Scottish students receive more than £120,000 for degrees at Irish universities
The Scottish Government has spent more than £120,000 helping Scottish students pay fees at universities in Ireland, amid concerns that Scots are being squeezed out of places at home. The figures have prompted criticism from a Scottish Conservative MSP, who argues the money should support more places in Scottish universities.
Since 2020-21, €144,008, just over £120,000, has gone towards fees for Scottish-domiciled students on approved first degrees at specified Irish institutions, including Trinity College Dublin. The government says eligible students receive support through Ireland’s Free Fees Initiative and that their study has no effect on places in Scotland. Some Scottish universities reported no or very limited places for Scots before this year’s Clearing, while advertising to students elsewhere in the UK and overseas.
- More than £120,000 has supported Scots studying in Ireland.
- The funding covered fees at institutions including Trinity College Dublin.
- The government says the scheme does not reduce places in Scotland.
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Scottish-domiciled students can apply for places at universities in Ireland, including Trinity College Dublin. Those on certain approved first-degree courses may qualify for help with their fees through Ireland’s Free Fees Initiative, with the Scottish Government contributing to the cost.
University places for Scottish students are funded and managed separately from places for students from elsewhere in the UK and overseas. How many places are available to Scots has become a point of debate, particularly when some universities have had few such places while recruiting other students. The issue matters because it raises questions about how public money supports students and how access to higher education is shared.
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The case for
Supporting Scottish students’ fees in Ireland gives them access to degree places that may be scarce at home, while the government says this scheme does not reduce the number of places available in Scotland. The spending may also be a targeted way to help eligible students pursue approved courses without requiring Scottish universities to add capacity for every subject or applicant.
The case against
With Scottish students facing limited access to places at some universities at home, public funds spent on fees abroad could instead help expand domestic places or support students studying in Scotland. Critics may argue that directing this money overseas is difficult to justify while local demand remains unmet, even if the scheme itself does not displace Scottish students from existing places.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “SNP government spends £120,000 sending Scots students to Irish universities amid row over places at home”.