UNITED KINGDOM · ABERDEEN

University of Aberdeen

public · Founded 1495 · Languages: en

U

In short

The University of Aberdeen, founded in 1495, is a UK Top 20 university renowned for research in energy transition, medicine, and law. It welcomes over 4,500 international students and offers scholarships for eligible applicants.

Key facts

Type: Public
Founded: 1495
Students: 15,000
International students: 120
Acceptance rate: 75%
Tuition (intl): €7–9k/yr
Languages: EN
Location: Aberdeen, United Kingdom

For international students

United Kingdom

Student visa & funds

International students apply for the UK Student visa, which replaced the former Tier 4 (General) route. You need an unconditional offer from a licensed student sponsor and must show maintenance funds held for at least 28 consecutive days. As of November 2025 the requirement is £1,529 per month (for up to nine months) for courses in London and £1,171 per month for courses elsewhere, on top of tuition. Students who have already held a UK visa for 12 months, and nationals of certain low-risk countries, are exempt from evidencing the funds.

Working while you study

On a degree-level course at a licensed higher-education provider, you may work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during official vacation periods; sub-degree courses are capped at 10 hours per week. There is no distinction between on-campus and off-campus work, but self-employment and working as a professional sportsperson or coach are not permitted. Once you have completed all course requirements you may work full-time until your visa expires.

After you graduate

Graduates of an eligible UK degree can apply for the Graduate visa (the Graduate Route) without needing an employer sponsor. As of 2026, bachelor’s and master’s graduates receive two years of open work permission and PhD graduates receive three years. Under the 2025 immigration reforms, applications made on or after 1 January 2027 will grant 18 months instead of two years for non-doctoral qualifications, while PhD holders keep three years.

English tests

IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; competitive/Russell Group courses up to 7.0–7.5
TOEFL iBTUG 80–90; PG 90–100; top research universities 100+
PTE AcademicUG 51–65; PG 59–75

Main intakes

SeptemberJanuary

Typical living cost

€1,400/month

Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.

SourcesGOV.UK — Student visa: money you need · GOV.UK — Student visa: working · GOV.UK — Graduate visa · UKCISA — Changes to the Student and Graduate rules · Fateh Education — IELTS requirements for UK universities (2026) · Fateh Education — UK living expenses for students (2026)

Programs

a selection

View top programs →

University of Aberdeen · United Kingdom

Advanced Chemical Engineering (MSc)

This Master of Science (MSc) program provides advanced skills and knowledge in chemical and process engineering, suitable for graduates with a background in chemical engineering or related disciplines. It focuses on industry needs across various sectors like oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, food, and environmental science. The program equips students with detailed understanding of core chemical engineering principles, including separation techniques, pollution control, catalyst and reactor design, and process design. Optional courses allow for specialization in areas such as clean energy, process safety, or human factors engineering. A significant component is the individual research project, fostering independent research skills and expertise aligned with career aspirations.

University of Aberdeen · United Kingdom

Advanced Mechanical Engineering (MSc)

This Master of Science (MSc) program in Advanced Mechanical Engineering is designed for graduates with a background in mechanical engineering or related disciplines. It focuses on equipping students with advanced skills and knowledge in computational techniques and packages to solve complex engineering challenges. The program aims to prepare graduates for careers in leading industries such as automotive, energy, defense, and manufacturing by providing a strong foundation in areas like computational fluid dynamics, numerical simulation, advanced materials, and finite element methods. Students will engage with core topics and have the flexibility to choose optional courses in specialized fields like marine and wind energy, fire and explosion engineering, or project management. The curriculum culminates in an individual research project, allowing students to hone their independent research abilities and delve into practical industry-relevant issues. The program is developed with input from an Industry Advisory Board and is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), ensuring its high standards and relevance to professional engineering development.

University of Aberdeen · United Kingdom

Energy Economics and Finance (MScEcon)

This intellectually stimulating MSc program equips you with the analytical skills and industry knowledge essential for a successful career in the energy sector. Building on the University of Aberdeen's long-standing expertise in energy and economics, the curriculum incorporates insights from multinational corporations, government agencies, and industry professionals. You will learn from renowned experts in energy economics, engage with real-world case studies, and benefit from guest lectures and dissertation opportunities with leading energy firms and government bodies. The program is ideal for energy professionals seeking career advancement or for individuals wanting to deepen their understanding of energy industry decision-making and policy. The University's Business School hosts prominent research centers like the Scottish Experimental Economics Laboratory (SEEL), the Centre for Labour Market Research (CeLMR), and the Aberdeen Centre for Research in Energy Economics and Finance (ACREEF), providing a rich academic environment. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in government, consultancy, and major energy companies, focusing on areas such as energy policy, financial analysis, and market research. Alumni have found employment with organizations like the Scottish Government, BP, and Total.

University of Aberdeen · United Kingdom

Finance (MA)

This Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance provides a comprehensive understanding of financial theories and their practical applications in the business world. The program explores core concepts in microeconomics, macroeconomics, corporate finance, and asset pricing, as well as the functioning of the financial system. Students will progress to specialized and advanced techniques in investment, data analysis, derivatives pricing, treasury management, and portfolio management. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to specialize or explore interdisciplinary subjects. Graduates will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career in the financial services industry. The degree emphasizes quantitative techniques used in practice and offers exposure to professional training facilities, including a trading floor used by major financial institutions. The University maintains strong links with employers, preparing students for roles in various sectors such as banking, insurance, investment trusts, and positions like financial analyst, portfolio manager, or risk management consultant.

University of Aberdeen · United Kingdom

Finance and Investment Management (MScEcon)

This Master of Science (MScEcon) program in Finance and Investment Management offers a blend of academic research and practical professional focus, designed to advance your career and earning potential. It provides a solid foundation in both the theoretical and practical aspects of finance, economics, and investment, making it suitable for those already in finance roles or aspiring to enter the profession. While a background in finance or business is not mandatory, strong numeracy skills are beneficial. The program is delivered on campus in Aberdeen and can be studied full-time or part-time over 12 or 24 months, with September and January start dates available.

University of Aberdeen · United Kingdom

Human Nutrition (MSc)

This Master of Science (MSc) in Human Nutrition program aims to deepen your understanding of the relationship between diet and health, and equip you with the knowledge to help prevent disease. You will explore various aspects of human nutrition, from molecular and metabolic levels to public health, sustainable diets, and global food systems. The flexible course structure allows you to align your studies with your specific interests and career goals. Upon completion, you will be able to describe the scientific basis of nutrition, understand nutritional requirements across different scales, analyze the food chain's impact on dietary choices, and apply nutritional principles to promote individual and population health. The program is a collaboration with the University of Aberdeen's Rowett Institute, a renowned centre for nutrition research, offering a rich history and expertise in informing policy and understanding diet-related health issues.

Scholarships

for United Kingdom

Browse all scholarships →

full funding

Wellcome Trust

Wellcome Discovery Awards

Open to established researchers and research teams with a proven record of research delivery who are based at, or will be hosted by, an eligible not-for-profit organisation in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, or an eligible low- or middle-income country (excluding India and mainland China). Projects must propose bold, transformative research aligned with Wellcome's mission to improve health. The award does not cover the lead applicant's own salary, and a researcher may lead only one active Discovery Award submission.

The Alan Turing Institute

Open Source AI Fellowship (UK)

Open to AI professionals and researchers who are legally eligible to work in the UK without sponsorship, have resided in the UK for at least 5 years (a security check is required), are employed by a UK-based organisation willing to support a 12-month secondment, and hold a PhD or equivalent professional experience in AI or a related discipline.

Skoll Foundation / University of Oxford Saïd Business School

Skoll Scholarship for the Oxford MBA

Open to applicants of any nationality admitted to the full-time one-year Oxford MBA at Saïd Business School who can demonstrate a track record of entrepreneurial action creating positive social or environmental impact, and for whom the cost of the programme is a significant financial burden.

Rhodes Scholarship

For talented young people from around the world to undertake postgraduate study at the University of Oxford. Around 100 scholars are selected each year from more than 60 countries and constituencies; applications are made in your home country or constituency, each with its own age and eligibility rules.

Gates Cambridge Trust

Gates Cambridge Scholarships

Open to citizens of any country outside the United Kingdom applying for a full-time postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc/MLitt, or one-year master's) at the University of Cambridge. Selection weighs academic excellence, a strong fit with the chosen Cambridge course, a clear commitment to improving the lives of others, and leadership potential.

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG), tenable at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Africa Initiative for Governance (AIG) Scholarships at the University of Oxford

Open to West African nationals (for example from Nigeria and Ghana) seeking to study the Master of Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford. Applicants are generally aged between 25 and 45, hold a strong undergraduate degree (typically second-class upper or above), demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to Africa's public sector, and intend to apply their learning in their home country's public service.

Frequently asked questions

What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of Aberdeen?

+

Tuition fees for international students vary by programme. Undergraduate students can expect to pay around £14,000–£22,000 per year, depending on the subject. Scholarship awards can reduce these costs for eligible students.

Are there scholarships available for international students?

+

Yes, the University of Aberdeen offers scholarships such as the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligible international undergraduates can receive a £6,000 tuition waiver per year, and postgraduate students can receive an £8,000 tuition waiver.

What are the living costs for students in Aberdeen?

+

Average student living costs in Aberdeen are approximately £900–£1,200 per month. This estimate covers accommodation, food, transport, and personal expenses.

What are the English language requirements for international students?

+

For IELTS Academic, students typically need an overall score of 6.5 with no band below 5.5; some programmes may require 7.0. For TOEFL iBT, the requirement is 90 overall, with some programmes needing 100.

What academic qualifications are needed for undergraduate admission?

+

Undergraduate admission typically requires qualifications such as A-levels (usually ABB–AAA), Scottish Highers, or the IB Diploma (30–36 points), or equivalent international qualifications.

University of Aberdeen

Why study here

Student life

For international students