Increase in number of EU students at Scots universities

The NUS said this increase will provide the Scottish economy with a welcome boost

The number of students from the European Union (EU) enrolling at Scottish universities in the last year has increased by 7% to almost 17,500.

The trend is being linked to the strong international reputation of Scottish higher education and absence of fees.

Figures released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) also indicate a fall of 2% to 216,000 in the overall number of students enrolling for full time first year courses.

Each EU student costs £1,820 a year.

Graeme Kirkpatrick, National Union of Students, (NUS) said: "The numbers enrolling are a sign of our continued status as a global education leader.

"We must remain a welcoming destination for EU students and not take action that would risk us losing out on talented students who bring Scotland huge educational, cultural and economic benefits.

"We welcome the news that the number of students achieving university-level qualifications has risen for the third-straight year.

Scots students

He said: "This increase will provide the Scottish economy with a welcome boost in knowledge and skills.

"However, it's crucial that we work incredibly hard to make sure these opportunities go to talented people from all backgrounds.

"This takes concerted action at the national level but, crucially, greater work from universities at the local level."

The Scottish Government has highlighted its creation of an extra 2,000 places for Scots students from poorer backgrounds and record numbers of students acquiring higher education qualifications.

A spokeswoman said: "Scottish student numbers continue to rise and we have increased the number of available places and announced a further 2,000 places for 2013/14.

"While applications to Scotland from EU students were up just over six per cent last year, acceptances increased by only half that amount.

"However, we will continue to work with universities to continue to ensure Scottish students have access to the opportunities they need."