Universities face pressure under Scotland's fee-free model

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson warned Scottish universities are at risk from an unsustainable funding model; Edinburgh has faced strikes over planned savings and Dundee has reported financial difficulties.

Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal of the University of Edinburgh, has warned that Scottish universities are in danger because the current funding model is not sustainable. His comments come amid strikes at Edinburgh linked to planned savings and reports of serious financial difficulties at the University of Dundee. The article notes that Scottish domiciled undergraduates do not pay tuition at point of study while institutions rely on higher fees from non‑Scottish and overseas students. Known developments: - Professor Sir Peter Mathieson warned the funding model for Scottish universities is not sustainable. - The University of Edinburgh has experienced strikes connected to a planned programme of roughly £140m in savings. - The University of Dundee has reported financial difficulties that have raised concerns about its future. - Scottish domiciled undergraduates currently study without paying tuition at point of delivery while higher fees are charged to non‑Scottish and overseas students, and there is a cap on domestic places. Summary: The situation has prompted public discussion of measures such as a graduate repayment or selective charging for certain students and courses. Undetermined at this time.