Support for Scottish students in Europe

Financial support will be offered to Scottish students studying at EU universities in 2014/15, Education Secretary Michael Russell said today.

This will be the first time students studying in Europe will be entitled to the same bursary and loan support as students attending university in Scotland. The support, to be offered to around 250 young people who will study in the EU in 2014/15, will be on a pilot basis, to assess demand and benefits.

Mr Russell said:

“Scotland has seen an increased number of acceptances to university this year, thanks to our decision to abolish tuition fees. We are building on this with the best package of financial support in the UK and I want to ensure that our young people have the opportunity to reap the cultural and career benefits of living and studying abroad.

“This pilot will help Scots studying at European universities and ensure money is not a disadvantage to students considering this option. That is why, for the first time ever, these students will be entitled to the same help with living expenses as those studying in Scotland.

“This will help and encourage our young people who choose to study abroad, and the pilot in 2014/15 will help assess demand and allow us to roll out this support to all Scots studying in Europe.”

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