In its third year, the scholarship scheme means recipients are awarded up to UK£2,000 on a matched funding basis between the Scottish Government and Scottish Higher Education Institutions. Only students from China, Canada, the US and India are eligible.

“This funding can help make studying for a Masters qualification in Scotland a reality”

“The success of these scholarships and the feedback from both students and universities mean I have decided to continue this scheme in this year of Creative Scotland and beyond until 2015,” said Education Secretary, Michael Russel. “This funding can help make studying for a Masters qualification in Scotland a reality for someone who simply could not otherwise have afforded it.”

The scholarship goes towards the tuition fees, for any one year of study, on an undergraduate, Masters or PhD course at any of Scotland’s higher education institutions. It is targeted at the priority sectors of creative industries, life sciences, technology, financial services and renewable and clean energy.

Since the scheme began in 2009, over 550 scholarships have been awarded. Figures show that the highest interest comes from India, where applications peaked at 1,681 in 2011- more than twice the second highest number of 538 applications from China.

This year, 200 scholarships are available, 50 per country. Applications for 2012-2013 are now open until 1 June through the Talent Scotland website.