The funding aims to retain foreign students after graduation

Most of the funds will be spent helping institutions support activities for foreign students during their courses.

A scholarship scheme for a one-year masters degree is also to be extended to include American students.

A total of 4,300 international graduates have already chosen to stay in Scotland at the end of their studies through the Fresh Talent initiative.

The moves were announced by Finance Minister Tom McCabe.

He said: "We have to ensure that the thousands of international students who come to study at our universities and colleges get the right experience and opportunities to realise that Scotland is also a leading choice as a place to live and work.

"Scotland is already a popular choice amongst Chinese students.

"Attracting students from the US is in keeping with our commitment to focus and build on our already positive relationships with the US and China."