Foreign Students' University Fees In Scotland: Who Pays?

Scotland is a popular destination for international students due to its world-class universities, vibrant student communities, and high quality of life. However, studying in Scotland can be expensive, with varying tuition fees depending on the student's fee status. Scottish students and students from EU countries (called Home students) pay the lowest fees, while students from outside the UK and the EU are classified as International students and typically pay higher tuition fees. The University of Glasgow, for example, offers scholarships and bursaries to international and EU students to help with the cost of tuition fees. The Scottish Government also offers Saltire Scholarships for students from specific countries pursuing a Master's degree. As of 2023, undergraduate home fees in Scotland are capped at £1,820 for the academic year, while the Rest of UK (RUK) fee is capped at £9,250. Students can apply for government funding to cover their tuition fees, and the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) can cover tuition for Scottish students studying in Scotland or elsewhere in the UK.

Undergraduate fees for international students

The fees for international students in Scotland are determined by their fee status, which is usually based on their current country of residence. International students are generally classified as those who are non-EU nationals or UK nationals with ordinary residence in a non-EEA country. The tuition fees for international students can vary depending on the institution and programme of study.

For undergraduate degrees, international students typically have to pay higher tuition fees than students from Scotland or EU countries, who are often referred to as "Home" students. The Scottish Government caps undergraduate home fees at a lower rate than the fees for international students. While home fees are capped at £1,820 for the 2023/24 academic year, overseas fees are set by the institutions and can be much higher.

The University of Glasgow, for example, offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to international students, including the World Changers Global Excellence Scholarship and the World Changers Glasgow Scholarship UG (EU). These scholarships provide a tuition fee discount of up to £7,000 per year of study.

It is important to note that international students may also have to pay application fees, which can be as high as £50 and are usually non-refundable. Additionally, when applying for a UK student visa, international students must prove that they have the funds to cover their tuition fees and living costs for the duration of their studies.

Postgraduate fees for international students

International students, including both EU and non-EU citizens, are required to pay tuition fees for postgraduate courses in Scotland. The fees for postgraduate courses vary depending on the institution and the programme.

The tuition fee status of international students in Scotland falls under the 'overseas' fee category, which is the highest fee category. The fees for international students can be significantly higher than those for 'Home' students (Scottish and EU students) or 'Rest of UK' (RoUK) students (students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland).

The exact fees for postgraduate international students will depend on the specific university and programme. It is recommended to visit the website of the desired institution to find out the exact tuition fees and any available funding or scholarship opportunities.

For example, the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) offers various funding opportunities for international postgraduate students, including scholarships, grants, and incentive schemes.

Additionally, international students should also consider the cost of living in Scotland when budgeting for their studies. While Scottish cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeen are known for being more affordable than other parts of the UK, international students must still prove they have sufficient funds to cover their living expenses when applying for a UK student visa.

Fee status

The fee status of a student in Scotland depends on their country of residence. Universities and higher education institutions in Scotland allocate their students a fee status for the purpose of charging tuition fees. There are three levels of fee status:

• A 'home' fee for students who live in Scotland.
• A 'rest of the UK' (RUK) fee for students who live elsewhere in the UK or Ireland.
• An 'overseas' or 'international' fee for all other students.

Scottish students and students from EU countries (called "Home" students) pay the lowest fees. For undergraduate degrees, the fees are commonly covered by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland are called "Rest of UK" or "RUK" students and pay higher fees than Home students for undergraduate degrees, but usually pay the same for postgraduate degrees. Students from outside the UK and outside the EU fall into the category of "International" students and usually have to pay higher tuition fees.

The amount of tuition fees to be paid also depends on the university and programme of study, as well as the fee status. EU students usually pay less than non-EU international students. For postgraduate programmes, Scottish universities do not differentiate between Scottish and RUK students.

The University of Glasgow, for example, uses the information provided on a student's application to determine their fee status. Applicants will be classed as EU fee status if they are an EU national or non-EU national with settled status in the EU, with ordinary residence in the EEA at the point of application, and with three years of residency in the EEA (unless residency outside of the EEA has been temporary and less than six years). Applicants will be classed as International fee status if they are a non-EU or non-UK national, with ordinary residence in a non-EEA country at the point of application, and with three years of residency in a non-EEA country (unless residency outside the EEA has been temporary and less than six years).

Scholarships for international students

International students in Scotland are required to pay tuition fees for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. These fees vary depending on the institution and the course of study. While some scholarships are available, they are typically highly competitive and may not cover the full cost of tuition and living expenses.

• British Chevening Scholarships: Funded by the UK government's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and partner organisations, this scholarship programme offers full financial support for eligible master's degrees at any Scottish university. It also provides access to exclusive academic, professional, and cultural experiences.
• Saltire Scholarships: Offered by the Scottish Government in collaboration with Scottish universities and colleges, these scholarships are available to students from Canada, China (including Hong Kong), India, Japan, Pakistan, and the USA. They provide an opportunity to study in Scotland, which has a reputation for academic excellence.
• Royal Society Grants: The Royal Society, a fellowship of eminent scientists, offers a range of grants for scientific research fellowships, including post-doctoral and early career fellowships, senior career schemes, and grants for industry collaboration.
• Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan (CSFP) : This programme allows citizens of Commonwealth countries to study in the UK, including Scotland. The scholarships cover various levels of study, from undergraduate to PhD, as well as distance learning and professional fellowships.
• University-Funded Scholarships: Many universities in Scotland offer scholarships or tuition waivers to international students who meet their eligibility criteria. These scholarships may be fully funded or partially funded, and it is worth contacting the universities directly to inquire about their specific scholarship opportunities.
• Fulbright Awards: This programme offers awards for US citizens to study in the UK, including postgraduate awards and opportunities for academics and professionals to lecture, study, or conduct research.

Application fees

Some Scottish universities charge application fees when you apply to a programme. These can be as high as £50 and are usually non-refundable, meaning you will not get the money back if your application is rejected or you decline an offer. Therefore, if a university charges an application fee, consider carefully whether you think your chances of acceptance are good enough to make the fee worth paying.

Note that the university application fee is separate from the visa application fee for non-European students.

The payment details and timing differ from institution to institution. Generally, once you have an offer, you need to register (i.e. enrol) with the university. At registration, you are then asked to pay a percentage of the tuition fees, sometimes up to 50%. In many cases, you can then pay the remainder of the fees in instalments throughout your studies.

If you are an international (non-EU) student, when you make the payment to the university is less relevant than when you submit the application for the UK study visa. When applying for the UK student visa (the Tier 4 visa), you need to prove that you have the funds to pay for the first year of your study programme (or, if it is shorter than a year, for the whole programme), and to cover your living costs and accommodation for up to 9 months (or the length of your programme if it is shorter), at a minimum of £1,015 per month.

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