The Scottish Government signalled its commitment to attracting the most talented, hard working young professionals in the world.

Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships will offer up to 200 scholarships to postgraduates from Canada, China, India and the USA and is part of the Scottish Government’s continuing support to bring the “brightest and best” international students to Scotland.

The scheme, which is being supported by all of Scotland’s universities, will assist overseas students to undertake a 12-month postgraduate Masters level course. The awards – each worth £2000 – will be funded by the Scottish Government and matched by contributions from Scottish universities and higher education institutions.

Announcing the scheme Fiona Hyslop, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Life Long Learning, said: “We want to create a self-confident outward looking nation and as part of that we want to encourage the brightest and the best students to come and study here.”