Free tuition guarantee for EU students in Scotland extended until 2018-19
European Union (EU) students enrolling in Scotland next year will have free tuition throughout their courses, the Deputy First Minister has announced.
Last updated 24th Mar 2017
European Union (EU) students enrolling in Scotland next year will have free tuition throughout their courses, the Deputy First Minister has announced.
John Swinney said the confirmation would give EU nationals "reassurance" amid the failure of the UK Government to confirm their rights will continue after Brexit.
The free tuition guarantee is already in place for eligible EU students enrolling this year and has now been extended for those enrolling in 2018-19.
On a visit to the University of Dundee, Mr Swinney said: "I am proud that Scotland is a destination of choice for EU students and I am delighted to give them further reassurance by confirming that support from the Scottish Government for tuition-free studies will continue for those commencing courses here in the 2018-19 academic year.
"However, the continued refusal by the UK Government to give assurances to EU nationals living in Scotland that their rights will remain in place, ahead of the formal Brexit procedures beginning next week, is deeply concerning.
"EU students will rightly have concerns about any change in their status halfway through a course.
"These students deserve certainty and knowing that their free tuition is in place for the entirety of their course is important, that is why I have confirmed this free tuition."
Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary Liz Smith welcomed the announcement.
She said: Students - and indeed staff - from the EU make a very significant contribution to our higher and further education institutions.
While everyone recognises the complexities of the Brexit negotiations, I hope the UK Government will soon be in a position to give similar guarantees.''
Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said: This is a welcome announcement.
John Swinney was caught out last year holding back an announcement on EU students for a clap line at SNP conference.
That left universities trying to recruit students without being able to tell them whether their fees would be paid or not, so it's welcome that he has done the right thing in this case.
EU students make a valuable contribution to Scotland's education system, economy and cultural life. The fact that the Tories' reckless Brexit gamble puts this at risk in the first place is shameful.''