University of Aberdeen logo

University of Aberdeen

Aberdeen, UK · Ranking #40

The University of Aberdeen is a public university in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. It was founded in 1495 (King's College) and merged with Marischal College in 1860. It is Scotland's third oldest and one of the UK's ancient universities. The main campus is at King's College, Old Aberdeen (AB24 3FX); Foresterhill campus hosts medicine and dentistry. Aberdeen offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across arts, social sciences, law, business, science, engineering, medicine, and divinity. It ranks highly in archaeology, forensic science, accounting and finance, medicine, and law in the UK. Teaching is in English. About 14,000–15,000 students; roughly 20% international. Scottish-domiciled students pay no tuition for their first degree; other UK and international students pay fees as published.

University of Aberdeen logo

University of Aberdeen

About the university

The University of Aberdeen is a public university in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. It was founded in 1495 (King's College) and merged with Marischal College in 1860. It is Scotland's third oldest and one of the UK's ancient universities. The main campus is at King's College, Old Aberdeen (AB24 3FX); Foresterhill campus hosts medicine and dentistry. Aberdeen offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs across arts, social sciences, law, business, science, engineering, medicine, and divinity. It ranks highly in archaeology, forensic science, accounting and finance, medicine, and law in the UK. Teaching is in English. About 14,000–15,000 students; roughly 20% international. Scottish-domiciled students pay no tuition for their first degree; other UK and international students pay fees as published.

Key information

  • Location: Aberdeen, UK
  • Ranking #40
  • QS #201
  • THE #201
  • US News #364
  • National ranking #17
  • Institution type: public

Popular faculties

  • Arts and Social Sciences
  • Law
  • Business
  • Science
  • Engineering
  • Medicine and Dentistry
  • Divinity; Archaeology and Forensic Science
  • Accounting and Finance
  • Medicine
  • Anthropology
  • Earth and Marine Sciences
  • Zoology
  • Pharmacy

Programs (29)

  • Computer Science
  • Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Medicine
  • Nursing
  • Pharmacy
  • Business Administration
  • Economics
  • Finance and Accounting
  • Marketing
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Law
  • Political Science
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • History
  • Linguistics
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Mathematics
  • Environmental Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Education
  • Fine Arts
  • Music

Student body

  • Total students: 14,500
  • Undergraduate: 9,000
  • Graduate: 5,400
  • International students: 35%

Campus life

Aberdeen has two main sites: King's College (Old Aberdeen, AB24 3FX) and Foresterhill (medicine and dentistry). New full-time single students who apply by the accommodation deadline (e.g. 29 August for 2025/26) are guaranteed a place; a £100 prepayment applies when accepting a room. Weekly accommodation costs about £107–£184. Living costs are estimated at around £1,136/month (outside London). Course structure: typically 8 courses (120 credits) per year, 4 per half-session. Careers and Employability 1 and MyCareerHub support internships and jobs.

Housing & accommodation

Housing cost: £460 - £800 / per month

Housing options

  • University accommodation (guaranteed for new full-time single students if applied by deadline
  • e.g. 29 August 2025); weekly rates from about £107 to £184 (2025/26); 40–50 week contracts; WiFi included; private rented housing in Aberdeen

Student clubs and organizations

  • Students’ Association
  • societies
  • sports clubs; Aberdeen Sports Village membership free for new students accepting university accommodation; events and support via university and AStA-equivalent

Sports

  • Aberdeen Sports Village; university sports and club offerings; details via university and student association

Career & internships

Employment rate: 90%

Internships: The university runs ABDN Internships (paid, for current students): summer (10 weeks, 20 h/week), term-time (7 weeks, 10 h/week), and virtual options. MyCareerHub lists 2,000+ internships per year. Careers and Employability offers application support, “How to Apply” sessions, and one-to-one feedback. RateMyPlacement ranked Aberdeen 3rd in the Best 50 Universities for Work Experience 2025–26. Placements can be part of degree programmes. Contact: [email protected].

Admission requirements

Required tests

  • IELTS
  • TOEFL

Required documents

  • Application via UCAS (undergraduate) or university portal (postgraduate); school/university qualifications (e.g. A-levels
  • IB
  • Scottish Highers
  • or equivalent); English language (IELTS
  • TOEFL
  • or equivalent as required); references; personal statement; for international students: passport
  • proof of funds
  • CAS for visa. Contact: [email protected]
  • [email protected]; CAS: [email protected].

Minimum GPA: 3

Tuition costs

  • £17,500 - £33,000 / per year
  • Acceptance rate: 28.00%
  • Scholarships available: Aberdeen offers RUK and Ireland Entrance Scholarship (undergraduate: catering card and £2,000 discount on accommodation, automatic for eligible 2026 entrants); Aberdeen Global Scholarship for international postgraduate taught students (£8,000 fee waiver in 2025/26, automatic); Shining Lights for students seeking sanctuary (fees up to £25,000 plus accommodation and living expenses). Other awards and funding are listed on the university’s funding pages. Enquiries: [email protected]; funding pages at abdn.ac.uk/study/funding.

Quick facts

  • Founded: 1495
  • Teaching languages: English, english
  • Study formats: offline

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