University of Aberdeen
Ancient heritage, modern thinking, global impact.
📍 Aberdeen, Scotland
🏆 #2 in Scotland · QS World #262 · THE World #201 · ARWU #201
Quick Facts about University of Aberdeen
- Founded: 1495
- Type: Public
- Students: 13,930
- Campus: Multiple Campuses
- Tuition: $26,100 – $62,800/year
- Language: English
- Intakes: September, January
About University of Aberdeen
Academics
The University of Aberdeen is structured into three colleges: Arts and Social Sciences, Life Sciences and Medicine, and Physical Sciences, each comprising various academic schools and research centers. The university offers nearly 600 undergraduate and over 100 postgraduate-taught programs. Notable for its research output, particularly in English literature, language, and creative writing, it is ranked highly in the UK for research quality in these fields. The teaching approach emphasizes in-depth understanding, with opportunities for specialization and the development of core skills vital for various careers.
International Students
The University of Aberdeen boasts a diverse student body, with 20% of its students coming from outside the UK, representing over 130 nationalities. The university offers various support services, including the Aberdeen Global Scholarship, which provides a £6,000 tuition fee waiver annually for eligible international undergraduate students. English language proficiency is a key requirement, with specific IELTS scores needed for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA) plays a crucial role in cultural integration, organizing recreational activities and supporting over 300 sports clubs and societies, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
Campus & Location
The university's main campus is King's College in Old Aberdeen, a historic area that blends ancient architecture with modern facilities, housing the Arts, Social Sciences, and Physical Sciences. A second campus at Foresterhill is dedicated to Life Sciences and Medicine, co-located with major hospitals, forming one of Europe's largest health campuses. Aberdeen itself, known as the "Granite City," offers a unique mix of urban and coastal charm, with a rich maritime history, cultural scene, and proximity to natural landscapes like the Cairngorms. The Sir Duncan Rice Library, an award-winning architectural marvel, provides extensive study spaces and resources.
Career Outcomes
The University of Aberdeen demonstrates strong graduate outcomes, with 96.6% of its graduates securing employment or pursuing further studies within six months of graduation. The Careers and Employability Service offers comprehensive support, including one-to-one advising, skill development programs, and access to job fairs and networking events. The university has strong industry links, particularly in the energy sector, due to Aberdeen's status as the energy capital of Europe, attracting major employers like Shell and BP. ABVentures, the university's entrepreneurship support program, nurtures student and graduate startups, providing resources, incubation space, and a business idea competition.
Information for International Students at University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland welcomes international students.
- Visa support available
- On-campus work allowed
- Student housing available
- Work placement / internship opportunities available
- Teaching languages: English
Admissions Requirements for University of Aberdeen
Here are the key admission requirements for international students applying to University of Aberdeen:
- IELTS minimum: 6
- TOEFL minimum: 78
- Duolingo minimum: 105
- GPA minimum: 3
- Selectivity: Open (60%+)
- Application deadline: June 30, 2026
Programs at University of Aberdeen (35 programs)
University of Aberdeen offers 35 programs across Bachelor, Master, PhD levels.
Bachelor Programs (17)
- History (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
Examines past events and their influence on the modern world, fostering analytical skills for law, journalism, and heritage.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Journalist
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - History (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
Examines past events and their influence on the modern world, fostering analytical skills for law, journalism, and heritage.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Historian, Archivist, Journalist
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Anthropology (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
A study of human societies and cultures across the globe, providing skills for careers in international development and social research.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Social Researcher, Development Worker
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Chemical Engineering (BEng) — 48 months · English · $24,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on the design and operation of industrial processes for producing chemicals, fuels, and pharmaceuticals.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Chemical Engineer, Process Engineer
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Economics (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
Analyzes how resources are allocated and the impact of policy on markets, preparing students for roles in finance and government.
Field: Social Science
Career outcomes: Economist, Financial Analyst
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - English (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
Explores literature and language across history, developing critical thinking and communication skills for media and education careers.
Field: Humanities
Career outcomes: Writer, Editor, Teacher
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Accountancy (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
Students learn core principles of financial and management accounting, preparing for careers in auditing, tax, and financial consultancy.
Field: Business/Finance
Career outcomes: Accountant, Auditor, Tax Consultant
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Archaeology — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Combines humanities and science to study the human past through material remains, preparing students for heritage and field research roles.
Field: Geosciences
Career outcomes: Archaeologist, Heritage Manager
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Business Management (MA) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
Covers organizational behavior, strategy, and marketing to prepare students for leadership roles in global business.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Business Manager, Project Manager
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Computing Science (BSc) — 48 months · English · $24,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Provides a broad foundation in software development, algorithms, and systems design for the modern tech workforce.
Field: Computing
Career outcomes: Software Developer, Systems Analyst
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Animal Behaviour (BSc) — 48 months · English · $24,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Explores the biological basis of animal behavior and ecology, leading to roles in conservation, research, and wildlife management.
Field: Biological Sci
Career outcomes: Conservationist, Researcher, Wildlife Manager
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Biomedical Sciences (BSc) — 48 months · English · $24,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Studies the human body in health and disease, providing a foundation for careers in medical research and clinical laboratories.
Field: Medical Sci
Career outcomes: Biomedical Scientist, Medical Researcher
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Geography — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Studies the relationship between people and their environments, focusing on climate change and urban development.
Field: Geosciences
Career outcomes: Environmental Consultant, GIS Specialist
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Law (LLB) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · Scholarship available
A professional degree covering legal systems and principles, preparing students for legal practice or corporate advisory roles.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Solicitor, Barrister, Legal Advisor
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Mathematics (BSc) — 48 months · English · $20,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Develops advanced mathematical techniques and problem-solving skills applicable in finance, engineering, and data science.
Field: Math
Career outcomes: Data Analyst, Actuary, Statistician
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Medicine (MBChB) — 60 months · English · $38,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
A comprehensive clinical program training students to become medical doctors with hands-on experience in the NHS.
Field: Medicine
Career outcomes: Doctor, General Practitioner, Surgeon
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final) - Psychology (BSc) — 48 months · English · $24,800/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
The scientific study of the mind and behavior, preparing students for clinical, educational, or occupational psychology careers.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Psychologist, Counselor
Deadline: Jan 15 (UCAS Equal Consideration), June 30 (Final)
Master Programs (12)
- Artificial Intelligence (MSc) — 12 months · English · $27,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Specialized training in deep learning and neural networks for high-level roles in the technology and automation industries.
Field: Computing
Career outcomes: AI Researcher, Machine Learning Engineer
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Business Administration (MBA) — 12 months · English · $28,000/yr · Scholarship available
A leadership-focused program designed to enhance strategic management skills for experienced professionals.
Field: Management
Career outcomes: CEO, Operations Director, Entrepreneur
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Accounting & Finance (MSc) — 12 months · English · $26,250/yr · Scholarship available
Advanced study of financial reporting and investment analysis for careers in global banking and corporate finance.
Field: Business
Career outcomes: Investment Banker, Financial Controller
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Advanced Chemical Engineering (MSc) — 12 months · English · $27,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on advanced process safety and design, preparing engineers for senior roles in the energy and chemical sectors.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Senior Process Engineer, Safety Consultant
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Data Science (MSc) — 12 months · English · $27,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Teaches advanced data mining and statistical modeling to extract insights from large datasets for business and research.
Field: Computing
Career outcomes: Data Scientist, Business Intelligence Analyst
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Energy Transition Systems (MSc) — 12 months · English · $27,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on the technical and economic aspects of moving from fossil fuels to low-carbon energy sources.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Energy Consultant, Sustainability Manager
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Health Psychology (MSc) — 12 months · English · $25,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Examines how psychological factors influence physical health and illness, preparing students for healthcare research and practice.
Field: Psychology
Career outcomes: Health Psychologist, Public Health Officer
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - International Relations (MSc) — 12 months · English · $23,000/yr · Scholarship available
Analyzes global politics, security, and diplomacy, preparing students for careers in international organizations and NGOs.
Field: Politics
Career outcomes: Diplomat, Policy Analyst
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Renewable Energy Engineering (MSc) — 12 months · English · $27,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Covers the design and implementation of wind, solar, and hydro energy systems for a sustainable future.
Field: Engineering
Career outcomes: Renewable Energy Engineer, Project Developer
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Sustainability Transitions (MSc) — 12 months · English · $24,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Interdisciplinary study of how societies can transition to sustainable practices in food, energy, and urban systems.
Field: Env. Science
Career outcomes: Sustainability Officer, Environmental Policy Advisor
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Oil & Gas Law — 12 months · English · $24,500/yr · Scholarship available
Specialized legal training in the regulation of the energy sector, focusing on contracts and environmental law.
Field: Law
Career outcomes: Energy Lawyer, Legal Consultant
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake) - Petroleum Data Management (MSc) — 12 months · English · Online · $25,000/yr · STEM · Scholarship available
Focuses on the management of subsurface data for the oil and gas industry, delivered entirely online.
Field: Geosciences
Career outcomes: Data Manager, Geoscience Analyst
Deadline: Aug 2 (Sept intake), Dec 5 (Jan intake)
PhD Programs (6)
- Biological Sciences (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Independent research program focusing on advanced topics in biology, ecology, or biotechnology.
Field: Biology
Career outcomes: Academic Researcher, University Lecturer
Deadline: Rolling - Geology (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Advanced research into Earth's structure and processes, often linked to energy and environmental challenges.
Field: Earth Sci
Career outcomes: Geologist, Exploration Manager
Deadline: Rolling - Chemistry (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
High-level research in chemical sciences, leading to breakthroughs in materials, medicine, or environmental chemistry.
Field: Chemistry
Career outcomes: Research Scientist, Industrial Chemist
Deadline: Rolling - Physics (PhD) — 36 months · English · STEM · Scholarship available
Specialized research in theoretical or experimental physics, contributing to global scientific knowledge.
Field: Physics
Career outcomes: Senior Physicist, R&D Lead
Deadline: Rolling - Divinity (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
Advanced theological research exploring religious texts, history, and philosophy.
Field: Theology
Career outcomes: Theologian, Clergy, Academic
Deadline: Rolling - Education (PhD) — 36 months · English · Scholarship available
Research-based study of educational theory, policy, and practice to improve learning outcomes.
Field: Education
Career outcomes: Educational Researcher, Policy Advisor
Deadline: Rolling
Scholarships & Tuition at University of Aberdeen
Annual tuition for international students: $26,100 – $62,800/year
✅ University of Aberdeen offers scholarships for international students. Check the official website for eligibility, amounts, and deadlines.
Rankings of University of Aberdeen
- National Ranking: #2 in Scotland
- QS World University Ranking: #262
- Times Higher Education (THE): #201
- Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU): #201
- Ranking tier: Research University
- Research output: Very High
Campus & Facilities at University of Aberdeen
- Student housing available
- Sports facilities available
- No disability support info
- Campus type: Multiple Campuses
Key Highlights
- Founded in 1495
- Fifth oldest university in the UK
- Associated with five Nobel Prize winners
- Top 20 university in the UK
- Global leader in energy transition research
- Ancient university with historic campus architecture
Notable Alumni
- Iain Glen
- Alistair Darling
- Tessa Jowell
- Ali Smith
- Nicky Campbell
Frequently Asked Questions about University of Aberdeen
What is University of Aberdeen?
University of Aberdeen is a public university located in Aberdeen, Scotland, founded in 1495. It has approximately 13,930 students.
How much does it cost to study at University of Aberdeen?
Tuition fees at University of Aberdeen for international students range from $26,100 – $62,800/year. Scholarships are available for international students.
What are the admission requirements for University of Aberdeen?
IELTS minimum: 6. TOEFL minimum: 78. Duolingo minimum: 105. GPA minimum: 3. Selectivity: Open (60%+). Application deadline: June 30, 2026.
What language are courses taught in at University of Aberdeen?
Courses at University of Aberdeen are taught in English. International students need a minimum IELTS score of 6.
How many programs does University of Aberdeen offer?
University of Aberdeen offers 35 programs: 17 Bachelor's, 12 Master's, and 6 PhD programs across various fields of study.
What is University of Aberdeen ranked?
#2 in Scotland · QS World #262 · THE World #201 · ARWU #201.
Does University of Aberdeen offer scholarships?
Yes, University of Aberdeen offers scholarships for international students. Visit the university's official financial aid page for current opportunities, eligibility criteria, and deadlines.
Does University of Aberdeen provide visa support?
Yes, University of Aberdeen provides visa support for international students. Student housing is also available. On-campus work opportunities are available.
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