SCOTTISH colleges have called on ministers to "mitigate" the worst effects of Brexit on student numbers and courses.
Currently two college initiatives are given significant funding from the EU with £18 million invested annually in Developing Scotland’s Workforce and the Youth Employment Initiative.
The money translates into the provision of some 4,200 extra full-time equivalent students with some regions such as Glasgow and Lanarkshire benefiting by up to £4m a year.
Shona Struthers, chief executive of Colleges Scotland, said institutions had a history of attracting staff and students from around the world and leading on key overseas projects.
She said: "With over 7,000 overseas college students, important funding streams and regular exchange programmes it is vital that both the Scottish and UK Governments pursue every possible avenue and option to enable our staff, students and projects to continue to flourish and excel in the new landscape, following any Brexit negotiations.
"Since the UK has been part of the EU for over forty years, the relationships and impacts are both deep and extensive and considerable work will be required to ensure the unpicking of these relationships is done in the most efficient and sensitive way.
"The loss of capital funding and European Social Funding is of particular concern to the college sector, which alone would impact over 4,000 full-time equivalent Scottish students.
"It is therefore important that any potential financial impacts on the college sector as a result of the EU referendum result are carefully considered and mitigated by the Scottish Government and Scottish Funding Council to ensure the college sector is not adversely affected and can continue to provide high quality and effective learning."
Larry Flanagan, general secretary of the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) teaching union, which represents college lecturers, said Brexit had clear implications for staff and students from other countries within the European Union.
He said: "It is essential staff members are fully supported by their employers with access to appropriate advice and assistance on all legal and employment issues associated with Brexit.
"Scotland welcomes students from across the EU, and many institutions have also benefitted from a wide range of European funding to support the development of enhanced teaching and research facilities, widening access programmes and employability initiatives.
"The potential simultaneous loss of international students, staff and EU funding support could be devastating for institutions across Scotland, so clarity is needed from government as to how these issues will be address during the Brexit negotiations."
The joint EIS Further Educational Lecturers Association has already discussed the implications of Brexit and a letter has been sent to all institutions raising concerns for staff in relation to Brexit.
Colleges can also benefit from being part of the EU by receiving indirect funding if they are contracted by local authorities to provide employability training.
Scotland’s colleges are also active in the EU and international market, both in terms of recruiting international students and identifying commercial opportunities.
The number of students attending colleges from other EU countries reached a peak of 240 in 2013/14, but has already declined as a result of tougher visa restrictions introduced by the Westminster government.
Although the numbers of students who came specifically to Scotland to study is fairly small, there are also those people from other EU countries who are already living in Scotland, and who attend college. Students in this category account for a further 6,800 full time equivalent places and may need to leave Scotland if unable to continue their studies.
The most immediate and significant issue for Colleges Scotland is uncertainty over the status of students from other European countries who are studying, or due to commence their studies.
Until the UK leaves the EU it is understood that EU students can rely on current arrangements so students entering their final year of studies in 2016/17 should be able to complete their studies with their current fee status.
However, there is greater uncertainty over those who have yet to take up the offer of a place, or who are in the early years of their studies at college.
Colleges in Scotland have also benefitted from the lower interest rates related to loans from the European Investment Bank.
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