EAIE 2026: Scotland Welcomes the World
11 September 2026
With Glasgow hosting the largest EAIE conference ever, with 7300 delegates from 107 countries, Scotland had a unique opportunity to showcase its education sector, international partnerships and collaborative approach to global engagement.
Connected Scotland began the week by welcoming international delegates to an introduction to Scottish higher education, where Chair Neville Wylie joined Professor Rachel Sandison, the Scottish Government’s Trade and Investment Envoy for International Education, in highlighting the strengths of Scotland's universities, colleges and sector partners, and the role Connected Scotland plays in promoting Scotland internationally.
Throughout the conference, the Scotland stand was buzzing with conversations, meetings and new connections. It was particularly exciting to welcome Qualifications Scotland and City of Glasgow College to the Connected Scotland partnership at EAIE for the first time, further strengthening the diverse Scottish education offer on display. As one partner put it: “Being part of the Connected Scotland team added real value. The coordinated planning and collective profile made it easier to make connections and reinforced a strong Team Scotland message. The value was in being part of a visible, collaborative national presence that helped open conversations and gave colleges a stronger platform alongside the wider Scottish education sector.”
EAIE 2026 yet again demonstrated the enduring value of international collaboration. The conference brought together old friends, new partners and the wider Erasmus community, creating opportunities to exchange ideas, strengthen relationships and explore future partnerships. There was a real sense of optimism and enthusiasm throughout the week, particularly around renewed opportunities for UK participation in Erasmus+ and the importance of maintaining strong links across Europe.
Scotland's commitment to international engagement was further reinforced during a ministerial panel session, where Scotland's new Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education, Alyn Smith, himself an Erasmus alumnus, spoke with passion about Scotland's open and welcoming approach and the opportunities that international exchange brings.
A highlight of the week was the Scottish reception at Glasgow's iconic Old Fruitmarket, organised by the Scottish Universities International Group (SUIG). More than 430 guests, including representatives of some 150 foreign partner universities and research institutions, joined colleagues from across the sector for a traditional Scottish ‘ceilidh’, with music provided by students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Referencing our recent World Cup qualification, Neville Wylie welcomed delegates with a light-hearted reminder of Scotland's strong international reputation, declaring: "No Scotland, no party."
This record-breaking conference took place in Glasgow, a city whose famous motto is People Make Glasgow. More than anything else, EAIE 2026 was about people: the conversations that spark ideas, the partnerships that create opportunities, and the relationships that continue to strengthen international education.
Thank you to everyone who came to Scotland, visited our stand, attended our events and helped make Glasgow 2026 such a memorable success.
See you in Lisbon for EAIE 2027!
