Attempts to replace the Erasmus+ student exchange programme in Scotland are not matching the pace set in Wales, according to the Scottish Liberal Democrats.
Willie Rennie, the party’s education spokesperson, said the Scottish government had “sat on its hands” over the issue. The minister responsible, Jamie Hepburn, said views on a planned replacement programme were still being canvassed.
The UK left the Erasmus+ scheme as a result of Brexit. The Scottish and Welsh governments have argued that the alternative Turing Scheme - for students in schools, colleges and universities - is inadequate.
Earlier this year the Welsh government launched the £65 million Taith learning exchange programme. Freedom of information requests by the Scottish Liberal Democrats revealed that there were 5,698 exchange opportunities lined up through the Taith programme from September 2022.
Mr Rennie said: “The Erasmus programme is a fantastic initiative that helped us forge relationships with our European friends and opened up the world for Scottish universities and students.
Student exchange: Finding an alternative to Erasmus+
“While Liberal Democrats in government in Wales sought to ensure students and academics would not miss out, the Scottish government have sat on their hands.”
He added: “It is just another example of the SNP cynically exploiting pro-European sentiment for votes but refusing to actually do any of the hard work or put their money where their mouths are.
“If the SNP are serious about boosting the Scottish economy and delivering opportunities for a generation of students, they should get to work and establish a two-way programme from next September, backed by a system of grant guarantees to ensure it is accessible to all.”
Mr Hepburn, minister for higher and further education in Scotland, said: “The UK government’s misguided decision not to associate to Erasmus+ has resulted in support for our most deprived communities to be cut and opportunities for all our learners reduced.
“An independent Scotland could see the country’s learners and institutions benefit from full participation in Erasmus+ once again as we seek to rejoin the European Union.”
Mr Hepburn added: “In recognition of the importance of educational mobility, we are developing a bespoke Scottish Education Exchange Programme.
“We are engaging with stakeholders in higher and further education, schools, community learning and development, youth and sports, and listening to their views, priorities and requirements for a Scottish Education Exchange Programme.”
