University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
University of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, United Kingdom
Founded
1495
Institution Type
Public Research University
Total Students
14,500+
Nationalities
130+
Discover the University of Aberdeen: Over 500 Years of Academic Excellence
Discover the University of Aberdeen: Over 500 Years of Academic Excellence
Founded in 1495 by William Elphinstone, Bishop of Aberdeen, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. It was established by papal bull from Pope Alexander VI at the request of King James IV, originally as a centre of learning to serve the communities of northern Scotland.
Today, the University of Aberdeen is home to over 14,500 students from more than 130 nationalities, studying across 12 academic schools. The university is dedicated to creating real-world impact in five interdisciplinary areas: Energy Transition, Social Inclusion and Cultural Diversity, Environment and Biodiversity, Data and AI, and Health, Nutrition and Wellbeing.
Situated in the historic Old Aberdeen district, the university blends centuries of heritage with modern facilities, including the award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library and Olympic-standard Aberdeen Sports Village. It consistently ranks among the top 30 universities in the United Kingdom and the top 250 worldwide.
Key Milestones
- 1495: King's College founded by Bishop William Elphinstone through a papal bull from Pope Alexander VI.
- 1497: Established the first Chair of Medicine in the English-speaking world.
- 1860: King's College and Marischal College merged to form the modern University of Aberdeen.
- 2012: The GBP 57 million Sir Duncan Rice Library opened, winning multiple prestigious architecture and design awards.
Academic Structure and Schools
Academic Structure and Schools
The University of Aberdeen delivers education and research across 12 academic schools, offering more than 370 undergraduate courses and over 120 postgraduate programmes. The university's interdisciplinary approach encourages collaboration across disciplines, enabling students to tailor flexible degree programmes to their career goals and interests.
School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition
Building on Aberdeen's historic strength in medicine since 1497, this school delivers leading education and research in medical sciences, nutrition, and healthcare at the Foresterhill campus.
- Medicine (MBChB)
- Biomedical Sciences
- Nutrition and Dietetics
School of Law
Law has been taught at Aberdeen since its foundation in 1495. The School of Law offers programmes grounded in Scots law with an international perspective, consistently ranked among the top in the UK.
- Law (LLB)
- LLM International Law
- Diploma in Professional Legal Practice (DPLP)
Aberdeen Business School
The Aberdeen Business School provides career-focused programmes with strong links to the energy, finance, and management sectors, offering CFA and ICAEW pathways integrated into select degrees.
- Business Management (MA)
- Accountancy and Finance
- MBA
School of Engineering
Located in Scotland's energy capital, the School of Engineering is renowned for programmes in petroleum, chemical, and mechanical engineering, with strong industry connections to the oil and gas sector.
- Mechanical Engineering (MEng)
- Chemical Engineering
- Petroleum Engineering (MSc)
School of Biological Sciences
This school conducts cutting-edge research in ecology, zoology, plant science, and conservation biology, supported by modern laboratories in the Science Teaching Hub completed in 2021.
- Ecology and Conservation Biology
- Genetics and Molecular Biology
- Marine Biology
School of Divinity, History, Philosophy and Art History
One of the university's founding disciplines, this school offers a broad humanities education with strengths in philosophy, theology, and historical studies rooted in the Scottish Enlightenment tradition.
- History (MA)
- Philosophy
- Theology and Religious Studies
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Undergraduate Admission
- Scottish HighersTypically AABB-AABBB depending on programme
- A-LevelsABB-BBB for most programmes
- IB DiplomaMinimum 33 points (varies by programme)
- English LanguageIELTS 6.0 overall (5.5 in each component; 6.0 writing)
- US ApplicantsHigh School Diploma with 3.0 GPA minimum
Postgraduate Admission
- Degree ClassificationUK Honours degree at 2:1 or equivalent (some accept 2:2)
- English LanguageIELTS 6.5 overall (6.0 in each component) for most programmes
- Personal StatementStatement of purpose detailing motivation and career aspirations
- ReferencesTypically two academic or professional references
- MBA RequirementMinimum 2 years post-degree professional work experience
Application deadline for Medicine (MBChB) through UCAS.
Recommended deadline for all other undergraduate programmes via UCAS for equal consideration.
Final deadline for international undergraduate applications, though early application is strongly recommended.
Most postgraduate programmes accept rolling applications. Check individual programme pages for specific deadlines.
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
Tuition Fees and Scholarships
The University of Aberdeen offers competitive tuition fees compared to many leading UK universities, with a range of scholarships available for both domestic and international students. Fees vary by programme and student fee status, and are subject to annual review.
| Fee Category | UK/Home Students | International Students |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate (Arts/Social Sciences) | GBP 1,820 (Scotland) / GBP 9,535 (RUK) | GBP 17,200 - 23,000 per year |
| Undergraduate (Sciences/Engineering) | GBP 1,820 (Scotland) / GBP 9,535 (RUK) | GBP 25,000 - 28,750 per year |
| Undergraduate (Medicine) | GBP 1,820 (Scotland) / GBP 9,535 (RUK) | GBP 38,000 - 50,100 per year |
| Postgraduate Taught (MSc/MA) | GBP 12,520 - 15,300 per year | GBP 15,300 - 31,000 per year |
| Total | Contact the university for programme-specific totals | Contact the university for programme-specific totals |
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
A tuition fee discount automatically applied to eligible self-funded international students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate taught programmes.
- UG Award: GBP 6,000 tuition waiver per year
- PGT Award: GBP 8,000 tuition waiver
- Application: No separate application required; automatically assessed
Access and Merit Scholarships
Financial support available for students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland based on academic merit and widening access criteria.
- Eligibility: Students from England, Wales, or Northern Ireland
- Type: Merit-based and access-based awards
- Details: Visit the university's Scholarships and Funding database
Campus and Facilities
Campus and Facilities
The University of Aberdeen operates across two main campuses: the historic Old Aberdeen campus centred on King's College, and the Foresterhill campus dedicated to medicine and health sciences. Together they offer a blend of centuries-old architecture and modern, purpose-built facilities.
The historic heart of the university dating back to 1495, featuring the iconic Crown Tower and medieval chapel.
The award-winning GBP 57 million library opened in 2012, housing over one million books and the university's historic collections.
A GBP 28 million Olympic-standard sports centre with a 50-metre swimming pool, diving pool, and extensive fitness facilities.
Housing and Dining
Student Accommodation
The university offers a range of halls of residence with free Wi-Fi, kitchen and dining facilities, communal areas, and 24-hour security. Rooms adapted for students with disabilities are available in accessible halls.
- Self-catered and catered options available
- Guaranteed accommodation for first-year students
- Estimated cost: GBP 4,120 - 8,400 per year
Dining and Social Spaces
The campus features multiple cafes, restaurants, and social spaces including The Hub, a student dining and social centre established by the Students' Association in Old Aberdeen.
- Multiple on-campus cafes and eateries
- The Hub student social centre
- Elphinstone Hall for events and dining
Student Life at the University of Aberdeen
Student Life at the University of Aberdeen
Student life at Aberdeen is enriched by centuries of unique traditions, a vibrant community of over 130 nationalities, and a wealth of extracurricular opportunities. From the annual Founders' Day procession to over 220 clubs and societies, there is something for every interest.
Aberdeen: The Granite City
Aberdeen: The Granite City
Living in Aberdeen
Known as the Granite City for its distinctive silver-grey architecture, Aberdeen is a vibrant cultural hub on Scotland's northeast coast. The city combines a thriving arts scene, stunning coastline, and excellent transport links with a strong economy driven by the energy sector, life sciences, and technology.
Energy Capital of Europe
Aberdeen is a global hub for the energy industry, offering exceptional career and internship opportunities in oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors.
Stunning Coastline and Nature
Miles of golden sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, and the Cairngorms National Park are all within easy reach, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Cultural Scene
Aberdeen hosts numerous festivals, galleries, theatres, and a vibrant nightlife, alongside historic sites such as St Machar's Cathedral and Marischal College.
Transport Connections
Aberdeen Airport offers domestic and international flights, while direct rail and coach services connect the city to Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London.
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Career Outcomes and Alumni Network
Where Aberdeen Graduates Work
Practical Information for International Students
Practical Information for International Students
For International Students
A dedicated International Centre provides comprehensive support including visa and immigration advice, orientation programmes, and ongoing pastoral care for students from over 130 countries.
Pre-sessional and in-sessional English language courses are available through the International Study Centre, helping students meet language requirements and develop academic English skills.
International graduates can apply for the UK Graduate Immigration Route, currently offering a 2-year post-study work visa to gain professional experience in the UK after completing their degree.
Key Contacts
- +90 5435286292
- +44 7868736984
- corporate@uni4edu.com
- info@uni4edu.com
University of Aberdeen World Rankings
University of Aberdeen World Rankings
The University of Aberdeen is consistently recognised among the top universities in the United Kingdom and globally, with strong performances across multiple national and international ranking systems. It is ranked in the top 30 UK universities by the Complete University Guide and among the top 250 worldwide.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | Complete University Guide | Top 10 in the UK |
| Law | Complete University Guide | Top 10 in the UK |
| Business and Management | Guardian University Guide | #6 in the UK (2025) |
| Archaeology and Forensic Science | Guardian University Guide | #1 in the UK |
Features
A cosmopolitan atmosphere of Scottish and English students alongside 120 different nationalities ensures an exciting multi-cultural atmosphere, with Aberdeen’s remote location attractive to students worldwide. University of Aberdeen graduates also enjoy some of the highest starting salaries in Scotland and was named Scotland's safest university city by the Complete University Guide.
Accommodation
Off-Campus Accommodations Students wishing to live off-campus need to research availability on their own, and should arrive well before the start of term to do so.
Work While Studying
See guidelines on working while studying here.
Co-op/Internship Participation
Even if you do NOT meet our minimum English requirement (IELTS or TOEFL), you still can get conditionally accepted in the program of your choice with the condition of completing our English program prior to starting your chosen program.
Featured Programmes
Average Time To Receive Acceptance Letter
September - June
Location
King's College, Aberdeen AB24 3FX, United Kingdom
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