Each year, over 73,000 international students choose to study in Scotland. Drawn by the country’s rich mythical history, wild landscape, friendly people and 19 research-led universities with a vibrant student life, students from 150 countries find a home away from home.
We’ve broken down the appeal of different universities in Scotland for international students and where you might find your home in the highlands.
Scottish universities for international students
This table gives an indication of Scottish universities by international student population. The University of St Andrews is the most popular destination (48% of students are international) while both the University of the Highlands and Islands and Scotland’s Rural College have the lowest (only 2% of enrolments come from outside of the UK), which is most likely due to their regional and agricultural focus.
St Andrews is the oldest university in the country and famous for being the meeting place of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Its students come from more than 140 countries to study at a historic campus offering 19 academic schools. It’s been voted number 1 in the UK for student experience (NSS 2022) and over 96% of its students are employed within the first six months of graduation.
University | EU | Out of EU | Total international population | Student number |
9% | 39% | 48% | 11,000 | |
7% | 36% | 43% | 50,000 | |
5% | 34% | 39% | 27,000 | |
10% | 29% | 39% | 19,000 | |
5% | 33% | 38% | 43,000 | |
7% | 29% | 36% | 3,500 | |
7% | 22% | 29% | 17,500 | |
Royal Conservatoire of Scotland | 8% | 21% | 29% | 1,300 |
5% | 24% | 29% | 18,000 | |
5% | 23% | 28% | 21,000 | |
2% | 25% | 27% | 22,000 | |
4% | 23% | 27% | 15,000 | |
6% | 20% | 26% | 15,000 | |
3% | 20% | 23% | 30,000 | |
Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh | 10% | 9% | 19% | 13,000 |
7% | 6% | 13% | 4,000 | |
1% | 1% | 2% | 36,000 | |
1% | 1% | 2% | 5,000 | |
9% | 19,000 |
* All % information has been gathered from UCAS, HESA and the universities’ own statistics.
Globally ranked universities in Scotland
Of the best Scottish universities, two are ranked in the top 100 globally by Studyportals Meta Ranking. The University of Edinburgh is 28th and the University of Glasgow is 69th, and both attract between 40,000 and 50,000 international students each year.
One of the oldest universities in Scotland, the University of Edinburgh is ranked top 10 in the UK for employability (Times Higher Education) and has over 150 academic disciplines available. An hour away in one of Europe’s Capitals of Culture, the University of Glasgow boasts an array of scholarships for international students and a research-intensive postgraduate selection with over 300 taught programmes.
Biggest international student populations in Scotland
Sitting outside of the top 100 but still attracting the largest populations of international students are Heriot-Watt University, the University of the West of Scotland, Glasgow School of Art, University of Stirling and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
- Heriot-Watt University is ranked #482 globally by Studyportals Meta Ranking and has an industry focused attitude, coming 1st in Scotland for undergraduate employability (Graduate Outcomes 2024). Students have the opportunity to study abroad through its Go Global programme and otherwise can enjoy the rich cultural and natural beauty of studying in Edinburgh amongst 7,000 international on campus students.
- The University of the West of Scotland has four campuses near Glasgow and Edinburgh, as well as a satellite campus in London. The university provides access to cutting-edge research facilities and is focused on innovative vocations, supported through their many career connections, as well as tackling inequality as recognised by their work to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. International candidates are eligible for enhanced scholarships to secure their place at UWS.
- Glasgow School of Art has a small student population of only 3,500 but a large alumni network of over 25,000, providing support with succeeding in the arts for their graduates. Its international population comes from over 79 countries and is very welcomed in the global city of Glasgow where there are five other universities. A portfolio is required alongside the usual educational qualifications and, if you’re successful, you’ll be studying in one of Europe’s most creative cities.
- Boasting a beautiful campus environment, the University of Stirling is ranked #508 by Studyportals and is known globally for its sporting excellence. Its top five in the world for sports facilities (International Student Barometer) and their graduates have gone on to coach Arsenal FC and compete in the Olympics. Aside from sports, Stirling is also recognised for its excellence in teaching, employability, research, internationalisation, facilities and inclusiveness (QS World University Rankings).
- Specialising in music, drama, dance, production, film and education, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland delivers the nation’s leading artistic education. With a supportive student body of only 1,300, its population is diverse and comes from over 60 countries. It offers five performance venues and has partnerships with global organisations like the BBC, Scottish Opera, Symphony Orchestra and Scottish Ballet. Its alumni includes Ncuti Gatwa, Alan Cumming, Katie Leung and Catriona Morison.
All 19 of Scotland’s universities offer dedicated support and service teams for international students, including assistance with student visas and finances.
“I’ve never felt so accepted in a city where nobody knows who I am, they don’t know my name. The people make Glasgow and it’s so true”, said Carolina, international student, at Strathclyde University.
Also benefiting from Glasgow’s friendly atmosphere is Glasgow Caledonian University. Scotland’s largest university, it has students enrolled from over 130 countries, making it truly international.
In Dundee, known as the UK’s “coolest little city” (GQ), Abertay University and the University of Dundee transform the city into a student hub, with 1 in 7 residents being a student. It is a multicultural city (and Scotland’s sunniest!) also known for safety, culture and a big local music scene.
Ultimately, wherever you choose to study in Scotland, you’ll be joining a friendly community with high international numbers and cities full of fellow students coming to Scotland for the first time.
