Students are offered bursaries

However, the Scottish Executive said only a handful of students would be affected.

The fast-track scheme is part of the UK Government's plans to increase the number of medical students.

Those from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are eligible for special NHS bursaries for the final three years of the four-year courses.

This entitles them to a 100% student loan in their first year, followed by a 50% loan and a means-tested bursary in the following three years.

The students only pay tuition fees in the first year of the course.

The health department also pays the fees for all students who hail from European Union countries outside the UK.

However, Scottish students must pay full tuition fees and are only entitled to the full loan in the first year.

Similar courses

Fast-track courses are not yet available outwith England.

One student said the position was unreasonable, adding: "It will not help the NHS medical staffing issues."

The Scottish Executive said that only a handful of students were affected.

It said it was sympathetic to the situation and that it would be providing funding for similar courses when they are introduced in Scotland.

However, BMA News said it had been told by an executive spokesman that no decision had yet been made on the introduction of equivalent degrees in Scotland - and was not expected for some time.