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University funding

Our core funding for universities contributes to the cost of high quality learning, teaching and research capacity, and funds academic, administrative, technical and support staff. It also funds facilities, accommodation, equipment and materials.

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Universities that we fund

We currently provide funding to 19 universities and higher education institutions (HEIs).

University funding announcements and Outcome Agreements

University funding announcements are issued throughout each year and Outcome Agreements set out what universities plan to deliver in return for SFC funding. 

Research and Innovation

  • The Research Excellence Grant (REG) supports world-leading research in Scottish universities, ensuring Scotland remains globally competitive and attractive to the best researchers.
  • The Research Postgraduate Grant(RPG) invests in the environment needed for high quality research training and supports postgraduate research students to contribute to research in Scotland.
  • The Global Challenges Research Fund (GCRF supports cutting-edge research and innovation that addresses the global issues affecting developing countries.
  • The University Innovation Fund (UIF) supports universities to work collaboratively to exploit their research to improve Scotland’s economy.

Skills and economic transformation

Support for universities comes from a number of funding streams: Graduate Apprenticeships; Upskilling Fund; National Transition Training Fund and Young Person's Guarantee.

Widening Access

SFC funding for Widening Access supports education that is accessible to learners from all backgrounds and all of our actions contribute to delivering the targets and recommendations outlined in A Blueprint for Fairness.

Capital

Capital funding for universities covers land, buildings and equipment and supports our work to secure effective and sustainable spaces for learning, research and innovation.

Non-core programme funding

We also provide funding through our non-core programme funds to support national priorities in Scotland’s universities.