Rennie responds to launch of International Education Strategy

Responding to the launch of the Scottish Government’s International Education Strategy, Scottish Liberal Democrat education spokesperson Willie Rennie MSP said:  

“For the first time, the income from international students surpassed that from domestic students and both research and teaching is now subsidised by the fees of international students. This leaves Scottish higher education open to shocks in other parts of the world, whether that be economic, security or otherwise.

“The Scottish Government’s strategy is not only delayed but doesn’t sufficiently recognise the risk faced by Higher Education as a result of over exposure.

“We have already seen this year a reduction in student numbers from some countries like China where economic issues have impacted applications. If there were to be more dramatic shocks such as, for example, military conflict between China and Taiwan, the impact on Scottish universities would be huge. This should have been addressed much more effectively by the new strategy.”