Scottish universities at a ‘serious disadvantage’ over Brexit

Universities in Scotland have been put at a major disadvantage in competing for European Union students because the UK government is “simply ignoring” the fact that Scottish courses last for four years instead of three, an MSP has said.

EU students can apply for leave to remain in the UK for three years in the case of a no-deal Brexit, but Scottish undergraduate degree courses last four years and students would have to apply for a separate visa.

Michael Russell, constitutional relations secretary for the Scottish government, said it was “utterly ridiculous” that home secretary Sajid Javid could not see the case for extending the guarantee for EU students in Scotland, and that the policy amounted to “direct discrimination” against Scottish universities.