Student Referendum

NUS Membership Referendum

 

Should the Highlands & Islands Students’ Association (HISA) leave NUS UK and NUS Charity?

 

Why is this referendum being held?

A motion to hold a referendum on whether to leave NUS UK and Charity was passed at the All Student Meeting (ASM) held on Wednesday 5th November 2025.  

 

What is the National Union of Students (NUS)?

The National Union of Students (NUS) is a membership association of around 400 students’ associations, representing the interests of millions of students across the UK.

The National Union of Students (NUS) is comprised of two shoulder-to-shoulder organisations: NUS UK and NUS Charity:

NUS UK is the political and campaigning body for students’ associations/ students’ unions, which conducts the democratic conferences, develops policies, and represents the interests of students nationally.

NUS Charity provides general support and advice for Students' Associations/ Students’ Unions around the country, providing training, networking opportunities and crisis support, as well as operating NUS Services Ltd, the national Trading Consortium which helps member Students' Associations/ Students’ Unions to purchase collectively for better deals and manages the ethical screening of supply chains.

Students’ associations can be members of either NUS UK or NUS Charity without being members of the other.

A majority of students’ associations in Scotland are currently members of both NUS UK and NUS Charity. Currently the students’ associations at Dundee University, Glasgow University, Queen Margaret University, and the University of St. Andrews are not members of NUS UK and NUS Charity.

 

What are the costs of NUS UK and NUS Charity membership?

In 2024-25, the cost of our membership of NUS UK was £17,782.84, and the cost of our membership of NUS Charity was £5,334.85. This is a total of £23,117.69.

There are additional costs associated with both NUS UK and NUS Charity membership that are not covered by these fees such as costs for attending NUS events.

 

What do UHI students get from NUS UK and NUS Charity membership?

Membership of NUS UK gives UHI students the opportunity to access networks such as the NUS liberation campaigns as well as run for National of Union of Student representative roles.  Membership of NUS UK also gives UHI students the opportunity to have a say in the future campaigns, direction, and work of the National Union of Students (NUS).

Currently, the student discount service TOTUM is separate to and is not dependent on NUS UK or NUS Charity membership. UHI students should still be able to purchase a TOTUM card regardless of HISA membership status.

 

What does HISA get from NUS UK and NUS Charity membership?

Membership of NUS UK allows for HISA to be part of a national movement that pushes for change on behalf of students. It creates opportunities for HISA to be a part of collective action on the key issues that affect students.

NUS Charity provides communities of practice for Student Officers and Students’ Association/ Students’ Union staff members which allow for the national sharing of good practice in areas such as student advice, democracy, campaigns, representation, communications and sustainability. NUS Charity also runs a number of development activities and events, as well as resources such as campaign toolkits, for both Student Officers and staff members.

 

What will happen if UHI students vote YES?

If UHI students vote to leave NUS UK and NUS Charity, HISA would plan the steps and timeline to cease its memberships at the end of December 2026 in line with our governing documents and contracts.

The money previously allocated to cover the membership fees for NUS UK and NUS Charity will be reallocated within HISA to other activities, campaigns and events. 

HISA will continue to engage in lobbying and representative activities on student issues such as housing, transport and student finance outside of the NUS. This includes working with the other students' associations/ students’ unions in Scotland on issues such as housing and transport and will work more widely with other external organisations and stakeholders. 

 

What will happen if UHI students vote NO?

If UHI students vote to remain members of NUS UK and NUS Charity, HISA will remain members and continue to pay annual membership fees.

HISA will continue to engage in lobbying and representative activities on student issues such as housing, transport and student finance both within the NUS umbrella and independently where appropriate.

 

How can I vote in the NUS Membership Referendum?

You will be able to vote online at www.hisa.uhi.ac.uk/vote by signing in with your UHI log on details between 10am on Monday 30^th March and 4pm Wednesday 1^st April 2026.

 

Do a certain number of students need to vote in the NUS Membership referendum?

Yes.  The result of any HISA referendum is only valid if more than 400 voters cast a vote.

 

How should I vote in the NUS Membership Referendum?

HISA strongly encourages UHI students to conduct their own research into both the advantages and disadvantages of leaving NUS UK and NUS Charity before casting a vote in the referendum.

You can find out more about NUS UK and NUS Charity here.

You can check out the case for YES statement here.

You can check out the case for NO statement here.