A MAJORITY of voters in Scotland believe the Scottish Government should abandon the flagship policy of free university tuition fees in favour of a graduate tax to help the country out of the economic crisis, according to a new poll.
The Panelbase survey of 1026 voters found that only 28% oppose the idea of ending free higher education for Scots, with a move back to a graduation fee payable when earning a certain amount in work.
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Almost half (47%) favoured scrapping free tuition, while 25% of respondents did not express an opinion. Overall, among those with a view, 62% favour a change of policy and 38% support the status quo.
Some educationalists view free university tuition for Scottish students as unsustainable, with the sector facing a potential financial black hole as the number of lucrative fee-paying students from overseas falls following the pandemic.
However, universities have cautiously welcomed figures showing a rise of 16% in applications outside Europe, although it is too early to say how many will take up places.
The financial position could become even worse as a result of UK Government plans to limit the number of fee-paying English students allowed to study in Scotland.
Last week the Scottish Government said it would abolish free tuition for EU students, which cost £97 million last year, although any student starting this year will remain eligible to have their fees paid for the entire course.
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We remain committed to free higher education for Scots domiciled students and access to university being based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay.”
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Alex Salmond abolished the graduate endowment – a £2,000 fee charged to Scottish students after graduation – which the SNP leader claimed was a back door tuition fee after he became First Minister in 2007.
Salmond unveiled a stone in tribute to the policy at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh on his last day as First Minister, after he announced he would resign following defeat in the independence referendum.
Salmond said that the removal of tuition fees was his proudest achievement as First Minister.
The monument was inscribed with a quote from the former SNP leader stating: “The rocks will melt with the sun before I allow tuition fees to be imposed on Scotland’s students.” The stone was removed by the university in May. It said the monument would be replaced with artwork that appeals to its “international community”.
While Scottish students do not pay tuition fees at Scottish universities, those from other UK nations are charged up to £9250.
The Panelbase poll, published in the Sunday Times and conducted between June 30 and July 3, also found 51% favoured reducing the number of councils from 32 and cutting the number of quangos to help tackle the crisis, with 11% opposed and 38% unsure.
Two-thirds (66%) think higher earners should face additional taxes to pay for the economic crisis, while 14% disagree and 19% don’t know. Almost half support improved tax breaks for companies – opposed by 20%, while 34% don’t know.
There was strong support for a jobs guarantee for at least two years for all 16-to 25-year-olds.
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