SCOTTISH universities have lost out on more than £400 million of investment since Nicola Sturgeon became First Minister, Labour has claimed.

Research by the party published yesterday shows the Scottish government’s budget for universities has failed to keep up with the pace of inflation.

Labour education spokesman Iain Gray said this meant university funding is now 11 per cent lower in real terms than it was in 2014/15.

“Investing in education is investing in our people and our economy, it should be the top priority for any government, and Nicola Sturgeon promised it would be hers,” Mr Gray said.

“That claim is utterly farcical when stacked up next to the numbers. Universities have faced more cuts under the SNP.”

The Labour MSP described this as “bad for students in Scotland and for the future of the Scottish economy” and said the Scottish budget due to be confirmed on Thursday would cut even further.

“Labour would invest in our people, communities and public services by making the richest pay their fair share, starting with a 50p top rate of tax,” Mr Gray added.

Scottish students do not pay tuition fees at universities north of the border, but critics say there is a shortage of further education college places and not enough support for poorer students.

The Scottish government wants the proportion of university students from the most deprived areas to hit 20 per cent by 2030.

Currently it stands at 15 per cent — but such students are more likely to study at former polytechnics rather than prestigious ancient universities like Edinburgh, Glasgow and St Andrews.

Last week Edinburgh University announced it would lower the minimum grade requirements for students from deprived areas.