Record foreign student numbers at Scottish universities

John Chinda and Demi Eleno are both Nigerian students studying for PhD qualifications at Dundee University.

Demi, 32, whose doctorate is in renewable energy policy, says there is a vibrant community of international students and being part of Scottish culture is a “wonderful” experience.

She says Scottish universities actively recruit in Nigeria, and while her government will sponsor people for scholarships, it remains an expensive undertaking.

“We pay at least four times the amount that other students pay. Aside from the average of £15,000 to £23,000 that students pay each year, you’re also going to have to pay for rent, buy groceries, go out to eat,” she says.

“We are stimulating the economy, so it’s a bit sad to hear the anti-immigration rhetoric that we’re coming here to drain your resources, when it’s the exact opposite.”

John, 51, who is studying at the university’s centre for energy law, says rising prices are a worry which affects his attitude to his studies.

He says: “When you leave your country, you don’t come here to play games.

“You come here because, you know, you don’t have a chance to fail. Because if you fail, you have fees to pay.”