Study in Scotland
Why study in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is steeped in rich history, from its universities to its beautiful architecture.
The city has been awarded Purple Flag status for the 10th year running, recognising that Aberdeen is a safe and secure environment for students (Managed by the Association of Town & City Management, May 2023).
Aberdeenshire’s coastline has been recognised as one of the 20 most iconic landscapes in the world by National Geographic. The natural beauty surrounding Aberdeen offers a stunning backdrop for your studies.
As a city that is very welcoming to students, Aberdeen offers a vibrant student life. Aberdeen has exceptional sports facilities, including the Olympic-standard Aberdeen Sports Village and Aquatic Centre. These premiere facilities are available to the public, offering opportunities in athletics, football, swimming, hockey, squash, martial arts and boxing.
The city boasts a rich cultural scene, historical landmarks and stunning natural landscapes. Students can enjoy breathtaking parks, explore medieval castles, or relax at the beach. As the 4th most affordable city in the UK for students (QS Best Student Cities Rankings 2025), Aberdeen provides a safe and welcoming environment for international students. With Scotland's free bus scheme, known as Young Scot Card, students can explore this beautiful country whilst studying in Aberdeen (Transport Scotland, under 22s).
The International Study Centre
Begin your education journey in Scotland at the University of Aberdeen International Study Centre, located in the heart of the campus at the University of Aberdeen.
During your time at the International Study Centre, and the University, you will be a part of a friendly community. The supportive staff and your fellow students will make Aberdeen feel like home from day one.
The pathway programmes delivered at the International Study Centre are expertly designed to boost your English language skills and academic knowledge to the level required to succeed at university. Once you have successfully complete a pathway programme and achieve the required grades, you can progress to your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen. 97% of students who completed their pathway programme at Aberdeen International Study Centre were offered progression to a degree course at the University of Aberdeen in 2023.
Undergraduate pathways
Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Spend the first year at the International Study Centre, before joining the second year* of your degree at the University. You will develop the academic, study and English language skills necessary to succeed in a wide range of undergraduate degrees at the University of Aberdeen.
*Some exceptions apply for LLB programmes.
Choose from four pathways in:
International Year Two
Study three terms at the International Study Centre in a welcoming and supportive environment, before progressing to year three of your four-year undergraduate degree at the University. This programme is designed to support international students who perform above the level required for entry to the Undergraduate Foundation Programme.
Choose from three pathways:
*Subject to programme approval.
Postgraduate pathways
Pre-Masters
Our 12-week Pre-Masters is perfect if you are looking to expand the subject knowledge you gained on your undergraduate degree whilst also developing your English skills for study at a prestigious and top-ranking UK university.
Choose from two pathways:
Why choose the University of Aberdeen?
Become a part of academic history by studying at the University of Aberdeen which was founded in 1495 – making it one of the oldest universities in the UK.
The University has combined its historic academic excellence with a modern approach to teaching and learning, meaning you can graduate with confidence, knowing you have the skills and knowledge to build a successful career.
Top 20 in the UK
The University is ranked 18th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2026.
5 Nobel Prize winners
including the fields of Chemistry and Physics.
Historical place to study
Enjoy a long history of academic excellence by gaining your degree at Scotland’s 3rd oldest university, and the 5th oldest in the UK, founded in 1495.
International outlook
22nd in the world and 8th in the UK for international outlook.
(Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026)
“I searched the safest place...and that would be Scotland and the safest place in Scotland is Aberdeen. It's a coast city I've been living in grassland for 20 years and I've been spending as much time as possible to work on the beach. It's been my dream to live in a coast city. This is a dream come true for me.”
Jensen from China
Pre-Masters in Business & Law
Accounting and Finance MScEcon
“The University of Aberdeen is in a very nice location. The town is really peaceful, safe and friendly. There's a lot of support. University staff are very friendly. It's a beautiful place, I love it.”
Lea from Namibia
MSc Finance and Investment Management
“Everything about Aberdeen is really good. I was told that the weather is not going to suit me, but I absolutely love the weather. The people over here as well, they're friendly and supportive. It's a really good city for students to live because it's affordable. You have people from all over the world. I made a lot of new friends here.”
Faizan from Pakistan
International Year Two Computing Science
Computing Science BSc
Secured an internship with Redearth Education
“Actually transportation is one of the things that I really love about living in Scotland, you could apply for a Young Scot Card, which allows you free transportation all across Scotland. You could just hop on the bus, go from Aberdeen to Edinburgh to Glasgow, all over Scotland.”
Aylin from Iran
Undergraduate Foundation Programme
“I became so curious about continuing my studies abroad, so I went on doing research on places that I could study in. I put the UK as my first point and then I looked at Scotland because of its affordability and the beautiful culture. When I was researching, I found out that Scottish people were said to be lovely, they're kind. And also, Scotland is quite affordable compared to other countries or cities in the UK.”
Khamisa from South Sudan
International Year Two Business Management & Finance
MA Business Management
Entry requirements
Each of our pathway programmes comes with specific entry requirements. Check that you have the required academic and English language levels for your chosen programme.
Fees
Learn more about our pathway fees and plan for your time studying abroad at the International Study Centre.
Term dates
Once you've chosen your preferred pathway programme, check out our term dates page to discover when you can join us at the International Study Centre.