A scholarship programme at Scottish universities has been opened to Japanese students for the first time.

Postgraduate students from the country will be able to apply for a Saltire scholarship of up to £8000, co-funded by the Scottish Government and universities.

The fund currently offers students from Canada, China, India, Pakistan and the US financial support to come to Scotland.

External affairs secretary Fiona Hyslop announced the addition of Japan after returning from a week-long visit to the country.

She said: "We want to increase the overall number of students from Japan studying in Scotland.

"It will also increase and strengthen connections between people and institutions to support Scotland's broader engagement with Japan.

"We are committed to attracting talented students from other countries to our world-class universities and pioneering work in areas such as science, technology, creative industries, healthcare and medical sciences, and renewable and clean energy."

The minister added: "While only a small handful of students from each priority country receive scholarships, research shows that the Saltire Scholarship programme encourages potential students to investigate the possibility of studying in Scotland, with many following through with applications to Scottish universities regardless of whether or not they receive financial support."