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Studying in Scotland

What is it like to study in Scotland?

International students who study in Scotland often comment on how welcoming Scottish universities are and this is backed up by several surveys showing that Scottish universities offer some of the highest rates of student satisfaction for teaching in the UK, while graduates from Scottish universities enjoy a high rate of employment or further study.

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 at Scotland’s universities has led to inventions and innovations such as the MRI scanner and the development of keyhole surgery.

Scotland 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, makes it a fantastic place for any international student to study and call home.

Tuition Fees in Scotland and Cost of Living

International students are required to pay tuition fees at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Tuition fees vary depending upon your chosen institution, with an undergraduate degree's fees ranging from 10,000 GBP - 26,000 GBP* and a postgraduate degree's fees ranging from 15,000 - 30,000 GBP*. 

*These annual fees are not fully reflective of all tuition fees in Scotland with some course fees costing less than these figures and some costing more. Fees are often reflective of the institution with higher-ranking Scottish universities typically costing more.  

Scotland is one of the most affordable areas to live in the UK and students can often live comfortably on 700-800 GBP (including accommodation) per month. When applying for your study visa you could be asked to prove that you have 1,023 GBP per month for up to 9 months for living expenses, so you should make sure that you have that prepared for any UK university that you chose to study at. 

Scottish university accommodation, like most in the UK, is typically self-catered, so you will not need to buy a meal plan and will be able to buy your own groceries, and cook your own meals, preparing you for adult life. 

Speak to an SI-UK consultant if you would like more information on tuition fees and the cost of living in Scotland as an international student. 

Scholarships and Funding

There are a variety of scholarship and funding options available to Canadian students studying in Scotland at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

• Commonwealth Scholarships allow citizens of Commonwealth countries to study in Scotland.
• Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarship program and fund full or part-time courses at postgraduate level.
• 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 all levels in Scotland for one year.

Why should I choose 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 one of Scotland’s biggest selling points is its beautiful landscapes, with many opting to explore its mountainous Highlands, countryside, lochs and rivers as well as its range of islands. We would recommend taking a trip to the Isle of Skye and en-route stop by Loch Ness to search for the fabled Loch Ness Monster! 

The country is overflowing with monuments, castles, museums and striking architecture, paying homage to a long and storied history. Monuments such as the Glenfinnan Viaduct were used as the railway bridge that the Hogwarts Express travels over and Stirling's Wallace Monument was said to have been an inspiration for one of the towers in J R R Tolkien's Middle Earth. Many of Scotland’s galleries and museums are free of charge and, whether it is kilt-wearing bagpipe players or traditional ceilidh dances, your time studying in Scotland will be a memorable one.

One of the greatest things about Scotland is that it is not a large country, you can travel from Edinburgh to Glasgow by car, train or bus in less than two hours so day trips are possible across many Scottish hotspots. Scotland is connected to the rest of the UK and so is easily accessible through a variety of transportation networks. Students are able to easily take a train or plane down to London, as well as Wales and can take both plane or ferry to Northern Ireland. From Scotland there are also cheap travel opportunities across the UK and continental Europe, maximizing your travel budget.   

To learn more about life as a student in Scotland visit our 5 Reasons Why You Should Study in Scotland page, or visit our Student Experience page to see what our students have experienced in Scotland and across the UK. 

Study in Scotland

There are 15 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. 

Popular programs for Canadians in Scotland are education and teaching, history, nursing and medicine. If you are interested in studying at a Scottish university, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK North America today.

Many students ask our consultants "How can I apply to a Medical School in Scotland?" or "How can I study teaching in Scotland?" and our SI-UK consultants then guide students for free through the application process and help them to understand what Scottish universities meet their requirements.

Sign up for our Premium Medicine Service for more advanced assistance with Medical School applications. 

Scotland's Universities: