More than 50,000 international students from over 180 countries study at Scottish universities yearly. Scotland’s education system is recognised for its high quality and has a reputation for producing creative thinkers. Scotland has more world-class higher education institutions per head of population than anywhere else in the world, and graduates from Scottish universities are fully prepared for the working world.
Reasons to study in Scotland
- The quality of education in Scotland is underpinned by world-class research
- Scottish Higher Education institutions are subject to rigorous quality assurance processes, and the Scottish Quality Enhancement Framework requires universities to demonstrate improvements in the quality of teaching and education every year
- The Scottish model of quality enhancement, which includes student input and feedback on student satisfaction, is being mirrored by universities across Europe
- Scottish universities offer learning focussed on employability, and students have plenty of part-time and graduate job opportunities in major cities such as Edinburgh and Glasgow
- Scottish cities are student-friendly and centres for cultural activities. Edinburgh plays host to some of the world’s biggest parties and was ranked the 2nd best in the world for quality of life
Learn more about the best universities in Scotland for international students below (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025), and if you want help applying to study in Scotland or finding the right course and university, book a free consultation with SI-UK today.
Top Universities in Scotland 2025
1. University of St Andrews
St Andrews University offers an exceptional experience for Indian students, with a world-renowned reputation for its rigorous and rewarding academic programmes.
St Andrews is located on the east coast of Scotland and provides an intimate, friendly environment surrounded by historic buildings and modern facilities. Before starting their studies, students will meet with their Adviser of Studies, who will help students choose their modules and explain the university's academic regulations. During their time at St Andrews, students will have access to daily consultation sessions run by the study abroad team, where students can discuss any issues or chat about their experiences.
Undergraduate exchange and study abroad students who apply before the deadline are guaranteed accommodation in one of the university's halls of residence, with the option to choose between catered or self-catered, shared or single rooms, and shared or en-suite bathrooms. Postgraduate students can also apply for university-owned, managed, or leased accommodation. In 2024, the Times and Sunday Times ranked St Andrews the number one university in the UK.
- St Andrews acceptance rate: 12.3%
- View St Andrews courses
- View St Andrews scholarships
2. University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen has a reputation for academic excellence and innovative research, where students benefit from a diverse and supportive learning environment with small class sizes and dedicated staff who are committed to helping them achieve their goals.
The university is home to a vibrant community of students from around the world. It offers a wide range of programmes and a wealth of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and societies. The University has a strong track record of producing successful alumni who contribute significantly to their fields. Whether you are interested in pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate degree, the University of Aberdeen is an excellent choice for those seeking a challenging and rewarding academic experience.
- University of Aberdeen acceptance rate: 78%
- View Aberdeen courses
- View Aberdeen scholarships
3. University of Glasgow
Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is a world-renowned institution and one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. The University is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities in the UK and has a strong reputation for academic excellence across a wide range of disciplines.
At Glasgow, you will learn from academics who are at the forefront of their fields. This ensures that you receive high-quality, up-to-date teaching that is informed by the latest research and developments in your field of study.
The University of Glasgow currently offers International Leadership Scholarships to International and EU (non-UK) students commencing a postgraduate taught Masters programme in any field for Academic Session 2023-24. The scholarship amounts to £10,000 and is granted as a reduction in tuition fees.
- University of Glasgow acceptance rate: 74.3%
- View Glasgow courses
- View Glasgow scholarships
4. University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a world-renowned institution, consistently ranking among the top 50 universities worldwide, placing 27th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings. With a history of providing a world-class education for over 425 years, the university is well-respected for its innovative research across various disciplines.
According to the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF2021), the university is ranked fourth in the UK for the quality and breadth of its research and is Scotland's top-ranked institution. Nearly 90% of the university's research activity is in the "world leading" and "internationally excellent" categories. The university also provides a wide range of support services for its students, including counselling, health services, disability services, and childcare services.
The University of Edinburgh has an ambitious internationalisation strategy. It is ranked among the top 20 most international universities in the world, with students from two-thirds of the world's countries studying there.
The university also offers a large portfolio of postgraduate online degrees and provides access to one of the world's largest and most important academic libraries. Additionally, the university offers various extracurricular activities through its student association, including over 320 student societies and 64 sports clubs.
- University of Edinburgh acceptance rate: 10%
- View Edinburgh courses
- View Edinburgh scholarships
5. University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde was founded in 1796 as Anderson's Institution and gained university status in 1964. The university has a diverse student body of over 22,000 students from over 100 countries.
The University of Strathclyde is known for its innovative and practical approach to learning, focusing on preparing students for their future careers. The University of Strathclyde offers various undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across its four faculties: Engineering, Science, Business, Humanities and Social Sciences.
The university is also home to several research centres and institutes, including the Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, the Centre for Corporate Connections, and the Strathclyde Business School. It has strong links with industry and business, with many collaborative partnerships and initiatives supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
- University of Strathclyde acceptance rate: 42%
- View Strathclyde courses
- View Strathclyde scholarships
Study in Scotland
Are you interested in applying to any of the above Scottish universities? Arrange a free consultation today to get your application started.
I sincerely thank SI-UK for getting me accepted to UCL. The MSc in Urban Development and Planning is extremely competitive, but the right guidance provided by SI-UK made my dream of studying at University College London a reality. The services were exceptional from beginning to end. 
