NUS Scotland has today reacted to the news that a number of Scottish Universities have closed clearing applications for home students in Scotland, after filling their quota of Scottish Government funded places.
Commenting, NUS Scotland President Justine Pédussel said:
“Not getting a place at a university of your choice can be really upsetting. With 17 universities and many colleges that offer undergraduate degree pathways, there is so much potential within Scotland for students, and it is important that no-one is discouraged by a setback from pursuing the education they want.”
"Students fought hard for an end to tuition fees, tearing down a barrier that held back too many from accessing their right to an education. We welcome the Scottish Government’s continued commitment to free tuition for home students but call on them to continue working to remove all barriers that exist for students – including the student cap.”
"No one wants there to be a cap on student places, especially with this year's increased demand for places, but it is a function of a system which undervalues and underfunds education. At all universities we want more places for Scottish students, and so we need greater funding. In Scotland, and across the UK, we must start recognising tertiary education as a public good and match that recognition with ambitious public funding. Only in doing this can we lift the cap on ambition in Scotland, and ensure that no person’s dreams of an education are quashed.”
