Lana Oconnell
The fees that students pay in Scotland depend on their fee status, which is based on their country of residence and whether they are from the EU with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status. Students from Scotland and the EU are typically considered 'home' students and pay the lowest fees, which are sometimes covered by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Students from the rest of the UK (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland) are generally classified as 'Rest of UK' (RUK) and pay higher fees. Irish students who are living in the Common Travel Area (CTA) of the UK, the Islands, or Ireland are considered UK citizens and can study in Scotland at the same rate as British students. However, they may need to meet residency criteria to access financial support.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for free tuition in Scotland? | Students ordinarily resident in Scotland and doing their first degree. |
| Who pays the tuition fees of eligible students? | Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). |
| Who is considered a "home" student? | Scottish students, students from EU countries, and UK citizens living in Ireland. |
| Who is considered a "Rest of UK" (RUK) student? | Students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. |
| Undergraduate home fees for 2025-2026 | Capped at £1,820. |
| RUK fee for 2025-2026 | Capped at £9,535. |
| Postgraduate fees for EU students starting in 2021-2022 | International fees. |
| Irish students' eligibility for UK fees | Irish citizens can study in the UK for the same rate of fees as British students if they meet the residency criteria. |
| Funding for Irish students | Funding is available under the Student Grant Scheme for postgraduate study in Northern Ireland but not in Britain. |
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What You'll Learn
Irish students' fee status in Scotland
The fees Irish students pay in Scotland depend on their fee status, which is based on their country of residence and whether they are from the European Union (EU) with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status, the Rest of the UK (RUK), or are international students.
Under the Common Travel Area (CTA) agreement, Irish citizens can access all levels of education and training in Scotland at the same rate as British students. To be eligible under the CTA, Irish students must have been a resident in Ireland or the UK for three years before the start of their course. Irish students who meet the residency criteria may also be eligible for a maintenance grant under the Irish Student Grant Scheme.
Irish students who are UK residents can apply for a tuition fee loan from the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). SAAS will pay the tuition fees of eligible students for five years in total, including four years for a degree and an additional year to allow for course changes or repeating a year of study.
For Irish students who are not UK residents, the fees they pay depend on whether they are undergraduate or postgraduate students. Undergraduate students from Scotland and the EU are eligible for home tuition fees, which are paid by SAAS. Postgraduate students from Scotland and the rest of the UK will need to pay a tuition fee set by the individual institution. Postgraduate fees for EU students changed to international fees starting in the academic year 2021-2022.
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Funding for Irish students in Scotland
Undergraduate Funding
Irish students who are ordinarily resident in Scotland and undertaking their first undergraduate degree may be eligible for free tuition. The Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) covers undergraduate tuition fees for eligible Scottish students. Irish nationals living in the Common Travel Area (CTA) of the UK, which includes Ireland, may also qualify for home fee status and pay the same tuition fees as Scottish students. However, they must meet the residency criteria, typically requiring residence in Ireland or the UK for three years before the start of their course.
Postgraduate Funding
Postgraduate funding for Irish students in Scotland varies and depends on the specific university and programme. While Scottish universities do not differentiate between Scottish and Rest of UK (RUK) students for postgraduate fees, international students typically pay higher tuition fees. Irish students may be eligible for funding under the Student Grant Scheme for postgraduate study in Northern Ireland, but this does not extend to postgraduate study in the rest of the UK. Additionally, some universities may offer financial support for postgraduate courses, and scholarships and fellowships are also available for Irish students studying abroad.
Tuition Fee Loans and Scholarships
Irish students in Scotland may be eligible for tuition fee loans from SAAS or the Student Loans Company. Additionally, universities like the University of Glasgow offer bursaries and scholarships specifically for students from the Republic of Ireland pursuing their first undergraduate degree. These awards are typically based on household income and academic merit.
Impact of Brexit
It is important to note that the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union has impacted the fee status of EU students in Scotland. While EU students starting their studies before the 2021/2022 academic year were guaranteed the same fees as Scottish students for the duration of their course, EU students are now classified as international students and pay higher tuition fees. However, EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK may still be eligible for home fee status.
In conclusion, funding for Irish students in Scotland varies based on residency status, degree type, and the specific university. Irish students may be eligible for free tuition, loans, scholarships, and other financial support, but it is essential to check with the university and relevant funding bodies for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Postgraduate fees for Irish students in Scotland
Irish students with RUK status usually pay the same postgraduate fees as Scottish students. However, these fees are set by the individual institution and can vary depending on the university and program. For example, prestigious universities such as the University of Edinburgh or the University of Glasgow are likely to be more expensive than other Scottish universities.
Some Irish nationals living in the Common Travel Area of the UK, the Islands, or Ireland may be entitled to apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for funding. The funding available depends on their residence eligibility. To receive publicly funded student support, including free tuition, loans, bursaries, and grants, students must generally be allocated home status by SAAS.
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, EU students starting a new course in the 2021-22 academic year and beyond pay international student fees. However, EU nationals with 'settled' or 'pre-settled' status in the UK may still be eligible for home tuition fees if they meet the residency conditions.
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Undergraduate fees for Irish students in Scotland
Fee Status
The tuition fees for Irish students in Scotland can vary depending on their fee status. There are typically three levels of fee status in Scotland:
- Home Fee Status: This typically applies to students who live in Scotland. Undergraduate students with home fee status are often eligible for free tuition, with their fees paid by the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS).
- Rest of UK (RUK) Fee Status: This includes students who live elsewhere in the United Kingdom (outside Scotland) or Ireland. The RUK fee is usually higher than the home fee but lower than the international fee.
- International Fee Status: International students, or those from outside the UK and the European Union (EU), typically pay the highest tuition fees.
Country of Residence
An Irish student's country of residence plays a crucial role in determining their fee status and, consequently, their tuition fees in Scotland. Here are some key considerations:
- Irish Residents: Irish citizens who are residents of Ireland and meet the residency criteria can study in Scotland at the same rate of fees as British students. They may also be eligible for financial support under the Irish Student Grant Scheme.
- Common Travel Area (CTA): The CTA agreement between Ireland and the UK allows Irish and UK citizens to access educational opportunities in each other's countries. To qualify under the CTA, students must be residents of Ireland or the UK (including Scotland) for at least three years before the start of their course.
- EU and EEA Nationals: Following the UK's exit from the EU, EU nationals starting a course in the 2021/2022 academic year or later will generally pay international student fees. However, EU/EEA and Swiss nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK may still be eligible for home fee status if they meet the residency conditions.
University and Programme
Tuition fees in Scotland can vary significantly between universities and programmes. It is essential for Irish students to refer to the specific university's website to determine the applicable fee structure. Some universities, like the University of Glasgow, offer bursaries and scholarships specifically for Irish students undertaking their first undergraduate degree.
In summary, Irish students considering undergraduate studies in Scotland should carefully review the residency requirements, fee status criteria, and individual university policies to accurately determine their tuition fees and explore available financial support options.
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Irish students' eligibility for home fee status in Scotland
Undergraduate students from Scotland are eligible for home tuition fees, which means that tuition fees are paid by the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). Postgraduate students from Scotland and the rest of the UK will need to pay a tuition fee set by the individual institution.
The lowest fees are paid by Scottish students and students from EU countries (called "Home" students). Students from England, Wales, and Northern Ireland are called "Rest of UK" or "RUK" students. Undergraduate home fees are capped by the Scottish Government at £1,820 for the 2025-2026 academic year. The RUK fee is capped at a middle rate equivalent to the 'home' fee charged in England (£9,535 for the 2025-2026 academic year).
Following the UK's exit from the European Union, the Scottish Government announced that new higher education students arriving from the EU would no longer qualify for home fee status and free tuition from the 2021-22 academic year. However, European Economic Area (EEA) and Swiss nationals who have been granted settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme will be eligible for home fee status and student support on the same basis as before Brexit.
Irish and UK citizens have the right to access all levels of education and training in each other's states under the Common Travel Area (CTA). To be eligible under the CTA, you must be resident in Ireland or the UK for three years before the start of your course. If you are an Irish citizen student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in the UK for the same rate of fees as British students and may be eligible for a maintenance grant under the Irish Student Grant Scheme.
Irish students may also be entitled to apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for a loan to cover the costs of tuition. Cost of living support may be available from SUSI, and the University of Glasgow offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to students from the Republic of Ireland undertaking their first undergraduate degree.
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Frequently asked questions
Irish students who live in the Common Travel Area (CTA) of the UK, the Islands or Ireland can study in Scotland for free. However, they must meet the residency criteria to access financial support.
The CTA gives Irish and UK citizens the right to access all levels of education and training in each other’s state. To be eligible under the CTA, you must be resident in Ireland or the UK for three years before the start of your course.
Irish students who don't live in the CTA are considered international students and will have to pay international student fees.
Yes, the University of Glasgow offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to students from the Republic of Ireland undertaking their first undergraduate degree.
