THE proposed levy on international students will not be imposed in Scotland without approval from Holyrood ministers, the UK Government has confirmed.
Home Office officials confirmed on Tuesday that a 6% tax on university students from outside the UK will not apply to Scottish higher education institutions unless the Scottish Government takes action to implement them.
According to reports from STV, the Home Office said: "The international student levy will not apply in Scotland unless the Scottish Government decides to introduce it.”
It comes after the SNP called for the Labour Government to confirm on Monday whether or not the fees, introduced as part of Keir Starmer's proposed crackdowns on immigration, will apply to Scottish institutions.
SNP MSP Bill Kidd accused the Prime Minister of “dancing to Nigel Farage’s tune” amidst the proposals and said Scottish universities had been “left in limbo” over the suggested levy.
"Last week we had the unedifying spectacle of Keir Starmer dancing to Nigel Farage’s tune on immigration as he announced plans which are completely out of sync with Scotland’s needs and values", Kidd said.
He added: “Labour’s damaging migration plans are a direct threat to Scotland’s NHS, our economy and our universities."
Kidd also reiterated calls for a Scottish Graduate Visa, which would allow international graduates from Scottish universities to work and contribute to the economy for two years whilst working towards a Skilled Worker Visa.
Independent reports have found that, if implemented north of the border, universities would be left with an £85 million bill as a result of the charges.
The proposed tax caused confusion in the higher education sector and in Holyrood, with education being a devolved power and immigration still fully controlled by Westminster.
