Scottish university leaders have condemned a decision by the UK government to impose a cap on the number of English students that Scottish institutions can admit. The cap, part of measures to prevent over-recruitment during the pandemic, limits increases in English student intake to 6.5% compared to the previous year.
Scottish Higher Education Minister Richard Lochhead described the move as 'deeply disappointing and unnecessary'. Universities Scotland called it 'wholly unfair on students and student choice' and said it 'disproportionately disadvantages Scotland'. The group noted that because Scottish universities have far fewer English students, even small increases could breach the cap—for example, just 23 extra students at Dundee or 42 at St Andrews would exceed the limit.
The cap applies to all UK universities, including those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. UK Universities Minister Michelle Donelan argued it would 'stabilise the admissions system' and prevent harmful over-recruitment. However, Universities Scotland director Alastair Sim described it as a 'late and low blow', stressing that the controls were designed to address issues in England and should not apply to devolved administrations.
Higher education is a devolved matter in Scotland, and universities normally decide their own intake of fee-paying students from the rest of the UK. The cap comes amid fears of a drop in international students, who pay higher fees, and concerns that some universities might make mass unconditional offers to fill places. Despite the cap, legal challenges could arise if applicants who meet offer conditions are denied places.
