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

The history of education in Scotland goes deep into the Middle Ages. The oldest and best universities in Scotland continue to work to this day. The largest universities are located in developed cities with rich infrastructure - Edinburgh, Glasgow, Lanark and Falkirk. Many of the best universities and universities in Scotland can boast of the most active world research centers, which carry out research in the field of medicine and pharmacology that are significant for science and humanity. Most universities are multidisciplinary and prepare specialists in humanitarian, 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 system: the university has undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs. Bachelor's programs in Scotland last four years - during this period, students acquire the necessary scientific base and knowledge in special subjects. Unlike British programs, university courses in universities in Scotland are more flexible - students have every chance to graduate from a university with double qualifications (for example, law + economics). The best universities and universities in Scotland take pride in using an integrated approach: study here is not only focused on practical knowledge, but also allows you to use your skills in different fields. 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 British higher educational system, students of universities in Scotland can be determined for a long time with their future profession: until the third year of undergraduate program is quite flexible, an interdisciplinary approach is applied. At the so-called sandwich courses, semesters of theoretical classes alternate with semesters of working practice. The duration of the Master's 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. 
• 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.