Curious about universities in Aberdeen? This lively seaside city in north-east Scotland has many famous colleges and universities with top rankings, low fees, and varied courses. Aberdeen is a student-friendly city, known for its scenic coastal views, pioneering career paths, welcoming atmosphere, and cheaper living than many UK cities. Whether you’re aiming for the historic prestige of the University of Aberdeen or the industry-focused programs at Robert Gordon University (RGU), Aberdeen offers a world-class education for every international student. This comprehensive student guide covers the best universities in Aberdeen for international students, as well as details on student life, including housing, travel, and fun activities.
Why Study in Aberdeen?
Aberdeen is Scotland’s third-largest city, after Glasgow and Edinburgh. It is called the “Granite City” because many buildings are made from grey stone. The city mixes modern city life with beautiful nature, including green parks and a lovely coastline.
Although Aberdeen can be windy because it is by the sea, it is actually one of the sunniest cities in Scotland, and you may even see the Northern Lights. The city is often ranked as one of the happiest and best places to live in the UK. There are many cultural activities, such as book festivals and comedy shows, so students can enjoy both studying and having fun. Here are some simple reasons to study in Aberdeen:
- World-Class Aberdeen Universities: Home to the historic University of Aberdeen (one of the UK’s ancient universities) and the award-winning Robert Gordon University (RGU), the city provides top-tier education across energy, medicine, business, and creative arts. International tuition fees in Aberdeen are highly competitive, typically ranging from £15,000 to £28,000 per year depending on the institution and course.
- Pioneering Career Prospects: Known as the Energy Capital of Europe, Aberdeen is a global hub for innovation. Students benefit from unparalleled access to internships and graduate roles within the renewable energy and technology sectors.
- Cost-Effective Student Living: Compared to London or Edinburgh, Aberdeen is highly affordable. Students enjoy a lower cost of living, especially regarding private student accommodation and local transport. The average student rent ranges from only £430 to £780 per month.
- Welcoming & Safe Atmosphere: Consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the UK, Aberdeen offers a tight-knit, inclusive community where international students from over 130 countries feel right at home.
- Scenic Coastal Views & Heritage: From the striking Granite City architecture to golden sandy beaches, the city is visually stunning. It also serves as the perfect gateway to the Scottish Highlands and historic castles.
- Excellent Connectivity: With its own international airport and a well-connected railway station, travelling across Scotland and the rest of the UK is seamless and efficient.
4 Best Universities in Aberdeen Scotland UK
There are many top universities and colleges in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, that attract many students to study here. Below is the breakdown of the 4 best universities in Aberdeen, including the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University, North East Scotland College, and Scotland’s Rural College.
University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen is undoubtedly the most famous university in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is the fifth-oldest university in the UK and a member of the prestigious ancient universities group. Its historic Old Aberdeen campus features the iconic King’s College, while the Foresterhill campus serves as a world-class hub for medical research. Scholarships of up to £8,000 are available for eligible students. Currently ranked #18 in the UK and top 3 in Scotland (Guardian 2026), it hosts approximately 15,000 students, with over 35% arriving from overseas. Popular programmes include Energy Transition, Medicine, Law, and Data Science. The university is renowned for its high graduate employability and the Sir Duncan Rice Library, one of the largest and most technologically advanced academic facilities in the UK.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1495 |
| QS World University Ranking | #262 |
| Guardian University Guide | #18 in the UK |
| Popular Courses | Medicine, Energy Transition, Law, International Relations, Data Science |
| Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | £20,800 – £50,100 |
| Tuition Fees (Postgraduate) | £20,800 – £31,000 |
| Entry Requirement | AAB – BBB at A-Level / 80% Average GPA |
Robert Gordon University (RGU)
Robert Gordon University (RGU) is widely recognised as the top modern university in Scotland. Its stunning riverside campus at Garthdee offers students a high-tech, sustainable learning environment. Since gaining university status in 1992, RGU has built a global reputation for professional excellence, particularly in Architecture, Engineering, and Pharmacy. This university in Aberdeen maintains an elite 98% graduate employability rate, among the highest in the UK. With around 16,000 students and a strong international presence in its business and technology streams, RGU provides exceptional facilities, including the RGU Sport complex and a dedicated Enterprise Hub for student start-ups.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 1992 |
| QS World University Ranking | #951 – 1000 |
| Guardian University Guide | #92 in the UK |
| Popular Courses | Architecture, Pharmacy, Mechanical Engineering, Nursing, MBA |
| Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | £15,500 – £18,300 |
| Tuition Fees (Postgraduate) | £14,920 – £20,380 |
| Entry Requirement | BBB – BCC at A-Level / 70% Average GPA |
North East Scotland College (NESCol)
North East Scotland College is one of the top colleges in Aberdeen, known for the largest provider of vocational and technical education, with primary campuses at Gallowgate (City Centre) and Altens. Formed in 2013, NESCol serves over 20,000 students through flexible study options and is a crucial partner for RGU and the University of Aberdeen, providing seamless degree-link pathways. Popular subjects include Computing, Creative Industries, and Engineering. The Aberdeen college is famous for its industry-standard workshops and high student satisfaction, focusing on delivering “work-ready” graduates for the modern economy.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 2013 |
| Popular Courses | Computing, Creative Industries, Business Management, Engineering |
| Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | £7,350 – £10,500 |
| Entry Requirement | IELTS 5.5 / High School Diploma |
Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)
Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) is a specialist college focusing on land-based sciences and the green economy. Its Aberdeen campus at Craibstone is located just 5 miles from the city centre, offering a unique blend of urban access and rural study. Ranked Top 5 in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (Guardian 2026), SRUC hosts a tight-knit community of 8,000 students across Scotland. Popular courses include Veterinary Nursing, Agriculture, and Environmental Management. Students benefit from hands-on learning at working farms and research labs, preparing them for high-impact careers in sustainability.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Establishment | 2012 |
| Guardian University Guide | Top 5 in the UK for Agriculture & Forestry |
| Popular Courses | Agriculture, Veterinary Nursing, Wildlife Management, Environment |
| Tuition Fees (Undergraduate) | £17,000 |
| Tuition Fees (Postgraduate) | £20,000 |
| Entry Requirement | BCC – CCC at A-Level / 65% Average GPA |
Student Life in Aberdeen
Student life in Aberdeen offers a perfect balance between a bustling urban environment and tranquil nature. With a student population of over 30,000, the city provides a diverse, international, and welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Accommodation in Aberdeen
Aberdeen is one of the most affordable student cities in the UK, making it a popular choice for international students. Students can choose from university-managed halls or Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (PBSA). Compared with university halls, PBSA usually offers more room types, more privacy, and modern facilities. Because of this, many students choose private student accommodation in Aberdeen from their second year.
Once you decide to live in private accommodation, choosing a trusted booking platform becomes the next important step. A reliable platform helps make the booking process safe, simple, and stress-free. uhomes.com is a well-known student accommodation platform with a Trustpilot rating of 4.9/5 and is recommended by universities such as UCL, Imperial College London, and the University of Birmingham. The platform offers various student accommodations in Aberdeen within walking distance to your university, saving you time and money on the commute. All utility bills are included in the rent, ensuring a worry-free stay. In addition, it offers a Lowest Price Guarantee. If you find the same property cheaper on another platform, you can contact the property manager to match the price.
To help you get started, the section below introduces the basic situation of student accommodation in Aberdeen. You can compare different options and then book the most suitable housing through uhomes.com.
- Average Rent: Prices typically range from £430 to £780 per month, including utility bills and Wi-Fi.
- Top Locations: Old Aberdeen is an ideal area for University of Aberdeen accommodation, Garthdee is perfect for RGU, and the Aberdeen City Centre offers easy access to shops and nightlife.
- Facilities: Most modern student housing includes 24/7 security, on-site gyms, cinema rooms, and study lounges.
Getting around Aberdeen
Aberdeen is a compact and well-connected city, making it easy for students to navigate between Aberdeen universities and local attractions.
- Bus: Students under the age of 22 can enjoy free bus travel across Scotland with a National Entitlement Card. Frequent services from First Bus and Stagecoach connect the city centre directly to the University of Aberdeen and RGU campuses.
- Train: Aberdeen Railway Station provides direct, scenic links to major cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. It is a convenient hub for students looking to explore the rest of the UK during weekends or holidays.
- Cycle: The city is increasingly bike-friendly, featuring dedicated cycle lanes and improved infrastructure. Both major universities provide secure bike storage and changing facilities to support eco-friendly commuting.
- Walk: Aberdeen is a highly walkable city where most student accommodations are just a short stroll from the main lecture halls. Walking is the best way to enjoy the “Granite City” architecture and vibrant local parks.
- Other: Aberdeen International Airport offers quick connections to European destinations, while Uber and local taxi firms provide reliable, 24/7 transport options for late-night travel.
Things to Do in Aberdeen
From historic castles to modern shopping malls, there is never a dull moment in Aberdeen.
- Beach & Nature: Visit Aberdeen Beach for surfing or spotting dolphins at the harbour. For hikers, the Cairngorms National Park is just a short trip away.
- Culture & Heritage: Explore the stunning Marischal College, the second-largest granite building in the world, or visit the historic Footdee (Fittie) village.
- Shopping & Leisure: Union Square and Bon Accord are the go-to spots for shopping and dining.
- Nightlife: The city offers a vibrant mix of traditional Scottish pubs, student-friendly bars, and the famous Belmont Street for late-night entertainment.
Conclusion
The universities in Aberdeen give international students a good balance of quality education, practical courses, and affordable tuition fees. The city offers both historic universities like University of Aberdeen and modern career-focused institutions like Robert Gordon Univeristy, so students can choose programmes that fit different study goals. Aberdeen is also safe, friendly, and easy to live in, with lower costs than many UK cities and plenty of accommodation choices. Overall, Aberdeen is a practical and well-balanced study destination for international students in the UK.
FAQ
How many universities are there in Aberdeen?
There are 2 major universities in Aberdeen: the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University (RGU). While the city also hosts specialist institutions like North East Scotland College (NESCol) and a campus for Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), these two primary universities form the backbone of the city’s academic reputation. Together, they attract over 30,000 students to the region every year.
What are the top 3 universities in Scotland?
The top 3 universities in Scotland are consistently ranked as the University of St Andrews, the University of Edinburgh, and the University of Glasgow. These institutions are globally recognised for their centuries of heritage, high research impact, and top-tier placement in the 2026 World University League Tables. They represent the peak of academic excellence within the Scottish education system.
Is RGU better than Aberdeen University?
The University of Aberdeen is better for academic prestige, while Robert Gordon University (RGU) is better for practical employability. Aberdeen University is a world-renowned ancient institution that excels in research-heavy fields like Law and Medicine. In contrast, RGU is a leading modern university that often ranks higher for industry placements and vocational subjects such as Architecture and Pharmacy. Your choice should depend on whether you prefer a traditional research environment or a career-focused, hands-on learning style.
