We鈥檙e on a quest to explore everything the UK has to offer international students beyond the borders of its iconic capital city, London. Last week we visited Wales, a country with a lower cost of living, jaw-dropping natural beauty, impressive history, and world-class sports and culture, as well as cutting-edge universities. While Wales is certainly a tough act to follow, Scotland is more than up to the challenge! Ready to learn why study in Scotland should be part of your study abroad plan?
Scotland boasts its own rich history, rugged landscapes, vibrant cities, quaint small towns, and welcoming people. It鈥檚 also home to compelling historical figures such as Mary, Queen of Scots, the poet Robert Burns, and Macbeth, not to mention the elusive Loch Ness monster鈥擭essie for short. But beyond that, Scotland also offers an incredible study abroad experience. Over 50,000 students from more than 180 countries around the globe study in Scotland every year.
Let鈥檚 find out why!
3 Great Reasons to Study in Scotland
There are countless reasons why Scotland offers international students such an unforgettable study abroad experience. We鈥檝e narrowed it down to three.
1. Location, Location, Location
Whether you enjoy the hustle and bustle of city living or the easier pace of a more relaxed, small-town, Scotland has something to offer every lifestyle. An impressive three Scottish cities鈥擡dinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen鈥攎ade an appearance on the most recent . The same three cities were also included among the most affordable in the UK for students on the . Like Wales, Scotland offers a lower cost of living compared to other UK study abroad destinations. These accolades and more have helped to cement Scotland鈥檚 status as a leading choice for international students.
2. In-Demand Graduates
According to the , an impressive 91% of international graduates are 鈥渟atisfied with their learning experience at a Scottish university.鈥� The same survey reports that 86% of international graduates would recommend pursuing education at a university in Scotland.聽
Why are international students so enthusiastic about studying in Scotland? Part of the reason is that Scotland produces highly sought-after graduates. A staggering within six months of graduating. This is a testament to the fact that many Scottish universities work closely with industry to give students the tools they need to excel in the workforce after graduation.
3. Always Something to Do
From the 鈥攖he world鈥檚 largest arts festival, held every August鈥攖o island hopping in the Inner and Outer Hebrides, there鈥檚 always something to do in Scotland.
If golf is your game, why not play a round in the country that introduced the sport to the world? For those who enjoy the outdoors, there are countless beaches, forests and woodlands, walking trails, and mountains and hills to explore鈥攊ncluding the dramatic . You can even catch a glimpse of the dazzling Northern Lights in Scotland!
Finally, history buffs will definitely get their fill in Scotland. Students can visit ancient towns and imposing fortresses, such as , which looms high above its namesake city. There are also many leading museums and other cultural institutions where you can easily lose an afternoon.
A Spotlight on 3 Scottish Universities
Now that we鈥檝e whetted your appetite for studying abroad in Scotland, let鈥檚 take a look at three leading Scottish universities.
1. Abertay University
With its array of job-ready vocational degrees designed in close partnership with industry, Abertay University ensures students get the skills and knowledge to thrive in a highly competitive 21st-century workplace landscape. The university offers a range of courses across business, engineering, health, science, and sports. However, Abertay has attracted worldwide attention for its leading computer arts and games technology courses, helping the university become 鈥渁 global hub for computing and gaming.鈥� To top it off, Abertay was recognized as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021.
Abertay鈥檚 campus is located in the heart of Dundee, a small city of 150,000 with a thriving population of creatives. (While COVID might have you stuck at home, you can pay the Abertay campus a ) It鈥檚 no surprise then that the city is also home to the , which was established in 2018. The V&A Dundee is not only Scotland鈥檚 very first design museum, it鈥檚 also the first to open its doors outside of London.
2. University of Sterling
Since 1967, the University of Stirling has been driven by transformative thinking and a spirit of innovation. Its mission is to give students the knowledge and expertise to make their impact on the world. This mission is how Stirling has earned its global reputation for high-quality teaching and internationally acclaimed research. The aim is simple: From feeding the world to using psychology to catch criminals, Stirling wants to tackle the global issues of our time. Its multi-disciplinary researchers challenge assumptions, innovate thinking, and find solutions.聽
The university is situated on a beautiful 330-acre campus in Stirling, Scotland. Known as the 鈥淕ateway to the Highlands,鈥� Stirling was named the safest student city in the UK in the . The city is also home to , the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. For nature lovers, are just 30 minutes away. Edinburgh and Glasgow are also within easy reach鈥攂oth approximately 50 minutes by train or car.
3. University of Strathclyde
A leading international technological university, the University of Strathclyde鈥檚 reputation and influence is truly global. With a community of more than 23,000 students, studying at Strathclyde is a fantastic experience, where students will enjoy flexible, innovative learning and excellent facilities. The university is renowned for its world-class research and strong links with industry, government, and business. In addition to its exceptional range of industrial placements, internships, and scholarships, Strathclyde offers a variety of clubs and societies, volunteering opportunities, and membership to Scotland鈥檚 largest students鈥� union.聽
Strathclyde is in Glasgow, Scotland鈥檚 largest city. Glasgow boasts world-class architecture and attractions, a diverse culinary scene, vibrant nightlife, and outstanding shopping. National Geographic named it one of its 鈥淏est of the World鈥� destinations, while Rough Guide readers voted Glasgow the ! Time Out also named Glasgow one of the top ten best cities in the world.
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