WIREDGOV

The Saltire scholarship scheme – which offers international students a £2,000 fee waiver – is being extended to cover a wider range of qualifications and courses.

With 600 students from India, China, the USA and Canada already having benefited from the scheme, the Scottish Government has decided to open applications across undergraduate, Masters and PhD courses.

Education Secretary Michael Russell said:

“Scottish universities are known around the world for the excellent education they offer. We also have a strong tradition of attracting students from across the globe to study in this country – that is a tradition I am proud of and want to expand.

“Of course, for any international student money is a factor. We know that our Saltire scholarships, which offer a £2,000 fee waiver, are popular and that students who have experienced them have found the financial help and prestige beneficial.

“We have also had feedback that they should be available for a wider range of courses. We have taken that on board and we are now looking for applications from Indian, Chinese, American or Canadian students planning to study at a Scottish university in 2012-13.

“I am confident this will build on the strengths of the scheme and help ensure both Scottish and international students continue to benefit.”

 Ruth Ingram, Saltire Scholar at Edinburgh Napier University said:

“I feel proud to be able to add this scholarship to my C.V. and grateful to have the opportunity to study in such an amazing country.  Studying International Event and Festival Management in one of the premier festival cities in the world has been a life changing experience for me.  Developing friendships with people in my programme from all over the world has made the list of places I would like to travel to drastically grow.  I cannot urge you enough to come study abroad in Scotland and apply for the Saltire Scholarship.”

Kristina Martin, Saltire Scholar at Stirling University said:

“I’ve had an incredible time being a Saltire Scholar in Scotland. Not only has it added prestige to my resume, and of course financial relief; but to my surprise, it has also been great in terms of networking opportunities.”

Sarang Haval, Saltire Scholar at the University of Strathclyde said:

“I strongly recommend Scotland’s Saltire Scholarships to everyone as it really helped me a lot with my finances. It also helped to prove to everyone that I am worthy of this education. More than the money part, it is important to be recognised out of all the international students coming to Scotland and it is the most honoured thing.”

Previously, only those studying for a Masters level qualification could apply for a Saltire Scholarship.

Related information

• TalentScotland