Scottish University applications increase

Applications from the England have increased by 14.7% despite such students having to pay fees. UCU believes that this shows astuteness by applicants as the lack of a cap for English students may make it easier to obtain their preferred place in Scotland.

UCU Scotland president, Gordon Watson, said: 'We welcome both the increase in applications to Scottish institutions and by Scottish-domiciled students. It is clear that Scottish higher education continues to be valued across the globe.

'In order to maintain our proud international reputation for excellence, it is important the government looks closely at the impact of allowing uncapped numbers of fee-paying students from the rest of the UK to study at Scottish universities. It is encouraging many choose to study in Scotland, but an unplanned increase in students could threaten our top quality education.'