Funding for universities

University funding announcements are issued throughout each year and SFC’s Outcomes Framework sets out SFC’s expectations of universities  in return for the funding that they receive.

• 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 Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF) began in AY 2024-25 and has replaced the University Innovation Fund (UIF). For further information see Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund Further Information 2024-25. The KEIF Strategy Guidance for AY 2025-26 to AY 2029-30 provides provides detailed guidance on the submission of five-year KEIF strategies. It covers the requirements and priorities for all universities in receipt of KEIF as well as information on SFC approval and annual reporting.

Support for universities comes from a number of funding streams, including

• Graduate Apprenticeships.
• University Upskilling Fund.

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