16 best universities in Scotland for international students: rankings, tuition fees, reviews

To receive higher education in foreign countries is a dream of each student due to the following reasons: relevant educational programs, good conditions for living, the opportunity to broaden horizons. All these factors motivate students to obtain education in other countries. As a result of diligent study international students receive prestigious diplomas, which are highly valued by employers in Europe and the USA. The experience of studying in foreign country will be a good contribution to professional and personal development for international students of any age – the best universities in Scotland are ready to help you in it. 

Today, more and more foreign students choose studying in Scotland as it guarantees wide career opportunities in the future. SMAPSE offers more than 10 best universities in Scotland where international students can get high-quality higher education. Higher education received in Scotland allows to become in-demand expert that has great chances to get well paid job in the international labour market. Due to the list of TOP-10 prestigious Scottish universities, you will definitely find the most appropriate option. Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts at any time as they are always ready to answer all your questions. 

Scotland is a country with rich history and traditions that the local residents are very proud of. According to the company’s version Rough Quides, Scotland is named the most beautiful country in the world: tourists, who are travelling in the country, for always will remember its green mountains, clean lakes, picturesque views. The state includes about 800 islands - the country is washed on one side by the Atlantic Ocean, and on the other by the North Sea: thanks to this location, travelling around Scotland, you can see a variety of landscapes.

In the best universities in Scotland high quality academic programs are offered to foreign students – wide choice of short-term and long-term programs makes Scotland one of the most interesting and demanded countries for studying. Pre-university programs and courses for successful passing of language exams are offered to international students: on the Scottish university base there is a great opportunity to significantly improve language skills for academic goals. There are summer camps at the universities, inviting international students for studying, also Bachelor's and master's degree programs are opened. High academic performance of Scottish universities positively affects the indicators: 4 universities in Scotland are listed in TOP-200 of educational institutions in the world. According to statistics, 9 students out of 10 find perspective work after graduating university during 6 months.  

Tuition fee in Scotland are lower compared to European educational institutions. The cost of studying depends on  the type of higher educational institution – private or state. According to statistics, studying and accommodation here is 20 percent cheaper than in England. Foreign students, choosing the best universities in Scotland, leave positive feedback about Scotland as one of the most comfortable English-speaking countries to study in: local residents are friendly to foreign students, who annually number about 45 thousand people from 150 countries of the world. 

The history of education and teaching in Scotland goes deep into the Middle Ages - that's when the oldest, best universities in Scotland appear, which continue their work for today. The largest universities are located in developed cities  with rich infrastructure - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark and Falkirk. Many universities in Scotland can boast of the world's most active research centers, where significant research in the field of medicine and pharmacology is carried out for science and humanity. The majority of universities are multidisciplinary and prepare specialists in the humanities, technical and natural sciences.  The most powerful faculties are medical, veterinary and earth sciences.

The system of scientific degrees corresponds to the ideas of the Bologna Agreement: the university has bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. Studying on bachelor programs in Scotland lasts 4 years – during this period students acquire the necessary scientific base and knowledge on special subjects. Unlike English programs, university courses in Scotland are more flexible – foreign students have all opportunities to graduate from university with double qualification (for example, law + economics). The best universities in Scotland are proud of application of integrated approach: studying here is not only focused on practical knowledge, but also allows to use your skills in different skills. As a result of this approach, the student becomes a versatile and diverse employee and can flexibly adapt to the requirements of the market. 

Unlike the English higher education system, the students of universities in Scotland can decide on their future profession for a long time: until the third year of the bachelor's degree, the program is quite flexible, an interdisciplinary approach is used in teaching. On the so-called sandwich courses semesters of theoretical classes alternate with semesters of working practice. The duration of Master programs is 1 year. 

There are several types of accommodation for foreign students: a student dormitory or apartment rental. Studying at universities in Scotland for foreign students is usually paid: at least, a student will need about 15 thousand pounds a year to pay for an educational program. Students with high academic performance can apply for scholarship programs that pay part of the studying cost (up to 10 thousand pounds a year). University students have the right to earn extra money, but no more than 20 hours a week.

The conditions put forward by TOP universities in Scotland are the first things to worry about for a student preparing to enter a university. First of all, international students can face with a "lack" of 1 academic year according to the Scottish educational system. The doors of universities in Scotland are closed for foreign students immediately after school (but there are exceptions, especially in private universities in Scotland). There are several options for “completing” the missing year of study:

• enter a university in your homecountry and study 1-2 years

• to enter Scotland's private boarding school for graduation classes, thereby obtaining a Scottish certificate

• to become a college student in Scotland and subsequently graduate

• take Foundation program, pre-university courses or its equivalent.

A high level of English proficiency is an important part of preparing for admission. A sufficient level of language skills (above average) must be confirmed by the IELTS language exam certificate (from 6.0), TOEFL (from 550), etc., as well as a high level of English will need to be demonstrated at the interview.

The package of documents may vary, as well as the requirements in each individual case, so it is recommended to contact the university 1-2 years before admission and clarify all the nuances.

• Step 1. Choose the kind of university in Scotland: public or private? It is recommended to get acquainted with university rankings and tops, to learn strong faculties and the nature of studying. After choosing university the student informs  preferred university or special British system UCAS. On this stage, in order not to get rejected, it is important to convey your desire and indicate the indicators of successful study

• Step 2. Choose how you will catch up on the missing academic year, and begin preparation

• Step 3. Make every effort to graduate from a school or other educational institution with a good average mark and pass the language exam as best as possible

• Step 4. Report up-to-date academic information via UCAS or directly to a university in Scotland

• Step 5. Wait for an answer and then apply for a student visa.