Latest news with #NUSScotland
The Herald Scotland
14-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Student union slams Starmer over 'racist' white paper
She noted: 'We think that this is definitely going to lead to the downfall of the education sector because we are going to be seeing a snowball effect, especially with immigration restrictions tightening around students and fewer being recruited into our education system. 'We're going to see a reduction in numbers that will result in cuts being announced in universities.' Amidst tightening immigration controls, the total number of international students at Scottish universities dropped by 12% between 2022/23 and 2023/24, from 83,975 to 73,915. And now, the situation is expected to worsen. Viswanathan has been president of NUS Scotland since last summer. (Image: National Union of Students) Universities could face an foreign student tariff under the proposals laid out in the government's white paper. This tax could prove disastrous for institutions like St Andrews or Edinburgh, where fee-paying international students make up more than 40% of the student bodies. Viswanathan also hit out at Keir Starmer's island of strangers' comment, which was widely compared to 'racialist' Enoch Powell's infamous 'Rivers of Blood' speech. On Monday, the Prime Minister told reporters: 'In a diverse nation like ours… these rules become even more important. Without them, we risk becoming an island of strangers, not a nation that walks forward together.' Viswanathan said: 'I was shocked that his speech was similar to Powell's, and that he could stoop so low.' Keir Starmer's turn of phrase has been compared to that of Enoch Powell. (Image: PA) The graduate route visa is another key target in the government's plan to reduce net migration. The graduate visa currently allows students enrolled in degree programmes to apply for a two year extension in which to find employment. Now, Labour wants to reduce the time students have on this visa to 18 months. Viswanathan, who noted that students already have to pay around £3,000 in visa fees, added: 'With respect to the graduate route being available, students are paying anyway to avail that opportunity. 'The tone around the graduate visa being abused is just not morally incorrect, but it is also politically and financially incorrect. The amount of the contributions that international students are making in the sector is significant. Viswanathan, the first woman of colour to serve as NUS Scotland president, told The Herald: 'Mentioning that the system is being abused just puts the UK on the back seat on league tables. 'It is not a wise statement, it is just very racist, anti migrant rhetoric that Labour is using to keep their position stable among the general British public who do believe that migrants are 'stealing their jobs'. They are trying to play by the Reform label.' Net migration decreased by 178,000 between 2023 and to a 2023 study, international students generate £41.9b for the UK economy every year, an average of £560 per resident. Viswanathan, who was born in India, said the UK can often be unwelcoming to people who emigrate from other parts of the world. She remarked: 'When we look at representation from a demographic point of view, we do not see a lot of 'global south' faces or faces from the east represented a lot in the sector. 'I don't think the general public realize that migrants come in every shape, size, and color. I think for them, the migrants are black and brown people coming in 'to steal their jobs'. 'I definitely did not feel welcome when I arrived in the UK. My experience was absolutely horrible. There were almost 100 of us standing in the immigration line with only two counters open. They were asking really intrusive questions about our courses, about our lives, about our bank account.' More views on this issue: Alison Rowat: As border controls tighten the debate on migration must open up Calum Steele: Starmer's talking shop is selling fake solutions to mass migration Catriona Stewart: Migration bill will make some people more Scottish than others Nicola Sturgeon: Migration will secure population growth Viswnathan warned that politicians should be aware of the power students wield at the ballot box. She said: 'I think our message to the government, especially to the Welsh and the Scottish government who are going into these elections next year is to watch out for students because everyone can vote in these elections. 'Every single demographic, they can vote in these elections, which makes them very unique, very special. We do have a big force within NUS Wales and Scotland to mobilize.' 'We have a petition that is out so hopefully if that reaches as many signatures as possible, and that is going to be taken into consideration. We will join hands with sector partners to see what's next.' In a statement, 10 Downing St categorically denied that Keir Starmer's 'strangers' comment was meant to evoke Enoch Powell's rhetoric. A spokesperson said: 'The prime minister rejects those comparisons and absolutely stands behind the argument he was making that migrants make a massive contribution to our country, but migration needs to be controlled.' Concern has been raised over the funding model for UK universities. The main body for UK universities has responded to the government's proposals. Vivienne Stern MBE, Chief Executive of Universities UK, said: 'Our universities recognise public concerns about immigration. That is why we are committed to maintaining robust recruitment practices. We work closely with the government to ensure that international student recruitment is sustainable, and growth is well-managed. 'Many of the changes announced today build on proposals published by UUK in September and will help preserve an internationally competitive offer to international students. Confirmation that the Graduate route will remain in place with some minor changes is particularly welcome. Stern added: 'However, the financial challenges facing universities are well known. Following years of frozen fees, inadequate research funding and a rapid downturn in international students, the current operating environment is very challenging. 'We would urge the government to think carefully about the impact that a levy on international student fees will have on universities and the attractiveness of the UK as a study destination.'
The Herald Scotland
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Warning Scotland's education system 'teeters on edge of collapse'
The letter to Scotland's minister for higher and further education Graeme Dey MSP has been written by NUS Scotland president Sai Shraddha S Viswanathan and is signed by representatives from the STUC, Unite the Union, EIS, UCU and Unison. They say that the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, which was published at Holyrood in February, is a critical opportunity to reshape the future of post-16 education in Scotland and demand to be at the heart of shaping it. It comes as some Scottish universities are coming under financial pressure from rising costs and reduced income from international students. READ MORE: Councillors agree new name for relocated high school Study suggests children being let down by knowledge gaps around opioids Attainment gap widens but 95.7 per cent of school leavers in 'positive destination' The letter says that the country's institutions have been forced to rely on 'precarious international student fees' for too long and calls for a sustainable funding model. Ms Viswanathan said: '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. 'The livelihoods of dedicated educators, researchers, and support workers are being put at risk and students are paying the price, with learning conditions deteriorating and support services being slashed. 'This is not just about numbers on a balance sheet – it is about people's futures, their jobs, their education, and their lives. 'It is about Scotland's ability to be a world leader in education. 'It is about whether we believe in an accessible, high-quality, well-funded education system or whether we are content to let it collapse in front of us. 'We refuse to let our universities and colleges be decimated by inaction and political neglect. 'Education is the backbone of our society. Without it, we all suffer.' The Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill aims to simplify the funding system for both college and university students and apprentices. The letter comes as the Scottish Government prepares to announce its 2025 Programme for Government next week. Edinburgh University is one of those which has been facing financial difficulties. The institution announced earlier this year that it would have to cut £140 million from its budget to plug a black hole, with job cuts likely. Principal professor Sir Peter Mathieson last month announced that the university's voluntary severance scheme had concluded and around 350 staff had opted for voluntary redundancy. Staff at the institution are being balloted over strike action. Elsewhere staff at the University of Dundee have backed industrial action after the employer said there could be up to 700 redundancies as it struggles to deal with a £35 million deficit. The Scottish Government has been asked for comment about the letter.
Glasgow Times
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Glasgow Times
Students and trade unions call for action on education ‘crisis'
They warned that the country's higher and further education sectors 'teeter on the edge of collapse' and called for immediate structural change. The letter to Scotland's minister for higher and further education Graeme Dey MSP has been written by NUS Scotland president Sai Shraddha S Viswanathan and is signed by representatives from the STUC, Unite the Union, EIS, UCU and Unison. They say that the Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill, which was published at Holyrood in February, is a critical opportunity to reshape the future of post-16 education in Scotland and demand to be at the heart of shaping it. It comes as some Scottish universities are coming under financial pressure from rising costs and reduced income from international students. The letter says that the country's institutions have been forced to rely on 'precarious international student fees' for too long and calls for a sustainable funding model. Ms Viswanathan said: '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. 'The livelihoods of dedicated educators, researchers, and support workers are being put at risk and students are paying the price, with learning conditions deteriorating and support services being slashed. 'This is not just about numbers on a balance sheet – it is about people's futures, their jobs, their education, and their lives. 'It is about Scotland's ability to be a world leader in education. 'It is about whether we believe in an accessible, high-quality, well-funded education system or whether we are content to let it collapse in front of us. 'We refuse to let our universities and colleges be decimated by inaction and political neglect. 'Education is the backbone of our society. Without it, we all suffer.' The Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill aims to simplify the funding system for both college and university students and apprentices. The letter comes as the Scottish Government prepares to announce its 2025 Programme for Government next week. Edinburgh University is one of those which has been facing financial difficulties. The institution announced earlier this year that it would have to cut £140 million from its budget to plug a black hole, with job cuts likely. Principal professor Sir Peter Mathieson last month announced that the university's voluntary severance scheme had concluded and around 350 staff had opted for voluntary redundancy. Staff at the institution are being balloted over strike action. Elsewhere staff at the University of Dundee have backed industrial action after the employer said there could be up to 700 redundancies as it struggles to deal with a £35 million deficit. The Scottish Government has been asked for comment about the letter.
