Studying in Scotland is a worthwhile quest as Scotland offers one of the best qualities of education in the world. It is a desirable country for international students as it is much more affordable than studies in the United Kingdom.
In this post, you will learn about how to get the Scotland student Visa, the cost of living, and tuition fees in Scotland.
Scotland has proven to be a fascinating destination for university education as it boasts of 19 world-class institutions of high ranking. You should consider Scotland if you desire to study abroad.
WHY SCOTLAND?
- Scotland has a strong and proud history of university education, with it a thriving art and culture scene, magnificent landscapes and state-of-the-art sporting facilities.
- Scotland has a world-class education system, top of the grade universities and a reputation for producing excellence in diverse fields. More than 48,000 international students troop into Scotland for studies every year as evidence of the high quality of education Scotland provides.
- Four of Scotland’s universities are ranked in the Times Higher Education Top 200 and Scotland is the most highly educated country in Europe (according to the Office of National Statistics)
- You are given a chance to be part of world-renowned research. Why? Researchers in Scottish universities have produced inventions that benefit mankind such as the MRI Scanner and Keyhole surgery amongst others. Scotland offers some of the most reputable scientific and research institutes in the world and studying in Scotland will give you access to world-class facilities and multiple centers of excellence.
Read also: Study in Ireland: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living, Admission and Visa Requirements
FUNDING AND TUITION FEES
Your tuition fee status will depend on your country of residence and whether your country is a member of the European Union, the Rest of the UK or if you are an international student outside the UK.
As an international student, you will need to pay fees for your tuition costs. This applies to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Tuition fees in Scotland vary depending on the institution you want to attend and the course you want to study. The institution of your choice will provide you with information on how to pay your tuition fees, and when to pay your tuition fees.
Universities in Scotland offer flexible payment options that spread costs over a period of time. There are several scholarships and awards on offer to study in Scotland.
They are mostly based on nationality and common ties with Scotland, at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Scotland Student Visa
If you are from outside the UK and you want to study in Scotland you may need to apply for a Scotland student visa.
Students who are from countries in the European Union do not need a visa to study in Scotland.
You should note that the type of visa you will need depends on the type and duration of the course you are studying, and your age.
The categories (summarized below) should help with that.
- Tier 4 (General) – category covers the majority of international students needing a visa to study at an undergraduate or postgraduate course at a university in Scotland. You can apply as an adult under Tier 4 (General) of the points-based system if you are coming to the UK for your post-16 education.
- If you are coming for a full degree course or a course lasting 6-months or more you need a Tier 4 (General) visa.
- Tier 4 (Child) – This category applies to students between ages 4 – 17. If you are between 4 and 15 years old you must be coming to the UK to study at an independent fee-paying school.
- Child visitor – If you are below 18 and you want to study in the UK for up to 6 months you can apply as a child visitor. If you wish to extend your visa as a Tier 4 (Child) student, you are required to leave the UK and return to the country where you live to apply.
- Student visitor – you apply for this if you are above 18 and you want to study in the UK for up to 6 months. If the course is an English Language course, you can stay up to 11 months. As a student visitor, there are restrictions on your ability to work.
APPLICATION FOR STUDY
Applying for Undergraduate study
You can apply online through the Universities and College Admission Centre (UCAS).
This application requires you to provide information about your education and employment as well as a personal statement and a reference. It’s good to have this information ready before you apply.
The online application form allows you to enter course details for up to five courses. Also the institutions you would like to attend. There are some restrictions on the combination of courses you can apply for. So it’s advisable to check the UCAS website for details on choices when applying.
Note that there is a fee for making an application. The amount depends upon how many courses, universities, and colleges you apply for. The deadlines for applications through UCAS differ depending on what course you are applying for.
Applying for postgraduate study
Before applying for a postgraduate degree in Scotland, you have to make sure you meet the entrance requirements of your chosen degree. To qualify for a postgraduate degree in Scotland, you need to hold at least an undergraduate degree.
In some circumstances, however, experience and other qualifications might be an acceptable equivalent, especially from reputable institutions. Ensure you check the entry requirements with the institution you are applying for.
It is advisable to check on the website of the institution and department you want to apply for. You can also apply at some universities through the UK Postgraduate Application and Statistical Service (UKPASS) scheme. To check which institutions and courses you can apply for through UKPASS, check the UKPASS website.
The UKPASS application requires you to provide information about your personal details, course details, education, supplementary information, a personal statement, and references.
English Language Requirements
Most universities will require a Basic Test of English to apply for studies in Scotland. This is to ensure that you can participate in lectures, tutorials, seminars and understands your coursework.
The level of your English language proficiency and the way you are expected to demonstrate your skills varies by the course you want to study and the institution you are applying for.
Below are some of the ways you might be asked to demonstrate your English skills:
- Hold an academic qualification in a recognized English speaking country.
- If you received an English qualification as part of your Basic studies in Secondary School
- You must pass an approved Basic Test of English such as TOEFL
- If you are able to provide an English Language certificate for verification of proficiency in English
LIST OF UNIVERSITIES IN SCOTLAND
The Scottish education system is unique from the education the rest of the United Kingdom provides.
About fifteen of Scottish universities are one of the oldest in the world. These schools offer the highest quality of education.
Need quality world-renown education at the best rates in the world? Try Scotland today!
We Also Recommend!
- University of Stirling Masters Scholarships African Students
- Study in Iceland: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living, Admission Requirements and List of Universities
- Global Online MBA Scholarships at the University of London
- Study in Australia: Queensland University of Technology Tuition fees, Cost of Living, Courses & Ranking
- Study in Ireland: Tuition Fees, Cost of Living, Admission and Visa Requirements
Does this article meet your immediate needs? if yes, leave us with a 5-star rating in the Review Box below. Remember to leave a comment on the comment box to express your concern or ask the question.