Tertiary Education and Training Bill published

The Scottish government has introduced the Tertiary Education and Training Bill into parliament to be scrutinised over this year. The Bill, should it be passed, will make the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) responsible for providing national training programmes and apprenticeships, from Skills Development Scotland (SDS).

This legislation would simplify the funding system of learners at college and university, as well as apprentices in Scotland, and also suggests improvements to the SFC’s governance and how it oversees tertiary education.

Minister for higher and further education Graeme Day said: “The Bill marks an important step in driving improvement in the tertiary education sector and will help ensure that our annual £3 billion investment delivers to greatest impact of learners.

“I am grateful to everyone who responded to our result consultation and who has helped to share the Bill’s provisions. Our proposals aim to reduce complexity and ensure that Scotland’s skills system continues to meet the needs of the future economy.

“I know there is widespread support for simplifying the funding system in this key sector and I hope that the Parliament will support these proposals.”

If the Bill passes, it could come into effect from Autumn 2026.