There are 19 higher education institutions to choose from in Scotland, including world famous universities such as the University of St Andrews, University of Glasgow and 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.

Scottish 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 in 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.

Scholarships and funding in Scotland

There are a variety of scholarship and funding options available to international students wishing to study 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 for students wishing to study at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

• Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program 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 programs 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.

Tuition fees in Scotland

Tuition fees in Scotland for international students are dependent on whether you are from the European Union or the rest of the world.

• International students from outside the EU are required to pay tuition fees at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. Tuition fees vary depending upon your chosen institution.

• EU undergraduate students wishing to study in Scotland are entitled to have tuition fees paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland.

• EU postgraduate students studying in Scotland will need to pay tuition fees at the rate set by the individual institution.

Living as a student in Scotland

Scotland has a rich and historic culture and heritage and is a fantastic place for an international student to learn, with a wide variety of activities to enjoy away from study. Scotland’s seven cities - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness and Perth – all offer traditional metropolitan life to varying degrees, but Scotland’s real beauty is to be found in its mountains, countryside and scenic landscapes.

The country is overflowing with monuments, castles, museums and striking architecture, paying homage to a long and storied history. Many of Scotland’s galleries and museums are free of charge and, whether it is kilt-wearing bagpipe players or traditional ceilidh dances, your stay in Scotland will be a memorable one.