Higher education funding scheme to allow Scots to ‘see the world’

By SCOTT MACNAB
Published on 30/07/2012 10:51

MORE Scottish students will get the chance to “see the world” and study overseas this year after a £130,000 funding scheme was unveiled by education secretary Michael Russell.

• The scheme will be award to universities, colleges and students associations to help increase options available to Scottish-based students

• It is designed to ‘enhance the skills that employers require in an increasing global marketplace’

The Saltire Scholarship Outward Mobility Fund in 2012/13 to universities, colleges and student associations is part of a drive to increase the options available for students based in Scotland.

Mr Russell said: “I want to see as many of our students as possible enhance the skills that employers require in an increasing global marketplace.

“Studying abroad offers many opportunities, be they learning new cultures, improving language skills or developing a global perspective. These and other benefits are well recognised by businesses.

“This fund will build upon the opportunities already available to study overseas and complements our existing Saltire Scholarships programme which is offered to incoming students to ensure Scotland remains at the heart of student mobility.”

Robin Parker, President of NUS Scotland said it would help students “see the world as part of their studies.

He added: “As clearly demonstrated in our research report, Developing Scotland’s Global Graduates, study abroad not only makes for a fantastic learning experience, it makes students more employable as well.”