's university sector, with concerns growing that a welcome review of funding will not be in time to save hundreds more jobs from being lost.

Edinburgh University

Job losses mount and strikes spread as unis seek £200m savings

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland's University Crisis

Scottish universities have surrendered their purpose, academics claim

A sweeping review of Scotland's higher education funding model has launched this year. Its first phase will build on The Herald's investigative work.

A sweeping review of Scotland's higher education funding model has launched this year. Its first phase will build on The Herald's investigative work.

Herald analysis hailed as ‘catalyst’ for landmark university funding review

Strathclyde University students heading to their graduation ceremony.

Strathclyde University students heading to their graduation ceremony.

Unite the union

Strathclyde University boss rejects claims its governing body is a 'secret society'

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland's University Crisis

The rise of the management class behind Scotland’s university meltdown

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland’s universities at a crossroads over care and academic freedom

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland's University Crisis

Universities are abandoning intellectual risk in a rush to protect feelings

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland's University Crisis

Corporate culture and crisis: Have Scotland’s universities lost their way?

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland's University Crisis

Scotland’s universities at a crossroads as financial and cultural pressures mount

Professor James Miller says that the newly announced review of university funding is 'vital'.

Professor James Miller says that the newly announced review of university funding is 'vital'.

'We haven't discounted anything': universities leader backs major review of sector

A major review of university funding that will focus on sustainability of the sector will be issued today

A major review of university funding that will focus on sustainability of the sector will be issued today

Scottish Government

Scottish Government announces major review of university funding and sustainability

Economist and former Glasgow University Principal Sir Anton Muscatelli has published a report on how Scotland can maximise its potential for economic growth. At the heart of many recommendations: under-fire colleges and universities.

Economist and former Glasgow University Principal Sir Anton Muscatelli has published a report on how Scotland can maximise its potential for economic growth. At the heart of many recommendations: under-fire colleges and universities.

Anton Muscatelli

Can Scotland revive its stalled economy? Muscatelli says colleges can lead recovery

Education writer James McEnaney on his first meeting with Ben Macpherson

Education writer James McEnaney on his first meeting with Ben Macpherson

This new minister certainly talks a good game, but now is the time for action

Ben Macpherson was made Minister for Higher and Further Education in the September 2025 reshuffle

Ben Macpherson was made Minister for Higher and Further Education in the September 2025 reshuffle

New minister says everyone has to work together for a sustainable university sector

Q&A: Scotland's university crisis isn't just financial; we need to look at governance

Q&A: Scotland's university crisis isn't just financial; we need to look at governance

Q&A: Scotland's university crisis isn't just financial; we need to look at governance

There are factors beyond tuition fees which are putting financial pressure on Universities

There are factors beyond tuition fees which are putting financial pressure on Universities

The unthinkable truth: Scotland’s higher education is running out of road

Colleges and universities face an uncertain future, with many unanswered questions about how they can escape their financial situations.

Colleges and universities face an uncertain future, with many unanswered questions about how they can escape their financial situations.

Too many unanswered questions on bleak financial future of colleges and universities

Some universities and colleges are in stronger positions than others, but overall, both sectors are being forced to make difficult financial decisions to stay afloat.

Some universities and colleges are in stronger positions than others, but overall, both sectors are being forced to make difficult financial decisions to stay afloat.

Financial reports show 'imminent risk' to universities and colleges

Edinburgh Napier University is looking to cut 70 jobs.

Edinburgh Napier University is looking to cut 70 jobs.

70 jobs at Scottish university at risk amid 'financial pressures'

Edinburgh University bosses say cuts of £140m need to be made.

Edinburgh University bosses say cuts of £140m need to be made.

Edinburgh University

Salaries of highest paid at Edinburgh University revealed amid cash crisis

Edinburgh University students at Old College sunday wait for the library to open..

Edinburgh University students at Old College sunday wait for the library to open..

University of Edinburgh

Staff at troubled university urged to reduce exams in cost-cutting drive

Students have sounded the alarm over dangerous living conditions.

Students have sounded the alarm over dangerous living conditions.

'Rats and rogue landlords': Why student renters are fighting for a fair deal

There are growing concerns that the focus on the salaries of university principals and other senior staff is diverting attention from bigger problems threatening the sector.

There are growing concerns that the focus on the salaries of university principals and other senior staff is diverting attention from bigger problems threatening the sector.

University of Dundee

‘Eye-watering’ university principal salaries may be distracting from bigger problems

(Chris Ison/PA)

(Chris Ison/PA)

University lecturers set to be consulted on industrial action

Ministers in Scottish are still seeking clarity on a tax on international students, the SNP has said.

Ministers in Scottish are still seeking clarity on a tax on international students, the SNP has said.

Ministers still seeking 'urgent clarity' on £85m international student tax

The UK Government has said it will not impose a proposed new international student tax on Scottish universities.

The UK Government has said it will not impose a proposed new international student tax on Scottish universities.

Scottish universities won't pay £85m international student tax after Labour U turn

The resource was launched by Graeme Dey

The resource was launched by Graeme Dey

Students to be offered cyber crime protection training amid growing online attacks

Uncertainty over immigration, falling public investment are creating a perfect storm for universities. Two Scottish campuses illustrate how it is impacting the entire sector.

Uncertainty over immigration, falling public investment are creating a perfect storm for universities. Two Scottish campuses illustrate how it is impacting the entire sector.

Dundee University

Healthy or hurting, all of Scotland's universities face difficult choices