The Scottish Government has been urged to provide clarity on funding for EU citizens hoping to study in the country next year.

It comes after UK universities minister Jo Johnson confirmed European students applying for places at English universities next year will receive loans and grants which will continue for the entirety of their studies.

She said they would get the same access to financial help even if the UK formally leaves the EU while they are still studying here.

What access European students will have to funding north of the border has yet to be determined, however, with calls for assurances from the Scottish Government growing.

A spokeswoman for Universities Scotland confirmed "the lack of certainty on EU student fee status, when applications are already open, is creating a great deal of anxiety in institutions".

Universities remain fearful that, in the absence of government funding, they will face having to plug a substantial financial gap if the number of EU applications remains the same as previous years.

Prospectuses published before the Brexit vote in June guaranteed that degrees for EU students starting in 2017/18 would be entitled fee-free as with Scottish domiciled students.

Alastair Sim, director of Universities Scotland, welcomed the assurances offered to universities in England and warned any further delay to a similar initiative in Scotland could see institutions suffer.

He said: "Having EU students study in Scotland as part of our higher education community adds so much to the educational and social experience we can offer to all students.

"We value their contribution immensely. The Scottish Government acted quickly in July to provide certainty for EU students who are already enrolled on courses in Scotland.

"Now, there is a real need to provide certainty to those who hope to start at a university in Scotland next academic year."

Scottish Conservative shadow education secretary Liz Smith criticised the Scottish Government for being "entirely silent" on the issue, saying students need to know "exactly where they stand".

She said: "For three months now, the SNP has done little else other than criticise the Westminster Government, keeping entirely silent about its own policies in the process.

"Today's announcement from the UK Government is extremely welcome, particularly when we know Brexit will have a significant impact on higher education and the associated funding streams.

"That's why we need an urgent response from the Scottish Government, so EU students know exactly where they stand."

Scottish Labour education spokesman Iain Gray joined the calls for detail on the provision for EU students but pointed the finger at the Conservatives for creating the environment for sustained uncertainty.

He said: "Labour has been pushing for answers on this from the SNP for months - ministers need to break their silence so universities and students can plan properly for the future.

"The Tories are absolutely shameless in calling for clarity on anything however, given the absolute mess their reckless Brexit gamble has created."

Revealing the deal for EU students in England, Ms Johnson said: "We know that the result of the referendum brought with it some uncertainties for our higher education sector.

"International students make an important contribution to our world class universities, and we want that to continue.

"This latest assurance that students applying to study next year will not only be eligible to apply for student funding under current terms, but will have their eligibility maintained throughout the duration of their course, will provide important stability for both universities and students."

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "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.

"We are currently considering the position of students applying for the 2017/18 academic year.

"We want all EU staff and students in Scotland to feel settled and secure and we continue to urge the UK Government to urgently provide assurances that the immigration status and rights of EU nationals living in Scotland will not change in the future."