Showcasing Scottish education on the Commonwealth Games stage

The Games, running from 23 July to 2 August, brought 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories to the city for 10 sports across multiple venues, making Glasgow only the third city in history to host the Games twice.

Amid the spectacle, Qualifications Scotland took part in a Connected Scotland evening reception, joining the Scottish Government, Brand Scotland and other national and international partners to promote Scottish education and the opportunities it offers to learners around the world.

Welcoming delegates to the reception, Professor Neville Wylie, Senior Deputy Principal/DVC (International) at the University of Stirling and Chair of the Connected Scotland group, reflected on the significance of the occasion: 'The first Connected Scotland event took place 12 years ago, at the last Commonwealth Games held in Glasgow, and this year's reception continued that tradition.

'Connected Scotland builds on the collaboration already underway across our education, research, and innovation sectors to identify new opportunities and enable a coordinated Team Scotland approach and draw talented people to study and work here in Scotland.'

Professor Rachel Sandison, Deputy Vice-Chancellor External Engagement at the University of Glasgow and the Scottish Government's International Education Trade and Investment Envoy, welcomed guests to the event and spoke about the shared values connecting sport and education: 'Sport may bring us together this week, but education is what keeps us connected long after the medals have been awarded.

'The opportunities and challenges we face today are bigger than any one institution or any one country. Whether we are addressing health inequalities, advancing sustainability, promoting inclusion or expanding opportunities for young people, progress depends on working together.'

The reception showcased Scotland's world-class education and skills offer to an international audience, and showed what our qualifications mean for learners, employers, and communities here and abroad.

Our team had the opportunity to speak with government and diplomatic representatives from Australia, India, Kenya, and St Helena about our qualifications portfolio and our work with colleges and universities delivering our qualifications overseas with a particular focus on progression pathways.

Among those we heard from was Sreejith Sivan, a student from Kerala, India, studying Sport Management at the University of Stirling. Reflecting on his journey from a junior footballer at Kerala Blasters FC to student life in Scotland, he said: 'Studying Sport Management at Stirling has been an incredible experience. It has given me knowledge that goes far beyond the classroom and allowed me to learn directly from academics and professionals who are shaping the future of sport. Sport truly has the power to connect people beyond borders, cultures, and backgrounds. My own journey, from a young footballer in Kerala to standing here today in Scotland, is proof of that.'

Gillian Hepburn, Head of International at Qualifications Scotland, said: 'This evening has been a wonderful opportunity to showcase our work as Scotland's national awarding body, not only in terms of our role in qualifying the people of Scotland to host such an incredible event as the Commonwealth Games, but also to remind everyone of the important role we play in bringing international students into Scotland’s higher education system.

'By delivering our awards around the world learners have the opportunity to study for a Scottish qualification in their home country before using that achievement as a pathway to Scottish universities. Whether its sport, business, engineering or hospitality, Qualifications Scotland has a broad portfolio of awards to allow leaners from across the world to follow their dreams.

'Glasgow 2026 was a demonstration of athletic excellence, but it also shows what a properly trained, supported, and recognised workforce can achieve. We are proud to play our part in that.'