Free Tuition Under Threat Without Revenue Boost Report Warns

Published: 17 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

A major new report has warned that free university tuition in Scotland could be at risk if the government does not find ways to boost revenue and rethink public spending priorities, as funding advantages relative to England continue to narrow. The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) — a respected economic think tank — says Scotland’s ability to sustain its flagship policies, including free tuition and other publicly funded services, may be under threat without stronger financial support.

According to the IFS report, Scotland has historically enjoyed higher funding per resident for devolved public services compared with England — including in education, health and social care — which has allowed Holyrood to maintain more generous benefits such as free tuition, smaller class sizes and free personal care services for older people. However, that funding advantage has shrunk significantly in recent years, squeezing public finances and raising questions about the long‑term sustainability of these policies.

The IFS economists argue that without increased tax revenue and more efficient public service delivery, the devolved government may not be able to continue offering free tuition alongside other commitments. They stress that simply relying on existing funding arrangements will make it harder for Scotland to balance its budget while meeting demand for education, health and social services.

Free tuition for Scottish students studying at Scottish universities has been a hallmark of the nation’s higher education system and a point of political pride, helping to widen access to university for students from lower‑income backgrounds. But the IFS warns that without a boost to government revenues or adjustments to spending, it could become increasingly difficult to maintain this policy in the face of economic pressures and rising costs.

The report’s findings come amid broader debates over how best to fund public services across the UK, with calls from some quarters for reforms to taxation, fiscal powers and funding formulas that could give devolved nations like Scotland more stable revenue streams. Advocates of free tuition argue that education should remain accessible without cost barriers, but policymakers now face tough choices between protecting popular entitlements and ensuring financial sustainability.

As political leaders, university groups and student organisations digest the report, a central question looms: can Scotland find the revenue it needs to protect free tuition without undermining other essential services? The answer could shape the future of higher education funding in the country and fuel further debate across the UK.

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