UNIVERSITY leaders have called for urgent action to address uncertainty over the status of students from the European Union.

Students from EU countries currently get their fees paid for them when they go to university here, but that will no longer be the case when Britain leaves.

However, EU students currently applying to Scottish universities will already have made choices on university prospectuses advising they are entitled to free tuition even though their courses will finish after Britain leaves.

Unless the Scottish Government agrees to underwrite the full cost of the tuition for four year degree courses that could force universities to foot a bill estimated at some £60m over two years - or risk legal action if they charged students for the shortfall.

Last year, there were 1,220 applicants from the EU to university courses in Scotland by the middle of October and in total there were over 47,500 applications from the EU to study in Scotland.

Professor Andrea Nolan, convener of Universities Scotland, which represents university principals, told a meeting of the Scottish Parliament's education committee: "Our admissions opened yesterday. We are having real concerns about whether we admit them and on what basis we admit them.

"We are seeking an early resolution or statement about the status of EU students to help us continue to attract students and plan for the future. That kind of reassurance where it is possible on the fee status for 2017/18 to help us transition would be most welcome."

Later, Scottish Labour Education spokesperson Daniel Johnson said: “The decision of the UK to vote to leave the EU will mean significant uncertainty. That isn’t an excuse for the SNP to drag their heels on their own responsibilities and give a degree of certainty to the institutions which they are responsible for.

"Universities want a clear answer on the future of EU nationals, but nothing has been forthcoming from the government in Edinburgh."

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “We are proud Scotland is a destination of choice for students and academic staff from elsewhere in the UK, EU nations and all over the world.

"We are committed to ensuring this remains the case and we will explore every avenue to protect our relationship with the EU. We have already confirmed tuition fee funding to support EU students already studying here or preparing to start this year will remain in place for the full term of their course.

"However, uncertainty about overall UK government plans for Brexit are hampering future planning. We will continue to discuss with universities and students the impact of the referendum result and how we can all ensure Scotland’s universities remain attractive, competitive and diverse."