For many years, Scotland has been one of the most popular study locations for overseas students. Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom and is known as the northern third of Great Britain. It is located in the mid-west of Europe. Scotland is primarily known for its historical significance, cultural diversity, natural beauty, tradition, and accent. Students in Scotland are most satisfied with their instructional methods. The advantage of studying in Scotland is that it contains some of the most prestigious and internationally known universities in the world, and their rankings have remained steady throughout time. Every year, around 50,000 (fifty thousand) students from over 180 countries attend. Before arriving to Scotland, every overseas student should have a thorough understanding of the country.

According to QS world university rankings 2022, Scotland’s top 8 universities are listed-

  1. University of Edinburgh (16th)
  2. University of Glasgow (73rd)
  3. University of St Andrews (92nd)
  4. University of Aberdeen (205th)
  5. University of Strathclyde (302nd)
  6. Hariot watt University (207th)
  7. University of Dundee (159th)
  8. University of Stirling (471st)

If you are looking to study abroad, you will find out why studying in Scotland is beneficial and what benefits you can get. Here are 5 reasons why you should choose Scotland-

  1. History
  2. Meet new people
  3. Health care
  4. Explore nature
  5. Support systems

1. History

Scotland has a long and illustrious history. Each generation since the ancient clans of the 12th century has made their stamp on their own culture, making it quite unique in terms of culture. Everything, including their music, movies, fashion, art and design, food, and architecture, has its unique culture and inventiveness. It is home to some of the world's oldest universities, and studying at one of them is a source of pride. Near these facilities, you can locate old, gorgeous castles. What a breath taking sight that would be! It's fun to pass through these historic monuments on your way to class!

The Paleolithic era, sometimes known as the Stone Age, began 10,000 years ago, with the founding of Scotland. Students studying in Scotland who are interested in Scottish history can conduct research in a variety of methods, including:

  • National library
  • National Gallery
  • National records     
  • National Museums of Scotland

The course covers highlands and islands, early governmental status, the origins of Scotland, slave trade, Scottish and British connections, and so on.

The history of Scotland is extensive. It is home to some of the world's oldest universities, and attending one is a source of pride in and of itself. Close to these institutions, you can locate historic, gorgeous castles. What a breath taking sight! It's fun to walk into your lessons while passing by these historic sites.

 2.  Meet new people

Students from all across the world attend Scottish universities. As a result, you get to meet new people, make friends from various walks of life, and learn new skills. Although English is their native language, it is spoken with a Scottish accent, therefore students will acquire new accents as well. This adds up to the formal education you've received.

As a student, you can sample some traditional Scottish cuisine, and food is one of the most essential aspects of their culture.

Students studying in Scotland will notice a distinct way of speaking that is distinct from the British accent. Students can quickly determine the thickness of their accent; some words are said with a lot of emphasis, while others are spoken lightly.

3. Health care

The free health-care system in Scotland is well-known. You can also take advantage of the benefits as an international student. You will receive a card once you have been accepted by a Scottish university. Simply fill it up and take it to the doctor in your area who has been assigned to you. Students will have access to NHS health care services, will be able to register, and will be eligible for free drugs and doctor visits! As a result, Scotland is a fantastic area to study for students.

 They have been serving students for about 70 years.

 4. Explore nature

Scotland is stunning! If you enjoy the outdoors, this is the spot for you. The peaceful settlements provide an atmosphere that is difficult to find elsewhere. Scotland boasts many hills and mountains, making it ideal for hiking!

They place a strong emphasis on environmental preservation. Even a simple stroll through the streets of Scotland will allow you to appreciate the country's natural splendour. Houses and roads have been built with the environment in mind, and each home is required to include a little garden.

One of the advantages of studying in Scotland is the opportunity to recharge your batteries by visiting natural attractions.

Some natural sites to visit-

  • Dunnottar Castle, Aberdeen shire
  • Bow fiddle rock- moray
  • Isle of Lona
  • Bealach Na Ba- wester ross
  • Glenfinnan-Fort William and so on.

5. Support systems

As an international student, you may be a bit anxious when you land here. However, you will be pleased to know that Scotland has warm and friendly people and they would be more than willing to help you. Scottish universities are also known to offer good support to international students. They help you with anything you need. About 35% of students receive scholarships from various universities. The students get almost £8,000 saltire scholarship for postgraduate study, studying in Scotland is best for the students.

Studying in Scotland for international students can be expensive sometimes, so as a student you need to prepare about tuition fees and others. For Scottish students, they pay the lowest fees. But international students have to pay the highest fee than the home students. Also, they provide scholarships for the international.

In Scotland, it’s easy to get student accommodation and many students share their flats with other students which reduces the living cost. Also, known for its friendly and supportive workplace. Through various social activities, on-campus and parties students can build up their relationships with others, which helps to connect with others to get jobs. Living costs are at least 50% lowest in Scotland than in the UK.

The public transporting system of Scotland is more developed than in other countries and 95% of people can reach within 5 minutes train station or bus stop. Furthermore, they provide high-speed internet connections. 

170 languages are spoken all over Scotland, such as English, Arabic, Bengali, Dutch, Japanese, Italian, Turkish, Urdu and many more.

English for speakers of other languages (ESOL), need to improve for the international students who are studying in Scotland.

The Scottish government is committed to making Scotland a world-class digital nation. Still, thinking? Enrol at a Scottish University and experience a student life that your friends would envy!

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

How much does it cost to study in Scotland?

It depends on courses and student’s range. They offer different scale of tuition fees for home students, RUK (Rest of UK) students and international students. The tuition fee of local students starts from £5000 and increase up to £15000. On the other hand, overseas students need to pay £15000 to £30000 depending on their university and course of degree.

Is studying in Scotland free?

The higher education in Scotland is not free. For the Scottish students, they pay lowest fees. But international students have to pay highest fee than the home students. Also, they provide scholarships for the international.

Is Scotland a good place to study?

As an international student you may be a bit anxious when you land here. However, you will be pleased to know that Scotland has warm and friendly people and they would be more than willing to help you.

Is Scotland expensive for international students?

Living costs are at least 50% lowest in Scotland than England. Public transporting system of Scotland is more developed than other country and 95% of people can reach within 5 minutes to train station or bus stop.

What are the benefits of studying in Scotland?

You will find out why study in Scotland is beneficial and what benefits you can get. Here are 5 reasons why you should choose Scotland- Ø History Ø Meet new people Ø Health care Ø Explore nature Ø Support systems

Is scholarship available in Scotland for international students?

Scottish universities are also known to offer good support to international students. They help you with anything you need. About 35% students receive scholarships from various universities. The students get almost £8,000 saltire scholarship for post graduate study, study in Scotland is best for the students.