International students are selecting different nations apart from traditional places like the USA, UK, Canada, Germany, etc for pursuing their higher education. Scotland is one among such alternatives which host more than 50,000 international students from 180 different homelands. According to the Scotland government, India is 3rd largest non-EU source and 7th largest EU and Non-EU source of International students for the nation. 

Scottish Language and Culture

The ravishing landscapes of Scotland and preserved culture are highly popular worldwide. Scotland, the birthplace of golf, is also renowned for its hospitality towards foreign people. Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Stirling, Aberdeen, Inverness, and Perth – All seven metropolitan cities provide excellent environments and top-notch facilities. Celtic of Scottish Gaelic language is still spoken by regional people of Scotland and English is the spoken by the major population. Moreover, Scottish people are very supportive and amicable. 

Higher Education system in Scotland

The higher education system in Scotland is very distinct in comparison with other nations. The Scottish students finish their schooling at the age of 16 (rather than 17 in India) and proceed to higher education at the age of 17. The higher education system of Scotland consists of a comprehensive spectrum of vocational and scholastic qualifications like higher national certificates, diplomas, higher national diplomas as well as an assortment of undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate degrees. The time frames of these qualifications are mentioned below: 

1. National Certificates (NC) – 1 year           

2. Higher National Certificates (HNC) – NC + 1 year

3. Diplomas – 2 years

4. Higher National Diplomas – HNC + 1 year

5. Bachelor’s Degrees – 4 years

6. Master’s Degrees – 1 year

7. PhDs – 3 years full time and 6 years part time

Best Universities in Scotland

Scotland is home to 19 universities hosting more than 4500 courses and all of them have known record of excellence. The university of Edinburgh tops the list of best universities in Scotland which is also a member of Russell Group. 

1. University of Edinburgh

2. University of Glasgow

3. University of St. Andrews

4. University of Aberdeen

5. University of Strathclyde

6. Heriot-Watt University

7. University of Dundee

8. University of Stirling

Cost of Education in Scotland 

The first fact which I want to reveal is that Scotland provides free education. The only condition is that the student should be resident of Scotland or EU nation. Moreover, for international students, it’s not free but it is cheaper than universities in other countries. However, the universities of Edingburgh or Glasgow might be little expensive as they are more prestigious and noteworthy. Following are the costs of studying at different levels of courses: 

• Bachelor Courses – 10,000 GBP – 26,000 GBP

• Master Courses – 15,000 – 30,000 GBP

There are several scholarships available for international students funded by the nation’s government to study in Scottish universities. 

Visa requirements to study in Scotland

The visa obligations are solely determined by the country where you live as if you are a resident of EU country, then there is no need for any visa. If you are from a non EU country like India, then you need to apply for Tier 4 general Student Visa. With this student visa, you can arrive in Scotland one month before your studies starts and stay as per the duration of your course (only of it’s tenure is more than 6 months). Also, if you need to appear for an interview in any educational institution, then you can apply for prospective student visa.