Studying in Scotland
Scotland has 15 higher education institutions, including world-famous universities such as the University of St Andrews, the University of Glasgow and the University of Edinburgh. Scottish universities offer some of the highest rates of student satisfaction for teaching in the UK, while graduates enjoy the highest rate of employment or further study in the whole of the UK.
The three ancient universities of Scotland—the University of St Andrews, Glasgow and Edinburgh—are all ranked among the world’s top 20 universities. They are traditionally strong in law, medicine and science but also offer a broad range of courses across many disciplines. The other 12 institutions include: Napier University; Aberdeen University; Robert Gordon University; Heriot-Watt University; Dundee University; Glasgow Caledonian University; Queen Margaret University; Abertay University; Glasgow School of Art; Paisley School of Art; Edinburgh College of Art & Design (ECAD).
Scotland’s universities are associated with excellence and each institution undertakes intensive research, meaning students are taught in an environment that is shared by academics looking to push boundaries in their field. Research at Scotland’s universities has led inventions and innovations such as the MRI scanner and development of keyhole surgery. Scotland’s is less than one hour from London via plane, and just over 90 minutes from Paris. With international airports close by and a host of European cities a short flight away, Scotland is the perfect base to explore the best locations in Europe. Scotland’s fantastic pedigree in education, coupled with its vast history, make it a fantastic place for any international student to study and call home.
The country has excellent transport links with mainland Europe making it easy for you to travel around Europe whilst studying at one of our universities. With flights available from all major European airports and cheap flights on offer if you book early enough you can get to your chosen destination within hours!
Scholarships and funding in Scotland
There are a variety of scholarship and funding options available to international students studying in Scotland at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
- Commonwealth Scholarship Fellowship Plan allows citizens of Commonwealth countries to study in Scotland. Depending on which commonwealth country you are from, scholarships are available at undergraduate and postgraduate level.
- Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship programme and fund full or part time courses at postgraduate level in any subject and any university.
- Fulbright Awards are for US citizens who study at postgraduate level in Scotland.
- Royal Society Grants support international students studying science programmes in Scotland.
- Saltire Scholarships are available to students from Canada, China, India and the USA and are for students studying at undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD level in Scotland for one year.
- Tullow Scholarships are available at postgraduate level for students from Africa and South America.
University of Edinburgh
The capital of Scotland, Edinburgh has a highly prestigious university that consistently ranks well in university league tables that order universities in the United Kingdom according to various factors, such as quality of teaching and degrees awarded.
University of Edinburgh South Bridge Edinburgh Scotland EH8 9YL 011-44-13-1650-1000 ed.ac.uk
University of Glasgow
A large research-led university of the Russell Group (an official body that represents 20 United Kingdom universities committed to the best research, teaching and learning), this university was founded in 1451 and is the fourth-oldest university in the English-speaking world.
University of Glasgow Glasgow Scotland G12 8QQ 011-44-14-1330-2000 gla.ac.uk
University of St. Andrews
Often a top five ranked United Kingdom university, St. Andrews was Scotland’s first university, founded in 1413, and has maintained a reputation as a good university ever since.
University of St. Andrews College Gate St. Andrews Fife Scotland KY16 9AJ 011-44-13-3447-6161 st-
University of Dundee
After a 70-year relationship with St. Andrews University, Dundee became an independent university in 1967. The university is made up of four colleges: the College of Art, Science and Engineering; the College of Arts and Social Sciences; the College of Life Sciences; and the College of Medicine, Dentistry and Nursing.
University of Dundee Nethergate Dundee Scotland DD1 4HN 011-44-13-8238-3000 dundee.ac.uk
University of Aberdeen
Founded in 1495, the research-led university has a history of professors and lecturers that have gone on to be awarded Nobel Peace Prizes, five in total and mainly in the sciences.
University of Aberdeen Aberdeen Scotland AB24 3FX 011-44-12-2427-2000 abdn.ac.uk
Is education free in Scotland for international students?Tuition Fees in Scotland
International students from outside the EU are required to pay tuition fees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. … EU undergraduate students wishing to study in Scotland are entitled to have tuition fees paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland
How much does it cost for international students to study in Scotland?How much does it cost to study in Scotland?
Fee status | Undergraduate fees | Postgraduate fees |
---|---|---|
Home | 1,820 GBP (but covered by SAAS in almost all cases) | 5,000 – 15,000 GBP |
Rest of UK (RUK) | usually 9,250 GBP for the first three years | 5,000 – 15,000 GBP |
International | 10,000 GBP – 26,000 GBP | 15,000 – 30,000 GBP |