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:
| Category | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1495 |
| QS World University Ranking | #220 globally |
| Guardian University Guide 2025 | 27th in the UK |
| Total Enrollment | 15,000+ students |
| International Students | 4,000+ from 120+ countries |
| Popular Courses | Medicine, Law, Business, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Arts |
| Undergraduate Tuition Fees | £19,700 – £24,800 per year |
| Postgraduate Tuition Fees | £20,000 – £27,000 per year |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.5; TOEFL iBT: 90+; PTE: 61+ |
| Campus Location | Old Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Graduate Employability | 94% employed or in further study within 6 months of graduation |
| Facilities | Research centers, labs, libraries, cafes, student union, sports village |
| Average Monthly Living Costs | £900 – £1,200 (including housing and essentials) |
| Official Website | www.abdn.ac.uk |
| Top Student Accommodation near University of Aberdeen | Spring Gardens, King Street Exchange, Linksfield House, Pittodrie Street, St Peters House, Trinity Court |
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):
| Category | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 1992 (gained university status) |
| Guardian University Guide 2025 | 65th in the UK |
| QS World University Ranking | #801–1000 globally |
| Total Enrollment | 16,000+ students |
| International Student % | Around 22% from 130+ countries |
| Popular Courses | Business, Engineering, Nursing, Computing, Art & Design |
| Tuition Fees (UG) | £13,250 – £17,200 per year |
| Tuition Fees (PG) | £14,000 – £18,500 per year |
| Scholarships | Up to £4,000/year for international students (merit-based) |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL iBT: 80; PTE: 54 |
| Campus Location | Garthdee, Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Graduate Employability | 97.6% employed or in further study within 6 months |
| Facilities | Labs, studios, sports centre, library, student accommodation |
| Official Website | www.rgu.ac.uk |
| Top Student Accommodation near Robert Gordon University | Spring Gardens, Caledon Court, ABeleven, Justice Mill Studios, Langstane Place, St Andrew Street |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 2013 (merger of Aberdeen & Banff and Buchan Colleges) |
| Total Enrollment | 20,000+ students (full-time, part-time, distance learning) |
| International Student % | Around 5% |
| Popular Courses | Engineering, Business, IT, Hospitality, Health & Social Care |
| Course Types | HNDs, NCs, SVQs, Foundation Degrees, Diplomas, Apprenticeships |
| Tuition Fees (International) | £6,000 – £8,000 per year |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 5.5; TOEFL iBT: 70; PTE: 45 |
| Campus Locations | Aberdeen City Campus, Fraserburgh Campus |
| Facilities | Engineering labs, media studios, salons, kitchens, IT suites |
| Career Focus | Strong industry partnerships and university progression routes |
| Official Website | www.nescol.ac.uk |
| Top Student Accommodation near North East Scotland College | Centro Court, Mealmarket Exchange, King Street 207, Causeway View, The Old Fire Station, The Combworks |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Year of Establishment | 2011 (as a university) |
| Total Enrollment | 35,000+ students |
| International Student % | Around 8% |
| Popular Courses | Marine Biology, Gaelic, Environmental Science, Sustainable Development, Nursing |
| Course Types | Undergraduate, Postgraduate, Research Degrees |
| Tuition Fees (UG) | £7,000 – £8,500 per year (for international students) |
| Tuition Fees (PG) | £8,000 – £10,000 per year |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.0; TOEFL iBT: 80; PTE: 54+ |
| Learning Format | In-person, Online, Hybrid |
| Campus Locations | Aberdeen, Inverness, Orkney, Perth, Stornoway, and more |
| Facilities | E-learning hubs, labs, marine research centres, local placement support |
| Official Website | www.uhi.ac.uk |
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:
| Category | Details |
| Parent Institution | Robert Gordon University (RGU) |
| Year Established (RGU) | 1992 (as a university) |
| Accreditation | AACSB (Top 5% of business schools worldwide) |
| Total Enrollment (ABS) | Approx. 3,000 students |
| International Student % | Around 20% |
| Popular Courses | MBA, Marketing, Finance, Accounting, Law, HRM |
| Specialised Programs | MSc Digital Marketing, MSc Int’l Business, MSc Project Management |
| Tuition Fees (UG) | £14,000 – £17,000 per year |
| Tuition Fees (PG) | £16,000 – £20,000 per year |
| Scholarships | Available for international students via RGU |
| English Language Requirements | IELTS: 6.0+; TOEFL: 80+; PTE: 54+ |
| Graduate Employability | Over 97% in work or study within 6 months |
| Industry Links | EY, Deloitte, BP, NHS Scotland, local startups |
| Campus Location | Garthdee, Aberdeen, Scotland |
| Official Website | www.rgu.ac.uk/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!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top universities in Aberdeen for international students in 2025?
The top universities in Aberdeen for international students in 2025 include:
University of Aberdeen
Robert Gordon University (RGU)
North East Scotland College
University of the Highlands and Islands Aberdeen Campus
Each offers unique strengths, so the best choice depends on your career goals and study preferences.
How much are the tuition fees at the University of Aberdeen for international students?
For 2025, University of Aberdeen tuition fees for international students are:
Undergraduate: £19,700 – £24,800 per year
Postgraduate: £20,000 – £27,000 per year
The fees vary by course.
What are the tuition fees at Robert Gordon University for international students in 2025?
The Robert Gordon University international tuition fees 2025 are:
Undergraduate: £13,250 – £17,200 per year
Postgraduate: £14,000 – £18,500 per year
Scholarships of up to £4,000 per year are also available for eligible students.
Is North East Scotland College affordable for international students?
Yes, North East Scotland College tuition fees for international students are very budget-friendly:
Courses generally cost between £6,000 – £8,000 per year
This makes it a great option if you’re looking for practical, career-ready education in Aberdeen without breaking the bank.
Are there scholarships for international students in Aberdeen universities?
Yes! Several Aberdeen universities offer scholarships for international students in 2025:
Robert Gordon University scholarships: Up to £4,000 per year (merit-based).
University of Aberdeen scholarships: Vary by course and country.
UHI scholarships and fee waivers are also available.
Always check each university’s scholarship page for the latest updates.
What is the average cost of living for students in Aberdeen?
The student cost of living in Aberdeen is around £900–£1,200 per month, including:
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Essentials
It’s more affordable than cities like London, making it a popular choice among international students.
Which courses are popular at universities in Aberdeen?
Here are the most popular courses in Aberdeen for international students:
University of Aberdeen: Medicine, Engineering, Business, Law, Sciences
Robert Gordon University: Business, Nursing, Computing, Art & Design
North East Scotland College: Engineering, IT, Hospitality, Social Care
UHI Aberdeen Campus: Environmental Science, Marine Biology, Gaelic Studies
