The benefits of studying in Scotland

You may have visited Scotland on holiday, to watch a world-class sporting event, or attend one of the many cultural events and festivals held here throughout the year. Scotland can also offer you a fantastic university education. This article explores the many benefits of studying in Scotland.

Scotland offers 600 years of excellence in higher education.

It is home to four of the six oldest UK universities, as well as many modern institutions. The quality and structure of the education system in Scotland is renowned, and has been replicated by many countries around the world.

Most Scottish school leavers have studied Highers or a mix of Highers and Advanced Highers. Scottish Universities traditionally offer four year degree pathways with the option to study your degree over three years for A level students.

The four-year degree structure is a very popular choice and has many advantages. It will offer you:

• Flexibility - the first two years of study can be more flexible as they will often allow you to study your subject and the surrounding subjects as well. This enables you to not only gain a breadth of knowledge, but often allows you to switch degrees after the first year if you find your interest has changed.

• Skills - The knowledge gained before specialising in your later years of study enables you to improve and develop study skills. This is highly valued by employers.

• Time - A four-year degree provides you time to mature and develop as a young adult. You can get to grips with university life and living independently, whilst making the most of your student experience.

You may have questions about tuition fees, particularly if you’re considering a four-year degree option. Don’t worry: the application process for tuition and maintenance loans are the same as they are elsewhere in the UK. You can apply for a student loan for each year of study.

The quality of education in Scotland, depth of research excellence and strong industry connections fostered by Scottish Universities mean that our students benefit from some of the strongest graduate outcomes in the UK.

In fact, five Scottish universities feature in the UK top 20 for positive outcomes for graduates in full-time employment or further study, as reported in the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey of 2021/22 graduates’ activities 15 months after graduation.

You will receive a warm welcome. Scottish universities are diverse and inclusive, home to over 50,000 students from more than 180 countries each year.

There’s something for everyone in Scotland, with easy access to vibrant cities, beaches, and the great outdoors. The cities are some of the safest cities in the UK to be a student, and they are well-connected by rail and air.

Better yet, students under the age of 22 receive free bus travel in Scotland. You can make the most of this to explore Scotland in your leisure time.

You will discover a fantastic student experience in Scotland.