Two Scottish universities are to take part in a pilot scheme which should make it easier for some foreign students to get visas or find permanent work in Britain.

Glasgow and Edinburgh are among 23 universities which will join the plan for Masters students with others joining as quickly as possible.

The pilot will streamline the process for courses of 13 months or less.

International students will apply for so-called Tier 4 visas.

Students from countries within the European Union and European Economic Area do not need visas to study in the UK although it is still not clear what position they will be in after Brexit.

However, students from, for example, the United States and the Far East could benefit from the pilot scheme.

Read more.

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Tory MSP Jackson Carlaw asks if Scotland could be a partner of Erasmus in its own right.

Jackie Killeen from the British Council Scotland says that would be a matter for governments.

Ms Killeen says there is a very strong appetite for Erasmus + to continue.

"It (Erasmus +) is the biggest and most successful mobility and exchange programme in the world," says Jackie Killeen.

She says that if the UK no longer participates in Erasmus+, it will have to look at new ways to replicate its benefits which are widely respected.

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It is possible for non-members to participate in the programme but it would be easier to remain a member, Ms Killeen adds.

She says this ensures the UK can help to shape the programme.

Daniel Evans warns that non-membership would exclude partners like West Lothian College because participation is based on bilateral exchange.

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SNP MSP Mairi Gougeon stresses the sheer range of projects that Erasmus covers, again mentioning football clubs and teacher training.

Ms Beever says YouthLink Scotland are leading a campaign called Keep Erasmus Plus , externalincluding a wide range of organisations working as parners including the Scottish Youth Parliament.

Keep Erasmus Plus says: "The UK leaving the European Union places our membership of Erasmus+ in jeopardy.

"We're asking the UK Government to commit to maintaining participation in Erasmus+ programme after Brexit."

Ms Beever says the British Youth Council are talking to politicians down in London.

"We are really fuelled by the stories of people benefiting by the (Erasmus) funding."

Jamie McIvor
BBC Scotland education correspondent

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The Scottish government's decision that university students from EU countries who started their courses in 2018 were able to complete their studies without paying tuition fees was broadly welcomed.

Universities feared the uncertainty could put off applicants from the EU.

But will free tuition for EU students continue after Britain leaves the Union in 2019?

Scottish politicians will need to take a lot into account before deciding what to do.

Read more here.

Daniel Evans of West Lothian College says a lot of effort goes into sourcing partners with a good reputation to ensure students get good placements.

Tourism, childcare and construction students go to France, Italy and Spain, he says.

"Our students are getting a completely different experience to the one they encounter at school," he says.

"Their horizons are lifting."

Lib Dems MSP Tavish Scott, noting £2.3m goes towards schools taking part in the programme, asks about the impact.

Jackie Killeen says it improves teacher training, promotes mobility and creates links between schools across Europe.

Around 550 schools take part in the programme, she says.

Emily Beever adds that bringing international young people to Scotland is also highly valuable.

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Emily Beever from YouthLink Scotland says Eramus + is great for opportunities for young people and they are really going for these opportunities since the Brexit vote, as they don't want to miss out.

Ms Beever says the programme is diverse and mentions football clubs taking Erasmus funding for their younger players and funding for young offenders.

She says Erasmus + "helps young people to shine globally".

Claire Baker asks if particular sectors benefit from Erasmus+ and whether the model is delivered differently in Scotland.

Jackie Killen says the programme is very diverse and organisations take a variety of approaches to the programme.

Universities and colleges, youth work organisations and charities are all eligible to apply, she says.

Marion Spöring notes the importance of the programme in delivering language teachers, stating this is a area of concern should Erasmus+ be lost.

"If we lost this, it would be a major disaster."

Jamie McIvor
BBC Scotland education correspondent

For Scottish students and those from other parts of the UK, Brexit will not have any day-to-day impact but some could be affected in one crucial way.

The Erasmus scheme - established by the EU - has helped thousands of students spend time in other European countries. About 2,000 from Scottish universities used the scheme in 2013-14.

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Not all exchange trips are part of the Erasmus scheme but it has provided once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for many.

Brexit does not imply the end of British participation in Erasmus - universities at countries outside the EU take part too - but its future cannot be taken for granted either. Arrangements would need to put in place to ensure that participation in Erasmus can continue.

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Labour MSP Claire Baker asks if there has been any Brexit impact on Erasmus+.

Jackie Killeen says it is the 30th anniversary of the Erasmus programme which has increased the profile of it.

Ms Killeen says there is a continuing and growing appetite for international exchange.

Daniel Evans from West Lothian College says partners in Erasmus are very worried at the moment.

Convener Joan McAlpine asks for information on what each organisation does with Erasmus+.

Jackie Killeen explains the British Council Scotland organises the programme in Scotland.

Emily Beever of YouthLink Scotland says she will be talking about the youth element of Erasmus+.

NUS Scotland President Luke Humberstone will seek to provide some details of students' experiences.

Marion Spöring will focus on language learning and the programme's role in that.

And finally Daniel Evans will discuss how retention and attainment rates have increase due to the opportunities afforded by the Erasmus+.

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Committee convener Joan McAlpine introduces:

• Jackie Killeen from the British Council Scotland, external
• Emily Beever from YouthLink Scotland, external
• President of NUS Scotland, external Luke Humberstone
• Marion Spöring from the University of Dundee, external
• Daniel Evans from West Lothian College, external

Read the committee papers here, external.

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The UK will continue to take part in the Erasmus student exchange programme until at least the end of 2020, the prime minister said last month.

Theresa May praised Erasmus+ and confirmed the UK would still be involved after Brexit in March 2019.

Whether it is involved long term is among issues likely to be discussed during the next stage of negotiations.

Erasmus+ sees students study in another European country for between three and 12 months as part of their degree.

Read more here.

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The committee will begin by choosing Labour MSP Claire Baker as its deputy convener.

It will then move to today's evidence session on Erasmus+ with:

• Jackie Killeen from the British Council Scotland, external
• Emily Beever from YouthLink Scotland, external
• President of NUS Scotland, external Luke Humberstone
• Marion Spöring from the University of Dundee, external
• Daniel Evans from West Lothian College, external

Read the committee papers here, external.

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This morning we have the Culture, Europe and External Relations Committee taking evidence on Erasmus+.

Chamber proceedings kick off with general questions at 11:40, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon facing her weekly grilling after that at noon.

SNP MSP Tom Arthur will lead a debate on the Carer Positive Employment Initiative immediately after.

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Following a short break, MSPs will return to the chamber to discuss the third annual report on developing the young workforce.