Free university in Scotland
Edinburgh, Scotland is ranked the second most visited city in the UK after London. Source: Andy Buchanan/AFP

More than 50,000 international students from 180 different countries study in Scotland every year. A free university in Scotland experience could be yours too thanks to generous scholarships that offer up to 100% funding to study in Edinburgh, Glasgow, and more.

Scotland’s capital Edinburgh is ranked the second most visited city in the UK after London and was voted the safest city back in 2018. Exploring through the streets of the Scottish capital, every nook and cranny showcases the beauty of the architectural design and intricacy which all Harry Potter fans would probably find familiar.

Then, there is Loch Ness known for its mythical monster, the famous royal Castle of Edinburgh, and many more locations set to excite even the most experienced of globetrotters. 

Cost-wise, expect cheaper prices than England. Rent in Edinburgh is 48.69% lower than in London — groceries are 7.4% cheaper. Comparing Glasgow with Manchester, rent and groceries in Scotland’s biggest city are 19.55% and 7.37% lower.

study in Scotland

A free university in Scotland experience — plus a lifetime of memories — could be yours. Source: Andy Buchanan/AFP

Here, we compile three scholarships for international students looking to study in Scotland. Could one be right for you?

Scotland’s Saltire Scholarship 2021

The government of Scotland works with universities to provide financial assistance to students from countries such as Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan and USA. This initiative provides up to 50 awards worth 8,000 pounds per annum each for postgraduate master’s programmes in the science, technology, creative industries; healthcare and medical sciences; as well as renewable and clean energy fields. 

The Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of Edinburgh are two of the collaborators in this initiative to help ease financial burdens by subsidising tuition fees. Students are required to present a conditional or unconditional offer of a place at these unis collaborating universities. See more on the official website.

Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships 2021

This initiative by the University of Glasgow awards international and EU students 5,000 pounds per year to help cover tuition fees. Recipients must achieve consistent academic results throughout the duration of the scholarship. Head to the website for more.

study in Scotland

If you qualify for these scholarships, you can get a free university in Scotland experience — and even catch some royals on the way to campus. Source: Owen Humphrey/AFP

GREAT Scholarship 2021

Partnering with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, the University of Edinburgh is awarding scholarships amounting to 10,000 pounds to international students from China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. This funding is applicable for a range of one-year postgraduate master’s programmes.

The 23 awards will only be awarded to applicants who hold a first-class honours degree or its equivalent. See more information on the official website.