Proposals for a postgraduate campus the size of Pollock Halls have been put forward in a bid by the University of Edinburgh to attract more international students. The Journal has learned that discussions at the meeting of the University of Edinburgh Court—the highest decision-making body in the university—centred around the proposals, which have yet to be formally acknowledged by accommodation services. 

According to those present at the meeting last week, the centre will have 1300 rooms, half catered and half self-catered, and include shops, cafes and study space. Two buildings in the Moray House complex will be demolished to make way for the new postgraduate block.

Concerns have been voiced over the affordability of the proposed accommodation. Although promises have been made to offer bed-sits from a mixed price range, no quota has been set.

An international students' barometer survey conducted by the University of Edinburgh's internationalisation strategy team revealed that foreign students were least satisfied with the cost of accommodation. The cost of living came in third, showing that financial concerns are, indeed, important to international students. 

Richard Kington, director of accommodation services at the University of Edinburgh was unable to confirm the proposals. He said: "Unfortunately I can't make any comment as any discussions at the court are confidential.

"The only thing of any substance we are working on is John Burnett House [a new 118-room catered residence, due 2009] and we've already started building that."

He added: "We are always looking at opportunities and discussing possibilities with builders and contractors but, to be honest, many of them don't the light of day. Things may have been discussed in principal. But as-and-when we have any substantial plans I'll be happy to share that with you." 

 Scotland’s universities are already amongst the most international in the world with 20 per cent of students studying higher education coming from outside Scotland. A government report notes that “many of them choose to remain in Scotland after graduation, increasing the available pool of human capital.”