International Study Centre
Prepare for undergraduate or postgraduate study at a UK university with the International Study Centre and benefit from unparalleled student support and excellent academic preparation.
Your first steps to degree success
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre is your first step to achieving your degree from one of the UK’s oldest universities. We are based on the University of Aberdeen campus, so you can feel integrated into university life from your very first day. As an International Study Centre student, you will firstly be based with us to develop the skills you need to progress to degree level study. You will be living and learning with other international students, discovering university and UK life together.
If you are on one of our undergraduate pathways, you spend the first or the second year of your degree with us before transitioning to the University for the remainder of your degree. Those on a postgraduate pathway will spend between ten and twelve weeks at the International Study Centre before beginning their Masters degree.
Our expert support begins before you even start at the International Study Centre. Once you submit an application to study with us, one of our Student Enrolment Advisors will be available throughout your entire application process. We are here to guide you on everything from accommodation help to visa queries. You can find out more about how we will guide you throughout the admissions process, on our support page.
We know how challenging it can be to study at a university when you aren’t used to the local education system. At the International Study Centre, we provide specially designed pathway programmes taught by expert staff, ensuring you build the language, academic and study skills you’ll need at the University.
Our support includes:
- Courses designed in collaboration with the University
- Academic guidance from tutors who are experts in international education
- Study plans to keep you on track to reach your goals
- Time to adapt to the complexities of the Scottish university system.
Studying in a new country can be a big adjustment. Our staff are here to help you settle in to UK life and to help you enjoy your time in Aberdeen. Our Student Experience team are always available if you need it.
You will start to gain the skills for career success at the International Study Centre. Career-focussed activities are built in to your pathway programme, and we will help you to expand upon your teamwork, problem solving and communication abilities, which will help you at university and in your career.
Hear from Trish, the Head of Curriculum & Progression at the International Study Centre, about how we support international students
In 2022
93% of students who completed their preparation programme at the International Study Centre were offered a place to study their degrees at the University of Aberdeen.
Mohamad from Syria
I wanted to go to the International Study Centre before going to the university because it prepared me for the lifestyle of the student and to the transition that I needed in order to proceed into my university studies later on. What helped me the most when I transitioned from the ISC to the University is that here they taught me how to write essays perfectly and how to reference. For the most part, it wasn't known to me and I was very ignorant regarding this stuff.
Mohamad from Syria
Studied Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Progressed to BSc Biomedical Sciences – Physiology
