University of Aberdeen : Complete Undergraduate Admissions Guide (QS UK Rank 29)
- durvamorecs
- 1 day ago
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The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom, founded in 1495. It is ranked UK Rank 29 in the QS World University Rankings 2026, placing it among the respected higher education institutions in the UK.
Located in the scenic city of Aberdeen, Scotland, this university offers a rich mix of tradition and academic excellence. It is well recognised for its strong research, supportive environment, and global outlook making it a good option for students considering undergraduate (UG) admissions in the UK for 2026.
Aberdeen is particularly attractive for international students because it combines quality education with a relatively affordable cost of living, friendly campus life, and a range of strong programs across sciences, engineering, business, law, and health sciences.
University of Aberdeen (UG Admissions Overview):
Point | Details |
University Name | University of Aberdeen |
QS UK Rank | 29 |
QS World Ranking (2026) | ~262 globally |
Location | Aberdeen, Scotland, UK |
Type | Public Research University |
Established | 1495 |
Main UG Intake | September |
Popular UG Degrees | BA, BSc, BEng, LLB |
Teaching Style | Lectures, seminars, labs, projects |
International Tuition Fees | ₹18 L – ₹26 L per year |
Estimated Living Costs | ₹8 L – ₹14 L per year |
English Requirement | IELTS / TOEFL / PTE |
Application Route | UCAS |
Best Known For | Sciences, Engineering, Business, Law |
About the University of Aberdeen
The University of Aberdeen is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world, with over five centuries of academic history. Its long tradition of scholarship and modern research excellence makes it a respected choice for both UK and international students.
Aberdeen stands out for:
A strong research tradition
High academic standards
Supportive international community
Affordable student living compared to many UK cities
Unlike some UK universities in major metropolitan areas, Aberdeen combines academic quality with a quieter, supportive environment, which many students find ideal for focused study.
Academic Philosophy and Learning Approach
Aberdeen offers research-informed teaching and practical learning. For undergraduates, emphasis is on:
Core subject knowledge
Practical and lab-based learning (for sciences and engineering)
Independent research and critical thinking
Group projects and presentations
Teaching methods typically include:
Lectures for foundational knowledge
Seminars and tutorials for discussion and analysis
Laboratory sessions for hands-on learning
Coursework and project assessments
This approach prepares students for both academic progression and real-world careers.
Popular Undergraduate Programs and Focus Areas
Sciences and Natural Sciences
BSc Biological Sciences
BSc Chemistry
BSc Physics
BSc Environmental Science
Sciences at Aberdeen include practical lab work and research opportunities.
Engineering and Technology
BEng Civil Engineering
BEng Petroleum Engineering
BEng Chemical Engineering
Engineering degrees focus on practical design skills and technical knowledge.
Business and Economics
BSc Business Management
BSc Economics
BSc Finance and Accounting
These programs develop analytical and leadership skills relevant to global industries.
Law and Humanities
LLB Law
BA English
BA History
Programs in law and humanities emphasise critical thinking and strong communication.
Health and Medical Sciences
BSc Medical Sciences
Health sciences offer lab work and foundational knowledge for medical careers.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements (UG 2026)
Academic Requirements
To apply to the University of Aberdeen for an undergraduate degree, you generally need:
Completion of Class 12 or equivalent
Accepted qualifications:
CBSE / ISC / State Boards
IB Diploma
IGCSE + A-Levels or equivalent
Higher scores are usually expected for competitive fields like sciences and engineering.
English Language Requirements
International applicants usually must show English proficiency:
IELTS: Typically overall 6.5
TOEFL / PTE: Accepted with equivalent scores
Meeting the English requirement is important for both admissions and the UK student visa.
Application Process
Apply through UCAS (central UK application system)
Submit a personal statement
Provide one academic reference
Some programs may require additional assessments
Tuition Fees for International Students :
Program Type | Annual Fee (GBP) | Approx. INR |
Arts & Humanities | £18,000 – £20,800 | ₹18 L – ₹20.8 L |
Social Sciences | £18,000 – £20,800 | ₹18 L – ₹20.8 L |
Business & Economics | £19,000 – £22,000 | ₹19 L – ₹22 L |
Sciences | £20,000 – £24,800 | ₹20 L – ₹24.8 L |
Engineering | £21,000 – £26,000 | ₹21 L – ₹26 L |
Estimated Cost of Living in Aberdeen :
Expense Category | Annual Cost (GBP) | Approx. INR |
Accommodation | £6,000 – £8,500 | ₹6 L – ₹8.5 L |
Food & Groceries | £2,500 – £3,500 | ₹2.5 L – ₹3.5 L |
Transport & Utilities | £1,500 – £2,500 | ₹1.5 L – ₹2.5 L |
Personal & Study Costs | £1,000 – £1,500 | ₹1 L – ₹1.5 L |
Scholarships and Financial Support
The University of Aberdeen offers several scholarships for international students, such as:
Aberdeen Global Scholarship: Automatic tuition waiver (e.g., £6,000 per year) for eligible undergraduates.
Subject-specific awards and bursaries depending on academic excellence
Merit and performance-linked scholarships for continuing years
These awards can significantly reduce tuition costs and support international students financially.
Student Life and Campus Experience
Campus Environment
The University of Aberdeen offers a supportive campus with:
Modern libraries and research facilities
Student clubs and societies
International student services and events
Students enjoy both academic and cultural activities on campus.
City of Aberdeen
Aberdeen, Scotland’s “Granite City,” has:
A lively student community
Lower living costs than many UK cities
Good public transport and walking routes
Rich cultural history and access to outdoor activities
These factors make it a student-friendly and affordable city.
Careers and Graduate Outcomes
Aberdeen strongly supports student careers:
Career workshops and planning advice
Internship and employer networking events
CV and interview preparation
Placement support through degrees
Graduates work in areas such as:
Engineering and technology
Business and finance
Research and science
Law and public service
The university’s global reputation helps graduates secure opportunities worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Aberdeen good for undergraduate study?
Yes, it is one of the UK’s oldest research universities with global recognition.
2. What grades do I need?
Typically strong Class 12 grades are needed; exact requirements vary by program.
3. Are scholarships available for international students?
Yes including automatic tuition waivers like the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
4. Can international students work part-time?
Yes up to 20 hours per week during term time under a UK student visa.
5. Is Aberdeen expensive to live in?
No costs are generally lower than London and many southern UK cities.
6. Which subjects is Aberdeen strong in?
Sciences, engineering, business, law, and health sciences are popular strengths.
Final Takeaway : C
The University of Aberdeen (QS UK Rank 29) is a strong option for students targeting UG admissions in the UK in 2026. With its long academic heritage, research-led teaching, supportive campus life, and affordable living costs, it offers excellent value for Indian and international students.
Whether your interests are in science, engineering, business, law, or other fields, Aberdeen provides a solid foundation for both academic success and career readiness.
University of Aberdeen :
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