What is it like to be an international student in Scotland?

When you come to study in Scotland, you get more than just an education. From your earliest days in the country, you can expect to be welcomed into a community of international scholars and friendly residents. With their support, new possibilities will become your reality. Get to know more about the opportunities and experiences you could have as we explore what it's like to be an international student in Scotland.

You will be welcomed

Scotland is an increasingly diverse country. This is exemplified by its universities, where 29 per cent of students are international. Among full-time postgraduate students, this rises to 51 per cent.

Here, you could make friends with people from all kinds of backgrounds in one happy place. Overall, 95 per cent of people in Scotland say their neighbourhood is a good place to live.

At Scottish universities, you'll find a huge range of welcoming student societies, events and support services, including ones designed for international students. In many cases, you will find a group dedicated to students from your part of the world. The Nigerian Student Society at Robert Gordon University and the Pakistani Society at the University of Stirling are just two possible examples.

You can study in the city or the countryside

Scotland is full of incredible places where you can attend university. If you would like a big-city experience, you could go to Glasgow or Edinburgh. These vibrant study destinations are home to several universities and a multicultural population. A recent survey found that 88 languages were understood in one part of Glasgow alone.

Elsewhere, there are smaller cities, such as Aberdeen and Dundee. These waterside areas have a rich industrial history that is evident in their architecture – you will soon see why the former is known as the Granite City.

If you would like to study somewhere much less populated, you could try St Andrews, home to Scotland's oldest university. Alternatively, you could even go somewhere rural.

The University of the Highlands and Islands has campuses in some of the country's most picturesque locations, including Shetland – the most northerly place to get a degree in the UK. The institution is an incredible place to set off exploring, as underlined by its School of Adventure Studies.

Your university will be recognised worldwide

There are 19 universities in Scotland, including six of the world's top 300, according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. The University of Edinburgh places highest (27th), leading a list that shows quality around the country. The next three highest-ranked institutions are in three different locations.

Wherever you study in Scotland, you can be sure that your qualification will be recognised around the world. Every institution maintains high standards that will make your time in the country educationally enriching.

This is as true of the biggest universities as of specialist schools. Glasgow School of Art is the 12th best art school in the world, according to QS. For performing arts, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland ranks 6th.

You can have unforgettable cultural experiences

Scottish culture travels the world, but here you can experience every part of it directly. From historic architecture to international festivals, Scotland has something for every interest throughout the year.

One of the country's most well-known cultural events is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Each August, this celebration of the arts dominates the capital city, filling its streets with visitors and performers. Both world-famous and unknown acts appear in venues big and small.

You could enjoy stand-up comedy at a packed Assembly Hall, or watch a play in a room above a pub. The diversity of talent has to be seen to be believed. Even if you only take a walk around the city at this time of year, you will feel an atmosphere like no other.

During the rest of the year, you can still find entertainment all around. Music fans may enjoy Glasgow's TRNSMT Festival each July, while the football season runs from then until May. Take a trip to Celtic Park or Ibrox – the homes of Scotland's two biggest teams – and you can feel the passion of over 50,000 fans.

Get to know more about what makes Scotland famous.

Your cost of living may be below average

Life in Scotland is often less expensive than it is in other parts of the UK. Research by the bank NatWest recently found that its two biggest student cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh, are among the 10 most affordable nationwide. That compares very well with London, where average rental costs are highest.

The great funding opportunities available in Scotland can also help you manage your finances. All of Scotland's universities offer scholarships to international students, and these can be substantial. In 2025, Heriot-Watt University will award a total of more than GBP 500,000 to new students through its International Merit Scholarships. At master's level, you can also apply for the UK government's fully funded Chevening Scholarships.

From bigger expenses to smaller ones, Scotland has many ways to save you money. You may even be able to travel the country at no cost at all. If you are under 22, over 60 or disabled, bus journeys are free.

Find out more about the student cost of living in the UK.

Your graduate prospects will be strong

Outcomes for graduates of Scottish universities are promising. Official data shows that 90 per cent are in some form of employment or further study 15 months after completing their course. This is slightly higher than the UK-wide rate of 89 per cent.

If you wish to start a career in Scotland, your options will be wide-ranging. The country has particular strength in a range of industries including food and the growing renewable energy sector.

In 2021, this supported 42,000 jobs, which was almost twice as many as the year before. More broadly, 38 per cent of working adults in Scotland say that at least some part of their job is green – 11 percentage points higher than the rate across the UK.

It's also very possible to gain work experience while you study. International students can work for up to 20 hours per week during term time, and unlimited hours outside of it. You may also be eligible to apply for a place on the Saltire Scholars Programme. This scheme partners with every Scottish university to offer final-year students a package of career support and summer internships with companies worldwide.

Discover the most in-demand jobs in the UK.

You will be supported by the government

Scotland is serious about supporting international students, and has invested in a service to do it. Scotland's Migration Service provides free information about life in the country before and after you arrive.

This covers a wide range of areas, including:

• Education
• Employment
• Healthcare
• Housing
• Money
• Visas

Lots of this can be found online, but personalised support is also available elsewhere. The service works with the independent charity Citizens Advice Scotland to provide that, free of charge.

You can arrange an appointment with a trained advisor on the Migration Service website. This will take place by phone or video call. If you would prefer to meet in person, you may be able to drop in to one of the 58 Citizens Advice offices nationwide.

Get to know your international student work rights in the UK.

Your health will be a priority

Maintaining your health and wellbeing while studying abroad is always important. Scotland knows this, and has ways to make it easier.

While international students across the UK receive free treatment after paying the Immigration Health Surcharge, Scotland goes a step further. Here, prescribed medicine is free, as well as eye tests and dental care (if you are under 26).

Now that you know more about what it's like to be an international student in Scotland, you might like to explore further. Get started with our guide to the UK higher education system. Then, learn how to apply to study in the UK, and understand the cost of tuition fees in the UK.