Over 150 international scholars from 70 countries from Albania to Zambia, gathered at Queen Margaret University in Musselburgh last night to celebrate their achievements as part of Scotland's international education community.
The reception, hosted by the British Council through Study UK in partnership with Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh and the Scottish Government, brought together scholars from scholarship programmes including Chevening, Marshall, Commonwealth, Study UK GREAT Scholarships, Fulbright, and British Council Scholarships – Higher Education Scholarships for Palestinians (HESPAL) and Women in STEM.
Scotland has established itself as a welcoming destination for international talent, with over 70,000 international students from more than 150 countries currently choosing to study here. Scottish universities have produced 250,000 international graduates in the last decade, many of whom choose to stay and contribute to Scotland's communities, culture and economy.
Welcoming the scholars at the event, Ben Macpherson MSP, Scottish Government Minister for Higher and Further Education, said:
"This event was a wonderful celebration of Scotland's 2025 class of international scholars, and it is fitting that it coincides with International Education Week.
“These collaborations reflect the commitments set out in Scotland's International Education Strategy, which recognises the important and valuable contribution international students, staff and researchers make to the Scottish economy, educational environments, our society, and local communities. As the scholars spend the next twelve months with us here in Scotland, I'm sure they'll get the most out of the remarkable opportunities, enjoy the experience, make new connections, and feel very welcome."
Diana Ndlovu, one of QMU's first Chevening Scholars, spoke about her experience studying in Scotland.
"QMU has a unique way of making you feel instantly welcome. Through QMU's mentorship programme I was paired with an incredibly insightful mentor working in communications with the Scottish Government, which has helped me think more clearly about my career direction in communication and policy advocacy. Scotland itself has been a real joy to explore, from the breathtaking scenery to the welcoming people and rich culture. I'm genuinely glad I made the choice to study here."
The event marked a celebration for QMU, which now has students from across 122 countries (including online students and those on collaborative programmes). The University is hosting its inaugural Chevening cohort this year and welcomed a scholar from Palestine under the British Council’s HESPAL scholarships. The HESPAL programme has been working for 15 years to build academic capacity in Palestinian higher education institutions, creating lasting connections between universities in the UK to support scholars' long-term careers.
Professor Richard Butt, Deputy Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Queen Margaret University, said: "It was wonderful to meet so many scholars representing over sixty countries. Winning a scholarship is a tremendous achievement that speaks not only to academic excellence but also to the potential to make a real difference in the world. Here at QMU we are delighted to have students from the world over studying with us, their presence enriches our campus and reminds us of the power of global connections."
Claire de Braekeleer, Director Scotland at the British Council, said: "At a time when building global understanding is more vital than ever, international higher education plays a crucial role in creating the connections that matter. At British Council Scotland we aim to connect Scotland to the world and the world to Scotland through the power of education and the arts. A scholarship isn't just financial, it's a source of recognition and pride, and provides a network of friends, colleagues and experts to build and grow for years to come. Research in 2022 found that UK universities educate more national leaders than any other country in the world. The experience these scholars are gaining in Scotland, the skills they are developing, and the UK and international connections they are making will all play an important role in their life and career development."
The evening featured bagpipes, live music and networking opportunities providing scholars with a warm Scottish welcome and the chance to connect with fellow students from around the world.
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(Photo gallery available here: Credit Colin Hattersley)