International Study Centre
Become a part of the Aberdeen Family and find academic success at a top-ranking UK university with our undergraduate and postgraduate pathway programmes. Our International Study Centre in the heart of the Old Aberdeen Campus offers a safe and welcoming environment, whoever you are and wherever you come from. You will be living and learning with other international students, discovering the university and UK life together.
Established in 1495, the University is defined by a long history of academic success and research excellence, combined with a modern approach to teaching and learning.
The University is ranked 12th in the UK by the Guardian University Guide 2024.
Staff at the University are experts in their fields, with 77% of research considered ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ by the Research Excellence Framework 2021.
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.
Get the best of both worlds by experiencing a rich British heritage, all whilst studying with 14,000 students from across 130 different nationalities.
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 upon successful completion of the pathway programme. 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.
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 degrees across the University.
*Some exceptions apply for LLB programmes.
Choose from four pathways in:
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 two pathways:
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:
By studying your pathway programme with us, you will benefit from joining a welcoming international community who are ready to embark on the study abroad journey together. You’ll be part of a community of students, connected through live classes and discussion groups, and we’ll be here to support you every step of the way.
"You’ll get a very fulfilling academic experience, and also an all-around experience. It's a very diverse university, so you'll meet people from many nationalities. You’ll have the opportunity to grow as a person and to be a good functioning member of society, just by coming to Aberdeen."
Simba from Zimbabwe
Studies BEng Chemical Engineering
"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 International Study Centre to the University is that here they taught me how to write essays perfectly and how to reference."
Mohamad from Syria
Undergraduate Foundation Programme
BSc Biomedical Sciences – Physiology
"The teachers were really nice, to the extent that I was also taken through extra remedial classes, whereby they made sure that I was able to catch up. They helped me stabilise and get myself prepared because they became more like another family, away from home."
Khamisa from South Sudan
International Year Two
MA Business Management
Our student enrolment advisors are available to answer your questions and help you with your application.
