Celebrating International Scholars in Scotland, hosted by Study UK, SUIG, Scottish Government and Connected Scotland

19th March 2024, University of Edinburgh’s Playfair Library

180 International Scholars and guests attended a reception at Edinburgh’s Playfair library on 19 March to honour the scholars who have chosen Scotland as their academic home. High-profile guests from 19 Scottish Universities, scholarship organisations and Scottish Government representatives met scholars from all over the world, with special representation from scholarships including Chevening, Marshall, Commonwealth, Study UK GREAT Scholarships, the British Council Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL), Fulbright, and Women in STEM.

(Ashley Yaro (left), Law student and GREAT Scholarship alumna and international scholars at Edinburgh University’s Playfair Library. Image Credit: Lewis Gourlay)

The reception was hosted by partners at Connected Scotland, SUIG, the Scottish Government, and the British Council through Study UK.

In Scotland, international students make up almost a quarter of the student population. Last year over 82,000 international scholars from over 180 countries chose Scotland as their study destination.

Hailing from as far afield as Tonga and Kazakhstan, the scholars spoke to us about the experiences they’ve had through their respective scholarship programmes, from how they’ve embraced Scottish culture and the great Scottish outdoors, to the warm welcomes they’ve received from their universities.

Key speakers highlighted the value and the great contribution international scholars make in Scotland.

Ashley Yaro, a Law graduate from Kenya and alumna of the GREAT Scholarship programme, spoke to the scholars about her experience while studying at the University of Edinburgh.

“While what I’m about to say seems like a commercial for Scotland, I promise it’s all true! The year I spent in Edinburgh was one of the most transformative of my life. – Before I began my masters, I was nervous and worried about coming away from my support network in Kenya and wasn’t sure I would make it. But I needn’t have worried, as Scotland, the lecturers, and the University of Edinburgh itself embraced me”.

She spoke about her experiences of the city itself: “Edinburgh is immensely walkable, with beautiful scenery, and not only did I have the opportunity to study in a world-class institution, I got to travel around Scotland - I took day-trips to Glasgow, North Berwick and even to Airdrie. Walking along the Water of Leith and being in the city center me and helped me discover more about myself and the way I work.”

Ashley had some top tips for students thinking of studying in Scotland. “Take all the opportunities you can while in Scotland – it’s a once in a life-time opportunity and the scholarship is just the start of what your experience can be – to live in Scotland, experience the people, culture, and beautiful scenery – and you too will sound like an advert! You’ll make amazing connections, and it’s something you’ll remember for the rest of your life, so make the most of it.”

Andrea Nolan, International Convener of Universities Scotland and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Edinburgh Napier University, welcomed the students saying: “I’m delighted to celebrate with our global scholars tonight. Those who choose to study in Scotland bring with them rich experience and diverse perspectives – all contributing to the strong international outlook for our universities. This evening’s event is a celebration of you, of your achievements, and the fact that your own and Scotland’s future is brighter for having you here studying with us”.

Peter Brown, Director for British Council Scotland, spoke about the importance of building international connections for Scotland’s universities: “At the heart of our work in Scotland is building connections for trust and understanding with countries around the world. A key part of this is supporting international students through the Study UK Campaign and scholarship programs. It takes courage to travel across the world to embark on higher education. It’s truly heartening to see so many young people here tonight and to hear your stories of studying and living here and we hope that you have found a home away from home. It is a real testament to the welcoming university sector here in Scotland and the world class study destination of the UK”.

Shirley Laing, the new Director of Lifelong Learning and Skills for the Scottish Government welcomed the students, saying. “International scholars can become amazing ambassadors as they continue their education journey. We welcome you to Scotland and recognise that you all have an incredibly positive impact for institutions and wider communities here. 

“I’ve already heard some great stories from some of you about how studying in Scotland has impacted you and your future career paths and I know that you all bring unique perspectives, and that each of you help to establish far-reaching global connections, invaluable for Scotland’s universities.

She added about the Higher Education Sector and the Scottish Government’s International Education Strategy: “The reciprocal relationships celebrated this evening demonstrate Scotland’s outward looking and inclusive approach in higher education. Building on this, the Scottish Government published its first International Education Strategy last month setting out the Scottish Government’s aim to become more active internationally and form partnerships across the world.”

No Borders trio played at the event. Frances Patterson (Violin), Suzanne Godet (Viola) and Joanna Stark (Cello) are recent graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.