Scotland’s universities have been thrown into confusion as the SNP demands urgent answers from Labour over a proposed tax on international students.
Keir Starmer’s plan to impose a 6 percent levy on tuition fees from foreign students has raised alarm across the education sector.
If applied in Scotland, the charge could cost universities north of the border up to £85 million a year.
Despite education being devolved, the UK Government has failed to clarify whether the tax will apply to Scottish institutions.
No engagement has taken place with the Scottish Government, and no assurances have been given.
The silence has left higher education leaders in limbo, with concerns growing that Scotland’s ability to attract global talent is now at risk.
Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland, urged ministers to think twice about the fallout.
She said the decision on whether to implement the levy in Scotland should rest with Holyrood, not Westminster.
She added that imposing such a charge could damage the UK’s reputation as a desirable study destination.
The SNP is also renewing calls for a Scottish Graduate Visa to allow international students to stay and work in Scotland after graduating.
They argue this would give graduates a chance to contribute to the economy and ease the pathway to a Skilled Worker Visa.
SNP MSP Bill Kidd accused Labour of pushing policies out of step with Scotland’s values.
He said Starmer had pandered to anti-immigration voices while ignoring the needs of Scotland’s economy, public services and universities.
Kidd warned that Labour’s plans threaten to undo years of progress made by universities in building their international reach.
He also pointed out that Scottish universities are already reeling from a £30 million blow due to increased employer National Insurance contributions.
Now, he said, they face the prospect of an £85 million financial hit on top of that.
Kidd called for immediate clarity from the Labour leadership on whether the student levy will apply in Scotland.
He urged Starmer to support a Scottish Graduate Visa and abandon his “damaging anti-immigration agenda”.
With international students making up a vital part of Scotland’s academic and economic life, the stakes could hardly be higher.
The uncertainty is already sending ripples through the sector, with fears that the best and brightest may look elsewhere.
Scotland’s universities need answers now, not later.
