Cash help for Scots who study in EU

Scottish students studying at universities elsewhere in the European Union are to be offered a full package of financial support for the first time under a £750,000 pilot scheme.

The Scottish Government will offer loans of up to £5,500 and bursaries of up to £1,750 to about 250 students attending institutions in the EU in 2014-15.

Previously the only help available was that provided by the country in which they chose to study. Education secretary Michael Russell said: “This pilot will help Scots studying at European universities.

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