The SNP’s flagship policy of free tuition for Scottish students is creating “challenges” for universities, the education secretary has admitted.
At least 1,200 places for people who live north of the border will be lost under budget cuts on the higher education sector, although senior academics believe that figure will be higher.
Jenny Gilruth, the education secretary, attempted to deflect blame towards the Westminster government when she was questioned about the plans.
Universities rely on foreign fee-paying students to make up the shortfall in funding from the Scottish government, which they say is not enough to cover the cost of a degree.
Gilruth said tighter immigration rules being introduced by the UK government were “harming” the ability of Scottish universities to attract international students.
