Top Universities in Aberdeen 2025: Rankings, Courses, Tuition Fees & Admission Guide

Thinking about studying in Scotland? Aberdeen might just be the perfect place for you! It’s a beautiful city by the sea, known for its great universities, friendly people, and lower living costs compared to other UK cities. Whether you’re interested in academic research, career-focused courses, or hands-on learning, Aberdeen has it all.

From the historic University of Aberdeen to modern options like Robert Gordon University and Northeast Scotland College, there’s something here for every kind of student. Let’s take a look at the top universities in Aberdeen for 2025 and what they have to offer!

What Makes the University of Aberdeen a Top Choice for Students in 2025?

If you’re thinking about studying in Scotland, the University of Aberdeen is definitely worth checking out. It’s one of the oldest universities in the UK, founded way back in 1495—but don’t let the age fool you! In 2025, it’s still going strong, ranked #220 in the QS World University Rankings and 27th in the Guardian University Guide. Aberdeen is home to over 15,000 students, including more than 4,000 international students from over 120 countries.  

It offers a huge variety of programs—whether you’re into Medicine, Law, Engineering, Business, Arts, or Natural Sciences, you’ll find something that fits you here. And here’s a bonus: living in Aberdeen is cheaper than cities like London or Edinburgh. That’s great news if you’re on a student budget. Below are the key details of University of Aberdeen: 

Why Should You Choose Robert Gordon University (RGU) for Your Studies in 2025?

If you want a modern university that helps you get job-ready while you study, Robert Gordon University (RGU) in Aberdeen is a great pick! In the Guardian University Guide 2025, it’s ranked 65th in the UK, which shows how well it balances teaching quality, student support, and career outcomes. With over 16,000 students and a welcoming international community from 130+ countries, RGU gives you a chance to meet people from all over the world.

The best part? RGU grads are super employable—97.6% of students find a job or start further study within six months after graduation. Whether you’re into Engineering, Business, Nursing, Computing, or Art & Design, RGU gives you the skills you need to succeed. Tuition fees are also more affordable than many other UK universities, and there are scholarships of up to £4,000 a year for international students. Following are the key details of Robert Gordon University (RGU):

Is North East Scotland College a Good Option for Career-Focused Learning in 2025? 

North East Scotland College (NESCol), formed in 2013 by merging Aberdeen College and Banff & Buchan College, it has grown into one of Scotland’s top further education colleges. In 2025, the college supports over 20,000 learners—from school leavers to adult returners—across full-time, part-time, and online courses.  

What makes NESCol really stand out is its focus on hands-on training, especially in areas like Engineering, Business, IT, Hospitality, and Health & Social Care. International students will find NESCol both affordable and practical. Following are the key details of North East Scotland College: 

What Can You Expect from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in Aberdeen in 2025?

Looking for a flexible way to study that fits around your life and gives you access to some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery? The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) might be just what you need. Formed as a university in 2011, UHI has campuses and learning centers spread all across the Highlands, Islands, and northern Scotland. In 2025, UHI stands out because of its blended learning model, meaning you can choose to study in-person, online, or a mix of both.  

With over 35,000 students and a welcoming environment for international learners, UHI is perfect if you’re looking for a community-based and flexible education. The university offers some really unique programs that reflect the region—like Marine Biology, Environmental Science, Gaelic Studies, Nursing, and Renewable Energy. Following are the key details of University of the Highlands and Islands: 

Why Study at Aberdeen Business School in 2025?

Looking to start a career in business, marketing, finance, or law? Aberdeen Business School (ABS) at Robert Gordon University (RGU) is one of the best places to do it in 2025. The school is AACSB accredited, a big deal in the business world and a mark of top-quality teaching—only 5% of business schools worldwide have this! You can study everything from Accounting and Finance to Digital Marketing, Human Resource Management, or even a full MBA. 

With a student community of around 3,000, including lots of international students, you’ll learn in a diverse and supportive environment. The school has strong partnerships with companies like EY, Deloitte, BP, and NHS Scotland, meaning there are plenty of chances to connect with employers. Following are the key details of Aberdeen Business School: 

Conclusion 

Aberdeen is a great place to study, live, and grow. Whether you want a world-class degree, real job skills, or flexible learning—this city has the right university or college for you. Plus, it’s affordable, welcoming, and full of opportunities. 

And when it comes to finding a place to stay, University Living makes things super easy! We help students like you find safe, comfortable, and fully verified accommodation near your university—so you can focus on your studies and enjoy student life in Aberdeen. Ready to get started? Let’s find your perfect student home today!

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