University Education

University of Edinburgh

Scotland’s education system is renowned the world over for its breadth, rigour and success. That is as true of the country’s universities, some of which date back to the 15th century, as it is of primary and secondary schooling.

Scotland's renowned teaching traditions underpin a higher education system which is respected throughout the world, and which ensures that your children have the chance to receive a first class tertiary education.

However, the country’s fine institutions of learning have not only built their reputation upon centuries of educational excellence, but on the forward-thinking principles of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Scotland has 13 universities as well as the Open University in Scotland (a home based study programme), one university college, two colleges of higher education, two art schools, the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD) and the Scottish Agricultural College.

The oldest universities (St Andrews, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh) were founded in the 15th and 16th centuries, with four others (Dundee, Strathclyde, Heriot-Watt and Stirling) achieving university status through the 1960s.

During the early 1990s, five more were established – Glasgow Caledonian, Napier, Paisley, Robert Gordon and Abertay.

Together with the other higher education institutions (HEIs), these dynamic places of learning are offering groundbreaking courses and producing highly-skilled graduates, qualified to work in a variety of professional fields.

Getting a place at University

It takes three years to study for an Ordinary degree, and four for an Honours qualification. The HEIs also offer postgraduate study and many of them are involved in research projects of global significance.

Entry requirements are determined by the choice of course – and vary slightly between HEIs – but are usually based on a combination of exam credits at Higher level (achieved in the senior years at school) or the equivalent.

The International Baccalaureate, for instance, or the Scholastic Aptitude Test, are both recognised. But in general terms, if an individual’s qualifications would allow entry to a similar university course in their own country, then they will most likely be recognised in Scotland too.

The HEIs usually stage open days around September every year. Check out the university or college websites to compare courses and to find out the dates and times of open days.

Students can apply to faculties and for courses through the Universities and Colleges Admission Services (UCAS) – although some HEIs such as the RSAMD invite direct application. UCAS application forms are available from the web site www.ucas.ac.uk, any UK school or college, or from the British Council if the application is from overseas.

Fees

Applicants living and studying in Scotland do not have to pay tuition fees. Non-UK European Union (EU) students, studying full-time at an institution in Scotland, are also entitled to free tuition.

However, non-EU overseas students will be liable to pay fees unless they have been resident in Scotland for three years before their application, and have no restrictions on the time they can spend in the country.

There are a number of qualifying elements to this. All the information can be found on the website www.britishcouncil.org, where you will also find details of funding support for some courses and overseas students, through grant awards or scholarships.

There can be other help with general study and living costs, most often through student loan schemes. This is dependant on both the course and the personal circumstances of the student, including the income of parents and partners. The criteria is often updated, so in addition to the British Council site, see www.student-support-saas.gov.uk for the most recent details.

University Life

For general information on university life, and what a potential student can expect from their learning path, it’s a good idea to visit the HEIs own web sites.

This will provide information about important issues such as the range of student accommodation provided through the high-standard halls of residence. However it is worth noting that, owing to the fact that Scotland offers a number of
world-class universities and HEIs, it is extremely common for Scottish students to attend their local university and live at home for the duration of their studies.

Of course higher education is not just about gaining a qualification, and from sports clubs and specialist societies to fun student unions, there are many rich and varied aspects of Scottish university life which will enhance any student’s experience.

More information on education in Scotland