A CALL to scrap graduation fees at Scottish universities and colleges has been backed by members of the SNP.

At the party’s conference yesterday, delegates voted in favour of a motion stating all higher and further education institutions should abolish administrative fees currently required for students to graduate.

Some, including Strathclyde University, the University of Glasgow and Glasgow Caledonian University, have already dropped the fees. The motion, brought forward by SNP Students and MSPs from Holyrood’s Education Committee, said compulsory fees for graduation run contrary to the principle of free higher education in Scotland.

READ MORE: First Minister: Second independence referendum must happen in 2020

MSP Rona Mackay said students should not be constrained by personal finances. “The SNP is, and will always remain, the party of free education,” said Mackay.“A student’s graduation is one of the most important days of their life as they rightly celebrate years of hard work – this shouldn’t come at a cost.

“Students in Scotland should never be constrained by personal finances – it’s time for all of our universities and colleges to get rid of these fees once and for all.”

National Union of Students Scotland president Liam McCabe welcomed the motion.

“We’re delighted that SNP members are calling time on graduation fees, recognising the unfair costs of graduation for Scotland’s students,” he said.

“Our research has shown that graduation charges and costs could be as high as £225 per student. That can’t be right.”