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Best Colleges to Study in Scotland for Indian Students 2024

Updated on 02 February, 2024

Anupriya Mukherjee

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

The 2023 Research Professional News data shows more than 40,510 international students got admitted to Scottish educational institutions in 2021-2022. This record number was a 39.8% increase from the previous year. The large number of international candidates attracted to study in Scotland is due to numerous reasons. Let us look at the benefits, top universities, cost of study, scholarships, and job opportunities in Scotland.

Benefits of Studying in Scotland

Here’s a closer look into why studying in Scotland can be beneficial for you.  

Educational Prowess: 

The country has several universities in the QS World University Rankings (WUR) 2024 list, including the University of Edinburgh and University of Glasgow. The education system in Scotland is one of the world’s oldest and most well-developed systems. You will also find multiple degree and course options at almost every reputed university in Scotland. Undergraduate degrees have durations of four years in the country; the additional year enables students to flexibly pursue their education and broaden their areas of interest. 

Natural Beauty and History: 

From the mountains and botanical gardens to beaches and more, Scotland is never short of places to explore. Iconic castles like Stirling Castle and Edinburgh Castle beckon adventurers along with historical monuments like the Callanish Standing Stones. You can also participate in festivals like Burns Night, New Year’s Eve, and Hogmanay which are vibrant celebrations of Scottish culture and traditions. 

World-class Research Infrastructure: 

Scotland is known for its conducive and encouraging research environment. It also plays a vital role in supplying the circuitry used in various spacecraft and satellites. The country is famous for several inventions including phone flatscreens and keyhole surgery. Scotland has also played a crucial role in advancing the treatment of ailments like cancer and diabetes. Obtaining a degree under a research-based Scottish environment will help broaden your skills and knowledge.

Pleasant Weather and Living Conditions: 

Scotland is known for having a moderate climate with lovely weather throughout the year. Scotland summers ensure more hours of sunlight while winters are chilly and snowfall is also seen in some regions. The country is home to students from several countries and offers a multicultural and welcoming environment. Food is beautifully ingrained in Scottish culture with several traditional dishes like haggis and shortbread being favorites for visitors and locals. 

Working While Studying: 

You can work part-time while studying in a full-time course in Scotland. The maximum work time permitted is 20 hours per week during the term and up to 40 hours each week during holidays and breaks. 

Working After Studying: 

Upon graduating in Scotland, you can apply through the Graduate Immigration Route. This is a post-study work visa with a duration of two years. It will help you stay in the country and look for work.

Top Universities to Study in Scotland

Here are the leading universities in Scotland based on the QS WUR 2024 list and Scotland Rankings for 2024. 

Name of University QS WUR 2024  University Type
University of Edinburgh 22 Public Research University
University of Glasgow =76 Public Research University
University of St Andrews =95 Public University
University of Aberdeen 208 Public Research University
Heriot-Watt University 235 Public Research University
University of Strathclyde =276 Public Research University
University of Stirling =431 Public University
University of Dundee =441 Public Research University
Edinburgh Napier University 801-850 Public University
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh 851-900 Public University 

Cost of Studying in Scotland

The cost of studying in Scotland hovers around £26,500 to £34,800 per year for undergraduate courses. Postgraduate courses may cost around £11,680 to £29,950 per year. 

Scholarships to Study in Scotland

There are several scholarship options for those wishing to study in Scotland. Some of them include the following: 

Scholarship Name Eligibility  Amount/Benefits 
British Chevening Scholarships
  • Must be enrolled in a master’s program
  • Two years (equivalent to 2,800 hours) of work experience
  • Should have 2:1 undergraduate honors degree
  • Full tuition fees
  • Monthly stipend
  • Travel costs to and from the UK 
  • Homeward departure allowance
  • One visa application cost
  • An arrival allowance
  • A travel grant for attending Chevening events in the United Kingdom 
Saltire Scholarships
  • Must enroll in a one-year postgraduate full-time 
    course in areas like technology, science, creative industries, renewable and clean energy, and healthcare and medical sciences
  • Should not have completed their undergraduate degrees in Scotland
  • Should have 2:1 undergraduate honors degree
 £8,000
University of the West of Scotland Postgraduate Fee Offer
  • Must enroll in a postgraduate course
  • Should be self-funded
 10% of tuition fees 
Commonwealth Shared Scholarship Scheme
  • Must have enrolled in MSc program 
  • Holder of a first upper second class 2:1 honors/
    lower second class 2:2 degree/relevant postgraduate qualification 
  • Should not have worked/studied for more than a year
     in a high-income nation 
  • Demonstrate financial need
  • Tuition fee
  • Airfare to and from UK
  • Accommodation and maintenance expenses
Charles Wallace India Trust (CWIT) Long-Term Grants
  • Must pursue a master’s program for one year in the 
    UK in the disciplines of the arts or heritage conservation 
  • Indian citizens between 28 and 38
  • Have a diploma/first degree/professional qualification in chosen specialization 
  • Should not have received any CWIT grant in the 
    last five years 
  • Tuition fees
  • Living costs
  • £600 toward international travel 
Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships
  • Indian passport holders and residents 
  • Must have a undergraduate degree from a recognised university
  • English language certification 
  • Offer letter from an institution 
  • Up to £7,863 as tuition fee
  • Living costs
  • airfare 
  • healthcare expense

Job Opportunities After Studying in Scotland 

Here are some of the job opportunities that are available in Scotland, with their average salaries. 

Job Title Average Annual Base Salary
Information Technology Specialist £44,000
Branch Manager £28,000
Manager £39,000 
Billing Analyst  £19,500 
Customer Service Advisor  £17,000 
Head Chef £18,000 
Helicopter Pilot  £35,000
Human Resources Advisor £25,000
Marketing Communications Manager £45,000
Optometrist £28,000

Source: Glassdoor and Payscale

Choosing to study in Scotland thus comes with its fair share of benefits. From reputed universities and welcoming local communities to future job opportunities, the country promises wonderful experiences for international students. There are several scholarships that will help Indian aspirants fund their studies.

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FAQs

Is Scotland a good place to study?

Scotland is one of the top global destinations for students. It welcomes around 50,000+ international students from 180 countries every year. Scotland also has 13 universities in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rank 2024 list.

Do I need IELTS to study in Scotland?

Yes, IELTS scores are required to study in Scotland. The requirement for IELTS is usually an overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in every section of the test. However, some institutions also accept other equivalent English language proficiency test scores like TOEFL and PTE.

Can I study in Scotland for free?

Studying in Scotland may only be free for international students with the help of several scholarships which cover tuition fees and other related expenditures. Those who are Scottish citizens and residents will also have eligibility for free tuition while undertaking their first degrees in the country. 

Did you find this article helpful?

Anupriya Mukherjee

Sr. Content Writer

Anupriya Mukherjee is a passion-driven professional working as a Content Marketer and earlier worked as a Digital Marketeer. With around 6 years of work experience, she has experience creating high-quality, engaging content for websites, blogs, news articles, video scripts, brochures, and ebooks.

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