No levy on international students in Scotland, Home Office says
Home Office officials confirmed that a six percent tax on university students from outside the UK will not apply to Scottish higher education institutions unless the Scottish Government take action to implement them.
According to reports from STV, the Home Office said: "The international student levy will not apply in Scotland unless the Scottish Government decides to introduce it.'
It comes after the SNP called for the Labour Government to confirm on Monday whether or not the fees, introduced as part of Keir Starmer's proposed crackdowns on immigration, will apply to Scottish institutions.
READ MORE: Winter festivals worth almost £200 million to Edinburgh, report shows
MSP Bill Kidd accused Keir Starmer of 'dancing to Nigel Farage's tune' amidst the proposals and said Scottish universities had been 'left in limbo' over the suggested levy.
Independent reports found that, if implemented north of the border, universities would be left with an £85 million bill as a result of the charges.
The proposed tax caused confusion in higher education and Holyrood, with education being a devolved power and immigration still fully controlled by Westminster.
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