18 best universities in Scotland for international students. Rankings and fees in 2024
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from 5410.00 £ / termApply with documents
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from 17420.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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from 4000.00 £ / termApply with documents
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158th in the world and 22nd in the UKScotlandAberdeenCurrently watching: 6from 15650.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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from 4000.00 £ / termApply with documents
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from 8000.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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from 12620.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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from 14130.00 £ / yearApply with documents
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Excellent Teaching, Employability, Internationalisation, Facilities and InclusivnessScotlandStirlingCurrently watching: 1from 4430.00 £ / termApply with documents
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from 3555.00 £ / termApply with documents
Alternative destinations
Education information
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.
Universities in Scotland for International Students
Scotland boasts a rich educational heritage that traces back to the Middle Ages. This legacy has given rise to some of the best universities in Scotland, many of which are still operational today. Notably, these top universities in Scotland are strategically situated in thriving cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark, and Falkirk, known for their advanced infrastructure.
Many Scotland universities house some of the globe's most dynamic research centers, contributing immensely to fields like medicine and pharmacology. These universities in Scotland are multidisciplinary, producing experts across humanities, technical disciplines, and natural sciences. The most distinguished faculties often revolve around medicine, veterinary science, and earth sciences.
Scotland University Ranking
Adhering to the principles of the Bologna Agreement, universities in Scotland offer bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs. Bachelor's programs span four years, providing students with foundational scientific knowledge and specialized insights. Unlike English counterparts, Scotland's university programs are renowned for their flexibility. This adaptability allows international students to potentially earn dual qualifications, such as in law and economics.
The top universities in Scotland adopt an integrated educational approach, emphasizing both theoretical and practical learning. Such a holistic curriculum molds students into adaptable professionals, ready to meet varying market demands.
Distinct from English institutions, Scotland universities afford students significant decision-making latitude regarding their future careers. Until their bachelor's third year, the course structure remains malleable, embracing an interdisciplinary teaching methodology. Some programs even feature "sandwich courses", blending theoretical learning with hands-on industry experience. Master's courses typically last a year.

What advice do you have for those who want to go to top universities in the UK?
Carefully consider all the information about the university of interest, including the cost - prices vary greatly, so you need to understand what options you will financially pull. Carefully prepare for tests in English (IELTS in the first place) - this will be needed for admission to any British university. Consider the courses that interest you more than others, and check the academic requirements for them, make sure that you have time to study this area well in your high school.
Universities in Scotland. Cost and fees for International Students
Fees International students have housing options like student dormitories or private apartment rentals. Education at Scotland universities is usually fee-based, with costs starting at approximately £15,000 annually. However, stellar academic performers might qualify for scholarships, potentially covering up to £10,000 of the yearly fees. Moreover, students can work part-time, albeit limited to 20 hours a week.
Admission for Universities in Scotland
Meeting the stringent criteria of top universities in Scotland is pivotal for aspiring international students. Many might discover they fall short of one academic year as per the Scottish system. Direct admissions post high school might be challenging, though private universities in Scotland might offer some exceptions. Solutions to bridge this academic gap include:
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Enrolling in a home-country university for 1-2 years
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Joining a Scottish private boarding school's senior classes, earning a Scottish certificate
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Starting at a college in Scotland and progressing
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Opting for Foundation programs or similar pre-university courses
English proficiency is paramount, typically validated by IELTS (6.0+), TOEFL (550+), or similar certifications. Additionally, demonstrating advanced English skills during interviews is essential. Since documentation and requirements might differ, prospective students should touch base with their chosen institution 1-2 years in advance.
How to choose Scotland Universities for International Students
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Research and Decide: Understand the difference between public and private universities in Scotland. Familiarize yourself with Scotland university rankings, identifying strong faculties and academic cultures. Once decided, inform the preferred university or use the specialized British UCAS system.
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Bridge the Academic Gap: Determine how to compensate for the missing academic year and start preparations.
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Excel Academically: Aim for high academic achievements and excel in the requisite language tests.
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Submit Applications: Provide updated academic data through UCAS or directly to the chosen university in Scotland.
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Visa Procedures: Await the university's response and, upon acceptance, proceed with student visa applications.
General statistics on education in Scotland - rankings, specialties, universities
Top 15 best universities in Switzerland 2024
1 | Glion Institute of Higher Education Switzerland |
2 | Les Roches International School Montana |
3 | César Ritz Colleges Switzerland |
4 | IHTTI School of Hotel Management |
5 | Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne |
6 | Geneva Business School |
7 | EU Business School Montreux |
8 | HIM Hotel Institute Montreux |
9 | Swiss Hotel Management School |
10 | Webster University Geneva |
11 | Business and Hotel Management School |
12 | Luzern IMI |
13 | Swiss Hotel Management School (SHMS) Caux |
14 | International University in Geneva |
15 | Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland |
Top 10 best universities in Netherlands 2024
Top 35 best universities and colleges in Canada 2024
1 | University of Toronto |
2 | McGill University |
3 | University of British Columbia |
4 | University of Alberta |
5 | Simon Fraser University |
6 | Montreal University |
7 | University of Windsor |
8 | York University |
9 | University of Guelph |
10 | McMaster University |
11 | University of Manitoba |
12 | University of Waterloo |
13 | Royal Roads University |
14 | Vancouver Film School |
15 | Kwantlen Polytechnic University |
16 | University of Calgary |
17 | Dalhousie University |
18 | Fanshawe College |
19 | University of Ottawa |
20 | Laval University |
21 | Sheridan College |
22 | University of Regina |
23 | Brock University |
24 | Thompson Rivers University |
25 | Humber College |
26 | Vancouver Island University |
27 | Mohawk College |
28 | Centennial College Toronto |
29 | Niagara College |
30 | Capilano University |
31 | Seneca College |
32 | Algoma University |
33 | Saint Clair College |
34 | Douglas College |
35 | LaSalle College |
Times Higher Education’s top 50 best universities in USA 2024
World University Rank | US Rank | University | City | State |
2 | 1 | Stanford University | Stanford | California |
3 | 2 | Harvard University | Cambridge | Massachusetts |
4 | 3 | California Institute of Technology | Pasadena | California |
5 | 4 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge | Massachusetts |
7 | 5 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley | California |
8 | 6 | Yale University | New Haven | Connecticut |
9 | 7 | Princeton University | Princeton | New Jersey |
10 | 8 | University of Chicago | Chicago | Illinois |
12 | 9 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore | Maryland |
13 | 10 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
15 | 11 | University of California, Los Angeles | Los Angeles | California |
17 | 12 | Columbia University | New York City | New York |
19 | 13 | Cornell University | Ithaca | New York |
=20 | 14 | Duke University | Durham | North Carolina |
22 | 15 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor | Michigan |
24 | 16 | Northwestern University | Evanston | Illinois |
26 | 17 | New York University | New York City | New York |
28 | 18 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania |
29 | 19 | University of Washington | Seattle | Washington |
33 | 20 | University of California, San Diego | San Diego | California |
38 | 21 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta | Georgia |
44 | 22 | University of Texas at Austin | Austin | Texas |
48 | 23 | University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Champaign | Illinois |
49 | 24 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | Madison | Wisconsin |
50 | 25 | Washington University in St Louis | St. Louis | Missouri |
53 | 26 | University of Southern California | Los Angeles | California |
=54 | 27 | Boston University | Boston | Massachusetts |
=56 | 28 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Chapel Hill | North Carolina |
61 | 29 | Brown University | Providence | Rhode Island |
=64 | 30 | University of California, Davis | Davis | California |
68 | 31 | University of California, Santa Barbara | Santa Barbara | California |
=80 | 32 | Ohio State University (Main campus) | Columbus | Ohio |
=85 | =33 | Emory University | Atlanta | Georgia |
=85 | =33 | University of Minnesota | Minneapolis | Minnesota |
90 | 35 | University of Maryland, College Park | College Park | Maryland |
=94 | 36 | Purdue University West Lafayette | West Lafayette | Indiana |
=98 | 37 | University of California, Irvine | Irvine | California |
=101 | 38 | Dartmouth College | Hanover | New Hampshire |
105 | 39 | Michigan State University | East Lansing | Michigan |
=111 | 40 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville | Tennessee |
=114 | 41 | Penn State (Main campus) | State College | Pennsylvania |
117 | 42 | University of Virginia (Main campus) | Charlottesville | Virginia |
120 | 43 | Georgetown University | Washington D.C | |
=121 | 44 | Case Western Reserve University | Cleveland | Ohio |
=124 | 45 | University of Arizona | Tucson | Arizona |
=124 | =45 | Rice University | Houston | Texas |
=131 | 47 | University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder | Colorado |
=133 | 48 | University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh campus | Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania |
=140 | 49 | Indiana University | Bloomington | Indiana |
=147 | 50 | University of Rochester | Rochester (NY) | New York |
Top 50 best universities in the UK 2024
1 | Cambridge |
2 | Oxford |
3 | St Andrews |
4 | London School of Economics |
5 | Imperial College London |
6 | Loughborough |
7 | Durham |
8 | Lancaster |
9 | University of Bath |
10 | East Anglia (UEA) |
11 | University College London |
12 | Warwick |
13 | Exeter |
14 | Birmingham |
15 | Bristol |
16 | Edinburgh |
17 | Leeds |
18 | Manchester |
19 | Southampton |
20 | Glasgow |
21 | King's College London |
22 | Nottingham |
23 | York |
24 | Newcastle |
25 | Royal Holloway, University of London |
26 | East Anglia (UEA) |
27 | Aberdeen |
28 | Queen's University Belfast |
29 | Sheffield |
30 | Heriot-Watt |
31 | Cardiff |
32 | Dundee |
33 | Swansea |
34 | Liverpool |
35 | Surrey |
36 | Queen Mary, University of London |
37 | SOAS University of London |
38 | Leicester |
39 | Reading |
40 | Sussex |
41 | Essex |
42 | Harper Adams University |
43 | Aston |
44 | University for the Creative Arts |
45 | University of Stirling |
46 | Nottingham Trent |
47 | Kent |
48 | Arts University Bournemouth |
49 | Oxford Brookes |
50 | Lincoln |
Cost of living in Scotland
Expenses - USD/Month. | Min. |
---|---|
Accommodation | 598 |
Food | 413 |
Transportation | 61 |
Communications and utilities | 96 |
Clothing | 36 |
Sports and leisure | 52 |
Total | 1,256 |
Accommodation in Scotland per month
Shared room outside of centre | 604$ |
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Shared room in city centre | 795$ |
1 bedroom apartment outside of centre | 914$ |
1 bedroom apartment in city centre | 1242$ |
Literature and references
- List of universities in Scotland — Wiki
- Student finance: How much does university cost and does it increase earnings? — BBC
- UNIVERSITIES IN SCOTLAND
- Universities in Scotland — Wiki
- Scotland’s universities: 14 Scottish universities ranked best to worst - including Edinburgh University
- The 10 best universities in Scotland for 2023/24 - and how Edinburgh’s top unis rank according to Uni Compare
- Cost of living support for students