“I Want to Be Greedy” – Scotland’s Minister on Keeping International Talent

Scotland’s minister for higher and further education, Graeme Dey, recently spoke about the country’s new approach toward international students at the 2025 European Association for International Education (EAIE) conference in Gothenburg.

 Key Points from the News:

1. Not just about money
   • Dey admitted that international students’ tuition fees are important (since domestic students in Scotland study for free), but he emphasized that their cultural, academic, and social contributions are equally valuable.
   • He warned against treating international students only as a “commodity.”
2. Retention after graduation
   • Scotland doesn’t just want to attract international students; it wants them to stay in the country after graduation to contribute to society and the workforce.
   • Dey said: “I want to be greedy – not just recruiting them but persuading them to stay in Scotland.”
3. Falling student numbers
   • According to HESA data (2023/24), the number of international students in Scotland fell by 12%, dropping from 83,975 to 73,915 in just one year.
   • This makes retention and attraction strategies even more critical.
4. New support systems
   • In 2024, Scotland launched the Migration Service platform, which:
     • Gives international students advice on staying in Scotland post-graduation.
     • Connects employers with international graduates.
     • Provides guidance for recent migrants and international investors.
5. Dedicated envoy for international education
   • Scotland appointed Rachel Sandison (Deputy Vice-Chancellor at University of Glasgow) as a trade and investment envoy for international education.
   • She will help promote Scotland’s universities globally and strengthen links with other countries.

 Why This Matters

• Scotland is actively competing with other countries to attract and retain international talent.
• The government recognizes that tuition fees, research expertise, and workforce contributions from international students are vital for its economy and society.
• The Migration Service + envoy appointment show Scotland is creating practical support to turn students into long-term residents.

👉 In short: Scotland is shifting its strategy from just recruiting international students to keeping them in the country after graduation, while also tackling the recent drop in student numbers with new policies and support services.

📌Scotland’s new international education strategy highlights an exciting opportunity for students who wish to study and build their careers in a welcoming country that values their long-term contribution.

📩Contact us today to explore your study options in Scotland and the UK:

• ✉️ Email: info@wacconsultants.com
• 📞WhatsApp: +92 320 9422666