Publication

In November 2024, the Trust commissioned Ipsos UK to carry out survey research to measure public knowledge and views on higher education funding and access in Scotland.

The survey was administered through the Ipsos KnowledgePanel, a random probability online survey panel. Fieldwork took place between 5 and 11 December 2024. In total 1,057 interviews were achieved with adults aged 18+ living in Scotland.

The research aims to provide a baseline understanding of public awareness of higher education funding in Scotland. It also explores views on the value of university, access to university, and how higher education is funded.

Key Findings

• The perceived value of higher education is strongly linked to employability and skills; while a majority of Scots consider university to be worthwhile, a degree is not necessarily considered essential for success.
• Views on access to university are mixed, with the cost of living broadly seen as a barrier facing students from low-income households and disadvantaged backgrounds, in particular.
• Knowledge of how university education is funded in Scotland is relatively low, but support for some form of Scottish Government support is widespread.
• Nevertheless, there is openness to alternative funding approaches, particularly those that prioritise disadvantaged groups or that address skills shortages.
• The Scottish public’s priorities for funding post-school education reflect the importance placed on employability, equitable access and skills development.