Browne Report: How Scottish universities are affected

The Scottish Government has begun to look at solutions to the university funding crisis in the wake of the Browne Review’s publication last week.

Lord Browne’s independent review into higher education funding and student finance, released on 12 October, recommended lifting the cap on tuition fees in England and Wales.

Most universities are expected to charge up to £7,000 a year for a degree in the humanities and up to £14,000 for science degrees, up from £1,820 for most courses at the moment.

Although the review only directly affects university funding in England and Wales, it will have strong repercussions in Scotland.

Tuition fees for Scottish students were scrapped by the Scottish National Party (SNP) in 2000 and the Scottish Government has reaffirmed its opposition to tuition fees several times during the last month, leaving it with a major funding deficit.

It is feared such a big funding gap would leave Scottish universities unable to compete with their English counterparts.

It is also possible that higher tuition fees in England could push students up to Scotland, creating an increased pressure on an already over-subscribed system, although increasing tuition fees for English students has not been ruled out.

Liam Burns, President of NUS Scotland, told The Journal: “Although the Browne Review is an examination of English higher education funding, its consequences are just as significant for institutions and students in Scotland.

"A rise in fees and interest rates on student loans could lead to a damaging funding gap… Simply put, this could be a disaster for Scotland.”

The Scottish Government has now started looking at ways to combat the problem. They plan to publish a Green Paper on higher education funding by the end of the year. 

Education Secretary Mike Russell said: “It is my sincere hope that all political parties will set aside their differences… It is time for everyone to come together to find the uniquely Scottish solution we need.”

Options being considered include the reintroduction of the graduate endowment scheme that was scrapped three years ago, where graduates pay money towards bursaries for future students.

Another option is a graduate tax that will be tiered depending on how much a graduate is earning.

Mr Burns continued: “Graduate contribution would only be acceptable if it kicked-in only if and when a graduate sees a genuine financial benefit from their employment, and only if the money generated significantly improved the opportunity for students who would otherwise be unable to afford higher education.”