FIRST Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Scottish universities have joined forces to launch a new campaign to welcome students from around the world.

Scotland’s 19 universities are already home to over 180 different nationalities among their students and staff, but numbers from some countries have declined as a result of Westminster visa restrictions.

There have also been concerns over the status of EU nationals working and studying in Scotland following the Brexit vote.

The campaign was launched at an international Burns Night event in Edinburgh attended by 350 students, dignitaries and university staff from 72 different countries.

Ms Sturgeon said: "Scotland is very proud of our tradition for excellence in education and our deep-seated sense of internationalism.

"We’re also incredibly proud that more than a fifth of our students come from outside the UK. It’s a huge compliment to Scotland and it demonstrates that our universities really are world-class.

"We will continue to press the UK Government to provide assurances that the status and rights of EU nationals currently living in Scotland will not change in the future. Every student who has come from outside Scotland to study here is welcome.”

Professor Richard Williams, principal of Heriot-Watt University and convener of Universities Scotland’s International Committee added: "Students from almost every country in the world come to Scotland to study in our universities from Albania to Zimbabwe.

"This international diversity in our higher education institutions contributes significantly to the quality of education we can offer; it enriches the experience that all students have and helps us deliver world-leading research."

Raj Jeyaraj, international students' officer for student body NUS Scotland and a student from Malaysia, said he had now "embraced" Scotland.

He said: "This is a country where you can build lifelong friendships, unite cultures and transcend borders. Scotland feels like the heart of a global community."

The Scotland Welcomes The World campaign includes a campaign video showcasing the welcome international students have received and why they enjoy studying here.