The Scottish Government is to invest a further £300,000 in projects that prepare international students living in Scotland for the workplace as part of the Fresh Talent scheme.

The International Students Challenge Fund will also be used to help support migrant workers to integrate into Scottish life.

Europe, External Affairs and Culture Minister Linda Fabiani announced the funding, which is being made available to universities and colleges in Scotland to support projects in the 2008-09 academic year.

Fabiani said: “Scotland is clearly positioned as a leading choice for international students thanks to our world-class education system. However we have to ensure that the thousands of international students who choose to study at our universities and colleges get the right support and opportunities to enable them to stay on in Scotland, creating a more diverse and skilled workforce and contributing to our economy.

“We want to ensure that international graduates find suitable and rewarding employment here in Scotland, bringing key skills to our businesses and contributing towards growing Scotland's economy. This new funding will enable initiatives to focus specifically on employability and will bring about real benefits for our employers.

“I am aware that many migrant workers also have valuable skills that can be applied more effectively in our labour market. That is why we will launch a similar fund to offer more integration support for these workers in the coming months.

“The Scottish Government is committed to attracting bright, hardworking and motivated people to live, work and study in Scotland and I look forward to seeing the benefits for our economy and wider society that will grow from this round of the Challenge Fund.”

Related news items:

• Aberdeen child protection services 'unsatisfactory'
• Abertay game reaches Xbox
• Additional help for students with disabilities announced
• Age Concern Scotland targets political parties
• Amnesty highlights gay and transgender rights