Leading education unions and student representatives unite in a letter to Minister Graeme Dey, urging fundamental changes to the funding and governance of higher education, highlighting the impact of rising costs and decreasing international fees on institutions like Edinburgh and Dundee universities. Concerns regarding the financial sustainability of Scotland's higher education institutions have prompted a significant response from various educational and trade organisations.

A letter addressed to Graeme Dey MSP, Scotland’s minister for higher and further education, has been drafted by NUS Scotland president Sai Shraddha S Viswanathan and is supported by representatives from the Scottish Trade Union Congress (STUC), Unite the Union, the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS), University and College Union (UCU), and Unison. This correspondence coincides with the introduction of the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, unveiled at Holyrood in February.

The signatories believe that the bill presents a critical opportunity to redefine the landscape of post-16 education in Scotland and assert that they should be integral to the legislative process. Rising operational costs and diminishing income from international student enrolments have placed several Scottish universities under considerable financial strain. The letter highlights the over-reliance on “precarious international student fees” as a funding source, calling for the establishment of a more sustainable financial framework for educational institutions.

In her comments regarding the letter, Ms Viswanathan emphasised, "The Scottish Government must use the opportunities ahead to address the serious crises being faced by both universities and colleges across Scotland, which are a result of systemic underfunding." She outlined the risks faced by dedicated educators, researchers, and support staff and underscored that students are bearing the burden of deteriorating learning conditions and reduced support services.

"It's not just about numbers on a balance sheet – it is about people’s futures, their jobs, their education, and their lives," she stated, further highlighting the stakes involved in maintaining quality education. "It is about Scotland’s ability to be a world leader in education." The Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill aims to streamline the funding system for university students, college students, and apprentices, which the signatories believe is essential for addressing the current challenges.

Financial difficulties have been particularly acute at Edinburgh University, which announced earlier this year a necessary budget cut of £140 million to address a significant financial deficit. This has led to the implementation of a voluntary severance scheme, resulting in around 350 staff members opting for redundancy.

Meanwhile, the University of Dundee has announced an "alternative pathway" to addressing its £35 million financial deficit, which will involve fewer job losses than initially feared. Instead of the previously projected 700 roles, the university now plans to cut around 300 positions through a voluntary severance scheme. The Scottish Government has been approached for comment regarding the letter and its implications for higher education in Scotland.

The institutions involved are navigating a potential crisis that could significantly impact the educational landscape, prompting urgent discussions about funding and governance ahead of the government's 2025 Programme for Government announcement.