The Higher Education System in Scotland
Learn about the higher education system in Scotland. Find out how it compares to the rest of the UK, the different kinds of programs and qualifications offered and how long they take to complete.
The Scottish education system is very different from the rest of the UK. In Scotland, everyone must attend compulsory schooling until the age of 16. After that, young people can leave school for work or training programs.
However, most Scottish students conclude their secondary education with Highers, the national school-leaving exams used as university entrance qualifications. Highers take ayear of study, and students wishing to study outside of Scotland may need to complete Advanced Highers.
Universities in Scotland
The Scottish government is committed to keeping higher education accessible to its citizens. For that reason, tuition at Scottish universities is free for all Scottish students and โsettledโ or โpre-settledโ students from the EU/EEA/EFTA. All other international students, including those from the EU/EEA/EFTA pay international student tuition fees.
Nineteen autonomous higher education institutions in Scotland are funded by the Scottish Funding Council. All nineteen have the ability to award degrees or have their qualifications validated as a degree. Four are known as "ancient universities" whose origins can be traced back earlier than the 1600s. They are St. Andrews University - founded in 1413 - together with Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh universities.
Scotland also has numerous other education institutions that provide a broad range of vocational and academic qualifications, including certificates, higher national certificates, diplomas, higher national diplomas, and a variety of foundation, undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees.
Find a program
Why settle for one country when you can get four? Find programs in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Wales using our search engine.
Generally, the following timeframes apply to higher education studies in Scotland:
| Programme | Duration | ||
| National Certificates (NC) | 1 year | ||
| Higher National Certificates (HNC) | NC + 1 year | ||
| Diplomas | 2 years | ||
| Higher National Diplomas | HNC + 1 year | ||
| Foundation Degrees | n/a | ||
| Bachelorโs Degrees | 4 years | ||
| Masterโs Degrees | Bachelorโs degree + 12 months | ||
| PhDs | Masterโs degree + 3-4 years |
Grading standards in Scotland
Quality standards for Scottish universities are among the best in the world and credentials from Scottish institutions are well respected internationally. So no matter your level or length of study - studying in Scottish is a surefire way to make a positive step towards your prospective career in any field.
Like the rest of the UK, Scottish universities follow a standard grading system for degree classifications based on the overall percentage achieved. The four university grade boundaries are:
| Grade Class | Percentage Required | Description |
| First-Class Honours (1st) | 70% or above | Exceptional academic performance |
| Upper Second-Class Honours (2:1) | 60-70% | Strong academic performance* |
| Lower Second-Class Honours (2:2) | 50-60% | Satisfactory academic performance** |
| Third-Class Honours (3rd) | 40-50% | Minimum passing grade for an honours degree |
*This is the most common degree class
**Lower Second-Class Honours degrees are widely accepted by employers
Business schools in Scotland
Eager to create your own company or be a leader in the top companies in the world? Scotland has some of Europe's best business schools and an MBA in the UK will offer you top quality education that will take your skills to the next level!
Learn more about studying in Scotland:
Scottish Language & Culture
Scotland is a country with a rich heritage. Find out more about what the country offers in terms of language, culture, and more!ย
Tuition Fees In Scotland
Tuition fees for higher education programs in Scotland can vary. Many international and domestic students pay different tuition fees, depending on where they are from. In this section you'll find all the information on how this works in Scotland.
Living Costs In Scotland
No matter where you study abroad, itโs important to create a budget in advance so that youโre prepared. Weโve detailed average living and housing costs so that you can get a better idea of what you would be paying as a student in Scotland.
Entry Requirements for UK Universities
Learn more about the United Kingdom's national application portal and how it applies in Scotland. This section covers what you'll need to do when applying as an undergraduate and postgraduate.
Scholarships
Don't let international student tuition fees stop you from studying abroad in Scotland. Find out more about some of the scholarships available to international students here!ย
Student Visas for the UK
Do you need a visa to enter Scotland to study? Learn more about the student visa process, and what you need to enter the country, depending on your citizenship. Don't worry! We've gathered the information you'll need to make it happen.
Programs in Scotland
Ready to browse higher education courses in Scotland? Use our search engine to find and compare top programs in Scotland today!
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