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Support for lifelong learning
04/05/2008
A new £1.5 million fund to support the development of Scotland's international lifelong learning strategy has been launched today.
Universities, colleges and other organisations are being invited to bid for a share of the funding which will be provided on a match-funding basis.
The funding - £500,000 a year over three years - is intended to promote collaborative working which will:
- Enhance Scotland's profile in key international markets
- Increase college and university engagement in international education
- Support post-graduate employment of international students
- Improve the quality of the international student experience
- Increase opportunities for students and academics to gain overseas experience.
Cabinet Secretary for Education Fiona Hyslop said:
"Our colleges and universities are at the heart of our efforts to create a smarter, more prosperous Scotland. They provide new opportunities for all to flourish and increase our prospects for sustainable economic growth.
"We are determined to support those efforts, at home and abroad, by further developing Scotland's international lifelong learning strategy. That includes increasing the capacity of our institutions to attract and retain students and staff from overseas. It will also help us improve opportunities for our students, researchers and staff to enhance their learning elsewhere.
"Scotland already has an excellent reputation for its further and higher education. Today's funding will help enhance that reputation across the globe and help us deliver world class learning opportunities which will benefit staff, students, our colleges and universities and economy as a whole."
The fund has been set up by the Co-ordinating Group for the International Lifelong Learning Strategy. This includes representatives from the Scottish Government, college and university sectors and other stakeholders such as the Scottish Funding Council and Scottish Qualifications Authority.
The Group's chair Roy Cross, Director of British Council Scotland, said:
"I am pleased that this funding has been made available to support the group's work towards achieving the aims of the International Lifelong Strategy.
"The group is delighted to be able to provide this significant opportunity for colleges, universities and other interested parties to develop collaborative work that will benefit international education in Scotland over the next three years."
Scotland's Lifelong Learning Strategy was launched in March 2007. It aims to:
- Position Scotland as a world leader in international post-school education, attract talent to Scotland and offer a high quality experience
- Support the universal employability of all students in Scotland
- Ensure active participation in European and international policy development
- Promote development, capacity building and sustainability projects in the sector, and foster international partnerships