Higher education in Scotland for international studens. List of 16 top institutions, 2023 fees, rankings

Today, Scotland is the leading country among best destinations for educational tourism according to foreign students. Italy attracts international students with high-quality educational services, a wide range of schools and colleges, exciting cultural programs. SMAPSE offers TOP-10 prestigious universities in Scotland where international students can get high-quality and balanced higher education that will open wide career opportunitites. 

Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

Although the local education system is based on classic British traditions, Scottish educational institutions have their own characteristics:

• At universities in Scotland, students study for 4 years, and not 3, as in England. And the structure itself is more flexible: students can choose to study disciplines from different faculties. Double-qualified programs are very popular - economics and finance, law and management, and other interesting options
• Universities in Scotland almost every year fall into the TOP-20 best universities in the UK. Many higher schools also occupy leading positions in preparing specialists in a particular specialization.
• For the most part, studying at universities in Scotland will cost less than at English universities. The only exception is the Scottish capital: Edinburgh has high living standards, which is why the city ranks second after London among the list of the most expensive.

In general, the cost of studying at universities in Scotland for foreign students will vary from 7.000-25.000 pounds. Getting an education here is a rather profitable investment, because the amount of financial costs will be lower than in the case of England, the USA or other European countries. An opportunity to save applies not only to educational programs, but also to renting a house or paying for residence, off-campus meals and other expenses that tourists usually have.

In Scotland, as in many other European countries, university students can combine studying with work. One of the available options is to work on the campus of the university, but the places here are quickly taken apart, so we recommend you to be puzzled with the search for a job in advance. An opportunity to combine some kind of activity with studies largely depends on the student himself, because there will be a lot of academic workload at a Scottish university.

Admission requirements to universities in Scotland are not much different from British ones. As in England, an application for undergraduate studies is submitted through the UCAS service, for Master's programs - directly through the selected faculty.

Before entering, all international students are advised to complete Foundation program or to complete the Scottish SIFP course. The process of going through preparation programs may take 1-2 years. Also, to study in Scotland, students need have excellent command of English. If there are gaps, you need to study at a language school, where at the same time you can prepare for IELTS test (it is also required when entering the university).

All applicants will also need a Bachelor’s diploma to enter a Master's program at Scottish universities. Master's programs take 1-2 years. An applicant will also need to draw up documents (confirmation of the first higher education, a letter of motivation and recommendations from the previous place of study) and send it in time.

HNC - Higher National Certificate

In the British educational system, HNC / HND degrees are the first stages of higher education (even before the Bachelor's degree): HNC (Higher National Certificate, 1 year) and HND (Higher National Diploma, 2 years). Most of the working specialties are available to students already after completing the HNC / HND courses - they can start working. Also, these programs are valuable in that they involve a huge number of internships: students test all acquired knowledge in practice, graduating as qualified and already quite experienced specialists.

At Edinburgh College, HNC programs are available in a wide range of specialties and areas:

• Art and design
• Automotive and Engineering
• Media, photography and visual communications
• Building
• Finance and business
• Decoration and interior design
• Work with children
• Computer Science, Informatics and Programming
• Pharmacology, medicine and dentistry
• Engineering science
• Electrical engineering
• Hairdressing and beauty industry
• Health and social services
• Retail
• Hospitality and Tourism
• Event Management
• Modern foreign languages
• Music producing
• Performing Arts and Theater
• Cookery
• Science and research
• Social and Human Sciences
• Sports, physical education and fitness
• Travel and tourism.

The cost of studying at Edinburgh College is (price is for 1 person):

1) Preparatory courses (Introductory & Access courses (SCQF Level 6)):

• 18 weeks = £ 3300
• Academic year = 6600 £

2) HNC - Higher National Certificate (SCQF Level 7):

• 18 weeks = 4800 £
• Academic year = £ 7000.