THE URGENT need for a debate on the funding of Scotland’s universities to allow the country’s best higher education institutions to remain “world class” was highlighted yesterday by St Andrews University principal Dr Brian Lang.

In his graduation address in the Younger Hall, Dr Lang strongly emphasised, however, that he is not advocating the introduction of tuition fees— although a graduate tax could be investigated as well as a relaxation on regulations governing student numbers.

Dr Lang said the industrial dispute over academic pay had thrown funding issues into sharp relief.

He said, “While English universities will very soon be enjoying new income streams from tuition fees, in Scotland we remain dependent for a large part of our income on money that comes from Government.

“That money is very nice to have, but the price of accepting it is that we are subject to significant Government regulation. The numbers of United Kingdom and European Union students that we take are strictly controlled. If we overshoot the number we are allowed, by even a small margin, then we are fined.

“For a university as popular as St Andrews, with 11 applications for every place, controlling numbers is extremely difficult.”

He revealed that because St Andrews took in slightly too many students last year, it was fined almost £250,000, which he saw as being “penalised for being successful.

“In addition, Government regulates how the university is able to earn money. The fees paid by home and the EU students—£2000 or so, which is typically paid well after graduation and goes to Government rather than the university—is a remarkable bargain for graduates.

“Now I am not calling for tuition fees, and anyone who suggests that I am doing so is quite wrong. What we would like to see, however, is a debate about higher education funding so that we can explore a number of options for ensuring that Scotland’s best universities can remain world class.”

Dr Lang said that the options include relaxing the regulations on student recruitment so that St Andrews can earn more from teaching, while a graduate tax might be looked at again.

He added, “We also need to explore student funding packages to ensure that every deserving student can come to St Andrews, no matter his or her background. We need to deal with student debt, which I know many of you graduating today will be taking with you from St Andrews, together with your degree.

“I hope you will forgive me, therefore, if I mention that there is more to university funding than student funding. We need to ensure our other major activity of research is adequately supported.

“Fundamentally, we cannot expect Government to be able to support a university like St Andrews to the extent that keeps us internationally competitive.”

He added, “Despite the massive contribution we make to this country, we have to accept that universities are not at present vote winners. So, if Government cannot give us the means to excel, then all we can ask is that they give us the opportunity to excel.”

The principal said St Andrews aims to produce graduates who are “entrepreneurial, risk-taking and articulate, but also caring and considerate.”

He concluded, “I am confident that all of you are all of these things. I hope that in future years you will remember what your time in St Andrews has given you.”