This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fresh Talent extended
28/03/2007
A scheme which has enabled more than 4,300 international students to work in Scotland after graduation has been extended.
The Home Office today announced that the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme is to be extended to include post-graduate diplomas and certificates.
This means that international students from non-EEA countries looking to complete an undergraduate degree, HND, Masters, PhD and now a post-graduate diploma or certificate can apply to stay and work in Scotland for two years following graduation.
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe said:
"The success of the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme has been outstanding. Since June 2005, more than 4300 students from more than 150 countries have applied to stay on in Scotland after completing their studies.
"Through studying here and having an additional two years leave to remain, students are experiencing all that Scotland offers as place to work and live.
"Our information from a sample of graduates currently on the scheme shows that more than 90 per cent of respondents rate Scotland as a very or fairly attractive place to live or study.
"This is the first set of responses from students. We will. of course, continue to evaluate and monitor the scheme to ensure its continued success.
"I am delighted the scheme has now been extended to include post-graduate diplomas and certificates to meet the high level of demand for our first-class education system and the excellent quality of life available in Scotland."
The Home Office today announced the extension of the Fresh Talent: Working in Scotland scheme to students who graduate with post-graduate diplomas or certificates.
The Home Office also announced a new International Graduates Scheme (IGS) which will incorporate the UK- Wide Science and Engineering Graduates Scheme (SEGS) but extends it to include all areas of academic study. IGS and SEGS give international graduates from a UK institution one years leave to remain, FT:WiSS allows graduates from a Scottish Institution two years leave to remain.