“This pilot will help Scots studying at European universities and ensure money is not a disadvantage to students considering this option,” said Scottish Education Secretary Michael Russell. “I want to ensure 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”

The move shows a marked divergence from policy in England, where subsidised loans are not available to those studying full degrees overseas.

Under the Scottish pilot, the government will offer students bursary payments of up to £1,750 and a student loan of up to £5,500. Russell said that officials would assess the demand for funding during the pilot period to guarantee that Scottish students studying in the EU in future years would also benefit.

In other recent measures to boost study abroad, the Scottish government has increased Erasmus funding and expanded the normally domestic Saltire Scholarship programme to include outbound mobility.

Speaking with The PIE News in November, Russell said supporting students abroad was a key priority for the government’s international education agenda. “It’s not just about students coming to us its about our students going elsewhere,” he said.

“We’re also looking at ways we can support students while they’re abroad. Scottish students from the 17th century onwards have often spent time abroad studying. I’m keen to continue to encourage it.”