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October 14, 2004
Population decline I: 'Fresh Talent' and foreign students
Scotland’s economic interests are different from those of Britain as a whole. Scotland’s uniquely declining and aging population is proof. If our economic policies remain subordinate to those of the United Kingdom, we can expect further relative decline in the economy, and absolute decline in the population.
Jack McConnell’s Fresh Talent initiative, involving two year visa extensions for non-EU graduates of Scottish universities is an excellent idea (see Gillian Bowditch’s article below), but can it work without a major reorganization of the way immigration is handled in Scotland?
A Scottish immigration policy requires a Scottish immigration service that is more accessible than the present organization, with offices in more cities (not just Glasgow), and an end to prohibitive charges for visas (a practice at some British embassies abroad) and visa renewals (substantial charges were introduced by the Home Office in July 2003 - after only 3 weeks notice!).
However the SNP should really be thinking beyond this. The universities are one of Scotland’s greatest assets. If would be good if there were more of them, offering more places, attracting more foreign academics and students. (Locating new universities in the north would also be a way of mitigating against population loss in particular places.)
Fees also need to be reduced. Charging non-EU postgraduates up to GBP 18,000 or 20,000 a year is counter-productive. Many students are deterred from applying and go to cheaper and more welcoming countries such as Australia or Canada. Those that do come are usually from rich countries and often have to return to them to recoup the investment made in their education.
news.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=1195282004
www.nusonline.co.uk/campaigns/internationalism/267898.aspx
Posted by Simon Holledge at October 14, 2004 12:02 PM
Comments
I disagree. Scotland probably has too many students, too many universities, and unrealistically restricted fees.
We need a more business-like attitude to higher education. It could be a great wealth-producing asset.
Posted by: Stuart Dickson at October 18, 2004 10:10 AM
I wish my wife's fees were restricted! As a non-EU resident, her PhD is costing us well over 40 grand.
It would be interesting to know how much foreign students actually contribute to Scottish universities, if I can find some figures I'll come back to this subject later.
Posted by: Simon Holledge at October 18, 2004 09:07 PM