The current picture regarding international student numbers looks much more encouraging than it did in mid-2020. UCAS data117 from 18 February 2021 shows that applications to Scottish universities for the next academic year by non-EU international students has—despite many expectations in 2020—increased by 27% (to 6,100), which 110 Q232 111 Secretary of State at the Scotland Office (USC0011) 112 “Covid fears putting off Chinese students from UK”, BBC News, 15 July 2020 113 Universities Scotla...

The current picture regarding international student numbers looks much more encouraging than it did in mid-2020. UCAS data117 from 18 February 2021 shows that applications to Scottish universities for the next academic year by non-EU international students has—despite many expectations in 2020—increased by 27% (to 6,100), which 110 Q232 111 Secretary of State at the Scotland Office (USC0011) 112 “Covid fears putting off Chinese students from UK”, BBC News, 15 July 2020 113 Universities Scotland, An existential challenge: the financial threat facing Scotland’s universities as a result of COVID-19 (9 April 2020), phase 2 114 Universities Scotla Type: conclusion | Number: 49 | Response status: not_addressed Government response: Higher Education in Scotland is, for the most part, a devolved responsibility. We recognise that the whole of the UK benefits from stability across Higher Education. We appreciate the importance of continuing to work closely with the Scottish Government as we rec