Universities

  1. National Islands Plan: annual report 2023

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2023 reporting year.

  2. Enhanced opportunities for people of all ages

    Commitment to the right to free education.

  3. Building a New Scotland: Education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland

    This paper sets out the Scottish Government's vision for Education and Lifelong Learning in an independent Scotland.

  4. Building a New Scotland: education and lifelong learning in Scotland - easy read

    Easy read version of the Scottish Government's vision for education and lifelong learning in an independent Scotland.

  5. Summary statistics for attainment and initial leaver destinations, no. 6: 2024 edition

    This statistical publication provides information on the educational attainment and initial destinations of 2022-23 school leavers from publicly funded schools in Scotland.

  6. Scotland's international education strategy

    Scotland’s International Education Strategy sets out a framework to cement Scotland’s reputation as a world leader in education, research and knowledge exchange, working with universities and colleges to attract students and staff from outside the UK.

  7. Prostitution - challenging and deterring men's demand: strategic approach

    Sets our our collective approach, working with stakeholders across the wider public and third sector, to challenge and deter men’s demand for prostitution and support those with experience of it.

  8. Teacher qualification in further education - draft guidance and general determination: consultation

    We are seeking views on the proposed guidance document and general determination for the further education teaching programme.

  9. Higher education - renewing the alliance for fair access: annual report 2024

    The sixth annual report of the Commissioner for Fair Access concludes that much has already been achieved in delivering fair access to higher education in Scotland, but Professor John H. McKendrick considers how the framework for promoting fair access can be strengthened.

  10. Special Support Payment: equality impact assessment

    This equality impact assessment (EQIA) considers the impact on full-time higher education students following the introduction of a Special Support Loan to the main undergraduate and postgraduate funding packages.

  11. Further or higher education - student financial support for asylum seekers: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for the provision of support for young unaccompanied asylum seekers and children of asylum seekers wishing to undertake a course of further or higher education in Scotland.

  12. Student financial support - relevant connection to Scotland: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for access to home fee status/ student financial support in relation to those considered to have a Relevant Connection to Scotland.

  13. Ukrainian nationals resettled in the UK - student support eligibility criteria date restriction: child rights and wellbeing impact assessment

    Child rights and wellbeing impact assessment (CRWIA) for applying a relevant date restriction to student support eligibility criteria for Ukrainian nationals resettled in the UK.

  14. Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill: consultation

    We are committed to protecting, respecting and championing the rights of people with learning disabilities and neurodivergent people. This consultation on proposals for a Learning Disabilities, Autism and Neurodivergence Bill seeks the views of everyone on how we can do this.

  15. Scottish Languages Bill: Fairer Scotland Duty summary

    Fairer Scotland Duty Summary for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  16. Scottish Languages Bill: island communities impact assessment

    Island communities impact assessment for the Scottish Languages Bill. This is legislation to advance the status of, and provision for, the Gaelic and Scots languages.

  17. Education: National Improvement Framework and improvement plan 2024

    Sets out the vision and priorities for Scottish education that have been agreed across the system, and the national improvement activity that needs to be undertaken to help deliver those key priorities.

  18. Mapping Of Professional Qualification Routes and Continuous Professional Learning Opportunities relating to Psychological Trauma, in the Children and Families Workforce

    Commissioned as part of the National Trauma Transformation Programme, this research aimed to map the learner journeys of five sectors of the Children and Families workforce including School Nursing, Health Visiting, Children and Families Social Work, Residential Childcare and Secure Care.

  19. UK Employer Skills Survey 2022 – Scotland Report

    Publication of Scotland results from the UK Employer Skills Survey 2022.

  20. Education - tuition fee and living cost support residency criteria change: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) results for changes to the residency eligibility criteria for access to tuition fee and living cost support for those considered to have a relevant connection to Scotland.

  21. Education - asylum seekers tuition fee rate and support eligibility change: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) summary for changes to the eligibility criteria for access to the home tuition fee rate and tuition fee support for young unaccompanied asylum seekers and children of asylum seekers.

  22. Ukrainian nationals resettled in the UK - student support eligibility criteria: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) summary relating to the application of the relevant date provision to the student eligibility criteria for Ukrainian nationals resettled in the UK.

  23. Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2023

    This report highlights our continuing support for the Veterans and Armed Forces community in Scotland and provides an update on this year’s achievements and work undertaken to improve support and access to services for our Armed Forces, Veterans and their families.

  24. Postgraduate Review - Postgraduate Study in the Rest of the United Kingdom - Introduction of Financial Support Package: Equality Impact Assessment – Results

    The equality impact assessment (EQIA) considered the impact of expanding the SAAS postgraduate support package to offer funding for postgraduate students studying courses in the rest of the UK.

  25. Postgraduate Review - Postgraduate Study at a Validated Private Provider - Introduction of Financial Support Package Equality Impact Assessment – Results

    The equality impact assessment (EQIA) considered the impact of expanding the SAAS postgraduate support package to offer funding for postgraduate students studying at designated/validated private providers.

  26. Postgraduate Review - Increase to the Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loan Equality Impact Assessment – Results

    The equality impact assessment (EQIA) considered the impact increasing the amount of tuition fee loan available to postgraduate students would have on protected characteristics.

  27. Postgraduate Review - Postgraduate Certificates Equality Impact Assessment – Results

    The equality impact assessment (EQIA) considered the impact of not expanding the SAAS postgraduate support package to offer funding for postgraduate certificates. It identified that there was minimal impact on protected characteristics.

  28. Exam results support for pupils

    Advice on next steps.

  29. National Islands Plan review: consultation

    We are consulting on a review of the National Islands Plan, published in 2019. This review is required by the Islands (Scotland) Act 2018. We are seeking views on the impact and content of the current National Islands Plan.

  30. Call to UK Government to secure future of research funding programme

    First Minister writes to Prime Minister on Horizon Europe.

  31. National Islands Plan: implementation route map 2023

    Details how we will deliver on the commitments in the National Islands Plan, over the coming year.

  32. Summer support for students: review

    We recognise the need to deliver a long-term sustainable solution for supporting students over the summer months. This report details interim recommendations, progress to date and the next steps to achieving our long term goal of tackling inequality.

  33. Post-school education, research and skills - purpose and principles

    The Purpose and Principles, Initial Priorities and supporting documents set out the framework for decision making for post-school education, skills and research to ensure the system is fit for the future, delivering the best outcomes for learners, employers and the public investment we make.

  34. Post-school education and skills

    Key reforms and actions announced.

  35. Learning for sustainability: action plan 2023 to 2030 - Gaelic translation

    Scotland's learning for sustainability action plan 2023 to 2030 "Target 2030: A movement for people, planet and prosperity " aims to build an inspiring movement for change so every 3 to 18 place of education becomes a sustainable learning setting by 2030.

  36. Learning for sustainability: action plan 2023 to 2030

    Scotland's learning for sustainability action plan 2023 to 2030 "Target 2030: A movement for people, planet and prosperity " aims to build an inspiring movement for change so every 3 to 18 place of education becomes a sustainable learning setting by 2030.

  37. Fit for the Future: developing a post-school learning system to fuel economic transformation

    Report of Independent Review of the Skills Delivery Landscape provided to Scottish Ministers by James Withers. The Review considered skills functions and remits of Scotland's national public bodies, making 15 recommendations for future adaptations to support the National Strategy for Economic Transformation.

  38. Scottish Languages Bill (Scots version) - Gaelic and Scots commitments: consultation analysis

    External analysis o responses submittit tae the Scots Government's consultation on Gaelic, Scots and a Scots Languages Bill.

  39. National discussion on education: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the National Discussion on Education.

  40. Tha Gach Neach-ionnsachaidh ann an Alba Cudromach: Ar Deasbad Nàiseanta Geàrr-aithisg

    Deasbad Nàiseanta air Foghlam – geàrr-aithisg

  41. All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: final report

    Final report of the National Discussion on Education.

  42. National discussion on education: island communities impact assessment screening

    Island communities impact assessment screening for the National Discussion on Education.

  43. National discussion on education: Fairer Scotland duty assessment summary

    The Fairer Scotland Duty assessment of the National Discussion on Education.

  44. All Learners in Scotland Matter - national discussion on education: summary report

    A summary of the final report of the National Discussion on Education.

  45. Further and higher education - residency criteria for access to financial support: consultation analysis

    Our response to a 2023 consultation on the financial support residency conditions across Further and Higher Education. It includes information on the changes being made to the residency eligibility criteria.

  46. Student support

    Changes to residency conditions to be introduced for 2023-24 academic year.

  47. Evacuated UK nationals from Afghanistan - residency criteria changes: equality impact assessment - summary

    Summary equality impact assessment (EQIA) for changes to the residency criteria for access to tuition fee and living cost support for evacuated UK nationals from Afghanistan as part of Operation Pitting.

  48. Evacuated UK nationals from Afghanistan - residency criteria changes: equality impact assessment

    Change to the residency criteria for access to tuition fee and living cost support for UK nationals and their family members who have fled Ukraine as a result of the Russian invasion and arrived in the UK.

  49. Equality, opportunity, community: New leadership - A fresh start

    This publication sets out the First Minister’s vision for Scotland and the outcomes he and his government aim to achieve by 2026.

  50. Qualifications and Assessment Review: consultation analysis

    This is an independent report by The Lines Between. It was commissioned by Scottish Government on behalf of Professor Louise Hayward as part of the independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment. The report contains an analysis of the responses received to the Phase Two public consultation.

  51. National Islands Plan Annual Report 2022

    The Islands (Scotland) Act 2018 requires that a report is presented to Parliament each year setting out the progress made towards delivery of the National Islands Plan. This report sets out progress made during the 2022 reporting year.

  52. Higher Education student support package increase: equality impact assessment

    The equality impact assessment (EQIA) considered the impact of the increase to the Higher Education package of support from £8,100 to £9,000. It identified that in general the increase is seen as a positive change as it encourages students in Scotland to enter and remain in higher education.

  53. Increased support for students

    Uplift in bursaries and loan packages.

  54. Call to re-join research funding programme

    UK Government urged to secure Horizon Europe opportunity.

  55. Transitions to adulthood for disabled young people: literature review

    A literature review, commissioned by the Scottish Government, of existing Scottish, UK and International evidence on the experiences faced by disabled young people during their transition to adulthood. The review also explores best practice in supporting disabled young people during this time.

  56. Transitions to adulthood for disabled young people: literature review - easy read

    Easy read version of the literature review, commissioned by the Scottish Government, of existing research and evidence on disabled young people’s experiences of transitions to adulthood.

  57. Further and Higher Education financial support - changes to residency criteria: consultation

    A consultation on proposed changes to the residency conditions that enable Further and Higher Education students to access financial support in order to undertake Further and Higher Education.

  58. More Scottish students than ever in Scotland’s universities

    A record 183,025 studied at Scottish universities in 2021-22.

  59. Commission for the land-based learning review: report to Scottish Ministers

    The report produced by the Commission, a short term advisory group established to provide independent, evidence-based advice and submitted to Scottish Ministers on how to attract more people into land-based and aquaculture sectors by improving learning pathways.

  60. National Mission to close attainment gap

    Scotland's councils set out ambitions to help young people succeed.

  61. University places for most deprived at record high

    Tackling the attainment gap.

  62. Over 90% of Scottish university leavers in positive destinations

    Rise in graduates finding work or further study.

  63. Scotland leads UK on university students from deprived areas

    Widening access an “unambiguous success”.

  64. Access to Higher Education

    Record number of students from deprived areas at university.

  65. Free tuition for displaced Ukrainian students

    Costs covered from start of academic year.

  66. Cost of living support

    Financial lifeline for students.

  67. Record number of students from deprived areas at university

    Overall record enrolments at Scottish institutions.

  68. Young Scots work promise

    £70 million investment in youth employment.

  69. Applicants to Scottish universities at record high

    11% rise in individuals applying from most deprived areas.

  70. Higher education - re-committing to Fair Access - a plan for recovery: annual report 2021

    The fourth annual report of the Commissioner for Fair Access to higher education celebrates the progress that has been made and warns about the impact of the COVID-19 emergency, and the resulting setback to achieving fair access.

  71. Franco-Scottish links in research, innovation and higher education

    Overview of Franco-Scottish higher education and research partnerships including analysis and recommendations for furthering collaboration between France and Scotland.

  72. Support for students impacted by COVID-19

    £20 million of additional funding.

  73. Expanding the national vaccination programme

    Roll-out to include international students.

  74. Education recovery: next steps

    SQA and Education Scotland to be reformed.

  75. STEM teacher education bursary: eligibility criteria

    Details of the eligibility criteria for the STEM teacher education bursary.

  76. Summary Statistics for Attainment and Initial Leaver Destinations, No. 3: 2021 Edition

    This statistical publication provides information on the educational attainment and initial destinations of 2019/20 school leavers from publicly funded schools in Scotland

  77. Support for international students

    Rules relaxed to help those needing financial support.

  78. Focus on completing courses

    Group meets to consider ways to support students.

  79. Support for students in hardship

    £30 million of additional funding.  

  80. Erasmus+ exchange programme

    Joint statement confirms work will continue to secure the benefits of programme.

  81. Student loan repayment threshold increase: equality impact assessment

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) identified that increasing the repayment threshold, in general, had a positive impact for students in repayment by ensuring they are supported during their studies and after they graduate and creating a more stable position for borrowers.

  82. College and university returns postponed

    Changes reflect current status of coronavirus, reality of new strain, and rise in cases in recent weeks.

  83. Erasmus loss ‘a huge blow’

    Concern over alternative scheme.

  84. Financial support for students

    Extra £5 million to help those facing hardship.

  85. Extra funding for student associations

    £750,000 to assist with more welfare advice on campuses.

  86. Staggered return to campus for university students

    Further COVID testing before restart of new term.

  87. Helping students home at the end of term

    Plans to support students to return safely.

  88. SQA awards 2021

    Plans for Highers to go ahead; National 5 exams replaced.

  89. Supporting education staff

    COVID-19 antibody survey.

  90. Support for self-isolating students

    Minister says physical and mental wellbeing the priority

  91. Medical degrees at the University of St. Andrews

    Bill to remove archaic legislative prohibition.

  92. Student accommodation guidance on visits home

    Students encouraged to stay on campus.

  93. University of St Andrews - degrees and licenses in medicine and dentistry: consultation

    This consultation sought views on removing a legislative prohibition under the Universities (Scotland) Act 1966 which prevents the University of St. Andrews from awarding degrees in medicine and dentistry.

  94. Cash boost for joint Scottish-Asian research

    New Fund to focus on economic, social recovery from COVID-19.

  95. Health guidance for students

    Clinicians outline when to seek a COVID-19 test.

  96. Safe return to campuses

    Updated guidance for colleges, universities and student accommodation.

  97. Support for 178,180 students tops £1 billion

    Non-repayable bursaries and grants rise 13.4%.

  98. Higher Education Student Support for Scotland 2019-2020

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  99. University places

    Rise in Scottish students being accepted.

  100. Funding boost for science centres

    Extra £2m to mitigate the impact of  COVID-19.

  101. Update on HE and FE support

    New EU students to start paying for Scottish places from 2021/22

  102. Promoting skills and employment

    Expert report welcomed.

  103. Safe return to college and university

    Guidance maps out full reopening of Scottish campuses.  

  104. School leaver destinations

    Proportion of young people in work, training or further study remains high.

  105. School leaver follow-up destinations

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  106. Scottish research facing twin threats of COVID and Brexit

    Minister tells UK Government that urgent support needed within days.

  107. Summer support for students

    Earlier financial help for those facing hardship.

  108. Review of further and higher education support

    Scottish Funding Council to consider its model in light of COVID-19.

  109. Colleges and universities preparing for phased return

    Minister reiterates message, Scottish institutions open for business.

  110. £75 million boost for Scottish university research

    One-off Government payment to help mitigate financial effects of COVID-19.

  111. Reassurance for students during coronavirus outbreak

    Extra time for prospective students to decide.

  112. Supporting universities

    Scottish Government committed to mitigating the effects of COVID-19.

  113. Extra hardship payments for students

    Emergency funds offered during coronavirus outbreak.

  114. Update on school closures and exams

    Exams will not go ahead, teaching, learning and support can continue with local flexibility.

  115. STEM Bursaries increased

    Latest STEM Bursary Scheme opens for applications on Monday 16 March.

  116. Reducing inequity in STEM subjects

    Inspiring people of all ages to upskill and tackle the global climate emergency.

  117. Coronavirus guidance issued for education providers

    Specific advice for students and staff.

  118. Student support review commitments 2019-2020: EQIA

    Equality impact assessment (EQIA) for the Independent Review of Student Support.

  119. Minister meets Erasmus+ exchange students in Aberdeen

    Efforts to be stepped up to protect further and higher education after Brexit.

  120. New research to focus on estranged students

    Government to work with leading charity on identifying key facts and issues.

  121. Access to postgraduate study - representation and destinations: discussion paper

    Independent paper from the Commissioner for Fair Access considering representation of students from the most deprived areas of Scotland in postgraduate study and their destinations.

  122. Access to higher education continues to widen

    Scottish universities ‘ahead of schedule’ on closing deprivation gap.

  123. Indian alumni to help promote studying in Scotland

    Government launches major push to nurture connections across India.

  124. More mental health support for students

    Funding to appoint counsellors in colleges and universities.

  125. More money going to more students from SAAS

    £981.5 million worth of support given to 178,810 students.

  126. Higher Education Student Support for Scotland 2018-2019

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  127. Improving access to education for care-experienced students

    Upper age limit of bursary will be removed.

  128. More posts for trainee doctors

    Funding for Foundation Training.

  129. Brexit impact on universities

    Ministers write to Education Secretary to ask for clarity on rules for EU students following Brexit.

  130. Sanitary products anniversary

    Millions of free period products delivered.

  131. Response to UK Government announcement of new immigration route for international students

    Minister for Further and Higher Education Richard Lochhead responds to UK Government announcement of new immigration route for international students.

  132. Agreement on immigration changes for Scottish higher education

    Parliament calls on UK Government to extend leave to remain and reintroduce post-study work visa.

  133. Doubts over Erasmus+ after EU exit

    Concern that UK Government could consider international exchange programme for England only.

  134. Post study work visa options: an international comparative review

    This report presents the main findings of a literature review examining how the UK’s post-study work offer compares with those of its key competitor countries.

  135. Welcome for EU students and staff

    Lochhead writes to EU Ministers on Scotland’s colleges and universities during Brexit uncertainty.

  136. Universities hit by Brexit

    UK Government urged again to guarantee EU students can complete courses in Scotland.

  137. Nursing and midwifery students - support: 2019 to 2020

    Booklet explaining available funding to new students undertaking nursing and midwifery degree programmes in Scotland in 2019-2020.

  138. Longitudinal Educational Outcomes from Universities 2016/17

    Official Statistics Publications for Scotland.

  139. Extension of free tuition for EU students

    Support confirmed for 2020/21 academic year.

  140. University applications, offers and acceptances: trends

    A response to the recommendation regarding applications, offer rates and acceptances made by Audit Scotland in its 2016 audit of higher education in Scottish universities.

  141. Support for students after EU exit

    Funding available to 'UK Returners' for seven years.

  142. Students returning after Brexit

    Support for Scottish students in face of ‘untenable’ costs.

  143. STEM Bursary applications open

    Home Economics included for first time.

  144. Access to financial support for students expanded

    New funding for postgraduate studies.

  145. Immigration threat to universities

    Ministers call on UK Government to reconsider post-Brexit immigration policy.

  146. More support for student wellbeing

    Mental health services at colleges and universities.

  147. Record number of students from deprived areas at university

    Positive progress on equal access to higher education.

  148. Investing in research and innovation

    £5 million to support links between academic research and industry.

  149. Higher Education Student Support for Scotland 2017-18

    A National Statistics Publication for Scotland.

  150. Record number of students from deprived areas accepted to university

    New record for third year in row as acceptance rate rises 5%

  151. Recruiting international students

    Japan joins star programme.

  152. Tackling sexual violence and harassment on campus

    New toolkit to address gender-based violence in universities and colleges.

  153. Apply Now! SAAS open for 2018 funding applications

    Issued on behalf of the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).

  154. Final chance to submit 2017-18 SAAS applications

    Issued on behalf of the Student Awards Agency Scotland.

  155. Supporting new STEM teachers

    Training bursaries available from April.

  156. Two additional universities to offer Teacher Education

    £1.3m for new courses.

  157. Applicant boost for Scottish universities

    Scotland bucks UK trend as more students apply for a university place.

  158. Further increase in Scots studying at university

    More university students taking education and science subjects.

  159. New support for distance learning postgraduate students

    Access to tuition fee and living cost loans expanded.

  160. Report from the Commissioner for Fair Access

    Minister comments on Commissioner’s first annual report.

  161. Record number of Scots going to Scottish universities

    Over 1,000 more Scottish students accepted onto courses.

  162. Record number of Scots accepted to university

    UCAS figures also show highest ever acceptances to Scottish universities.

  163. Independent review of student support

    Minister thanks Review Group for their report.

  164. Widening access to medicine

    Course to help less affluent students will continue.

  165. Improving Choices in Postgraduate Education through Student Support Reform

    Issued on behalf of SAAS.

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