So your wee heart is asking “should I study abroad in Scotland?” Well lassies and laddies, you’ve come to the right place to figure out how to study abroad in Scotland.
With views like this, it’s no wonder you’re asking how to study abroad in Scotland!
A Scottish education is recognized globally for its excellence and innovation. Study abroad programs in Scotland are very popular because of the friendly Scots, rich culture, historical architecture, and gorgeous views while in the Scottish wilderness.
Luckily, the Scotland student visa requirements do not keep students away. Americans can study abroad in the UK for a maximum of six months without needing a student visa. This gives you plenty of time to channel your inner Ron Swanson and explore the coastal islands and enjoy a genuine scotch whisky or two.
Does Scotland have student visa requirements?
Student visa requirements depend on particular study abroad programs in Scotland. Specifically, the length of the program is the determining factor.
If your program is for a semester that is shorter than six months, then U.S. citizens do not need a student visa. Instead, American students can stay in the UK on a visitor visa. However, if you are doing an academic year program or staying in the country longer than six months, then you will need a student visa before you arrive in Scotland or the UK.
4 other requirements for studying abroad in Scotland
Depending on the type of program and the university where you are studying, there are specific requirements needed to study abroad in Scotland:
- Minimum GPA: A minimum GPA is usually needed. Generally, most study abroad programs have GPA requirements around a 2.0 or a 2.5. However, be sure you reach out to the study abroad provider if your GPA falls a little below the minimum, as there may or may not be something you can do to bypass this requirement.
- Class level: For the most part, freshmen usually are not prioritized for study abroad. In fact, certain providers only allow juniors or seniors on their programs. Many times sophomores can study abroad, but you have to be willing to plan early.
- Medical clearances: Vaccinations, physicals, and mental health exams are on the table when applying for a study abroad program. Each program is different in what it requires, but be prepared to submit this information to your study abroad advisors.
- Course requirements: You may be required to take certain courses. Make sure you check with your academic advisors before studying abroad. Decide which classes you need or want to take first. They could be related to your major or minor, or they could be general education courses. Also, make sure you are willing and able to take upper division courses. Sometimes, that is all that is offered abroad, and you might need prerequisites completed to have the class count toward your degree.
How to study abroad in Scotland
1. Decide when to go
Are you ready to get acquainted with the Scottish way of life?
There may be a specific semester that you should or should not go. Think about your classes first and foremost. Sometimes, certain classes need to be taken at your home university and are not allowed to be taken abroad.
Also, think about events in your personal life. Are there family weddings coming up that you don’t want to miss? Is there a friendsgiving you want to partake in? Take all of this into consideration before you decide when you want to study abroad.
2. Pick a location within Scotland
Do you want to live in the historical Edinburgh or explore the more modern side of Scotland in Glasgow? How about Stirling, Dundee, St. Andrews, or Aberdeen? There are so many valid options and many cities you can choose. Just make sure to research each city and decide what you want.
Explore all the programs—there are a crazy amount of study abroad programs in Scotland. The affordable cost of living and the connections to scientific discoveries make the idea of living and learning in Scotland a dream for many students. Not to mention, many universities in Scotland date back to the 15th century!
3. Go to your home university’s study abroad office
Make sure to use their resources! Look at their website, make an appointment with a study abroad advisor, and go to information sessions and attend study abroad fairs. There may be scholarships available, valuable tips, or study abroad alumni that are willing to discuss life overseas with you.
4. Review requirements for each program you are considering
Check on GPA, class level, medical clearances, valid passport, course prerequisites, ability to obtain a visa, and so on. You may even need to prove your proficiency in the English language if your first language isn’t English. Do not hesitate to reach out to program providers for clarification on requirements.
5. Determine if you need a visa
The length of the program will determine if you need a visa. American students do not need a visa if they are studying abroad in Scotland for up to six months. If a student wants to stay longer than that, they will need to apply for a student visa.
6. Equally important is your passport
Your passport is essential to getting you on your way to Scotland.
You cannot enter any country without your passport. Apply for your passport as soon as you seriously consider studying abroad.
There may be unexpected delays or complications, so it’s always best to apply for your passport as soon as possible. If you already have your passport, make sure it has not expired and will not expire when you are abroad.
7. Budgeting is crucial
Look into using your financial aid while abroad. Also, look into scholarships at your home university and with your program provider. There’s money just sitting there waiting for students to grab it so they can embark on an adventure abroad!
8. Apply to your programs!
There may be multiple applications you need to fill out. For instance, you may need to complete one application for your program provider and another with your home university. Your home university needs to know that you are studying abroad so you can maintain your student status with the university while you are away.
9. Visit with your academic advisors
Make sure your courses transfer over to your home university. Figure out what classes you need to take and want to take. Remember to have lots of backup courses—your classes are not guaranteed until the enrollment date comes around.
10. Learn about the culture before you go
There’s more to Scotland than the highlands, bagpipes, and William Wallace impersonators. Do some research on the culture, the language, the food, the animals, and Scotland’s history before you go. This will definitely get you excited for the trip and eager to learn more!
11. Book your flight!
Sometimes group flights are offered and other times you have to go it alone. Figure out which it is and purchase your flight earlier rather than later. Flights are usually cheaper when you buy them earlier. Just make sure you have the right dates and times set up before booking.
How much does it cost to study abroad in Scotland?
Between the tuition costs, program fees, and flight payments, the answer to how much it costs to study abroad in Scotland can vary. This is especially true when you factor in the added costs of food, housing, entertainment, and travel money.
Start saving up to make your dream of studying abroad in Scotland a reality.
Tuition and fees alone could be anywhere from $1,250 to $21,150 (or about 1,000 - 17,000 GBP) for a semester abroad. That number may or may not seem scary, but with financial aid, scholarships, and the right program, you can find a program within your budget.
This estimate can increase or decrease depending on if you are going through your university, applying through a study abroad provider, or enrolling directly at a university in Scotland. Often, estimated budgets and cost breakdowns are provided up front for each program open to students.
Besides the essentials like a plane ticket, accommodations, and tuition, you will need extra money to finance your lifestyle abroad. This means you need money for food and transportation so you can get around the city. Also, you may want to do some shopping and collect souvenirs.
Perhaps extra travel money might be something else you need to save for so you can travel on your own (or with a group). Even sometimes acting like a tourist in the city by going on tours, visiting museums, attending cooking classes, and so on might require you to have a little extra cash on hand.
3 study abroad programs in Scotland to consider
1. Adelante Abroad: Golf and Equine Summer Study in Scotland
- Why? Visiting and playing in Scotland is every golfer’s dream. Can you see yourself putting on the greens on the legendary Scotland golf courses? If so, then this program is perfect for you. You can earn up to six college credits for four weeks of golfing at St. Andrews, Kingrock Hickory, Gleneagles, and more.
- Where? Edinburgh
- Read Adelante Abroad reviews
2. USAC Scotland: Stirling - Undergraduate Courses
- Why? Live in a historic fortress learning about business, culture, and the arts. Students on this program will be studying at one of the top universities in the country, the University of Stirling. Offerings include courses in Scottish studies, English literature, political science, tourism, criminology, economics, film and media, and more.
- Where? Stirling
- Read USAC (University Study Abroad Consortium) reviews
3. CIS Abroad: Semester in Edinburgh - Edinburgh Napier University
- Why? CIS Abroad offers a wide variety of programs with varying lengths. If you opt for this semester program, living in Edinburgh will be an experience like no other. Its location makes it easy to take the train to the highlands, other Scottish cities, and even down south to cities like London, Manchester, Liverpool, and more. You’ll have a wide range of courses to choose from at this top-ranked university, too.
- Where? Edinburgh
- Read CIS Abroad reviews
Get matched with 5 study abroad programs in Scotland for FREE
You’re on your way to study abroad in Scotland!
From picturesque cities to breathtaking landscapes and beyond, your time in Scotland will be an unforgettable adventure.
Ready to claim your own FREEDOM in Scotland? If you go for a semester, there are no Scottish student visa requirements. You may have to budget and figure out exactly how much it costs to study abroad in Scotland. Once you figure this out, the answer to should I study abroad in Scotland? should be yes! Now that you know how to study abroad in Scotland, grab your kilt and bagpipes and get started planning your adventure!
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