Study Abroad in Aberdeen, Scotland

Sparkling gem of Scottish history, culture, and adventure
Tucked along the rugged northeast coast of Scotland, Aberdeen is a captivating blend of ancient charm and modern vibrancy. With over 200,000 residents, this mid-sized city punches well above its weight, offering students a perfect mix of rich history, lively urban life, and easy access to Scotland’s legendary landscapes.

 

The city is beautifully divided into two distinct areas: Old Aberdeen, home to the historic University of Aberdeen and filled with cobbled streets, medieval buildings, and centuries of academic tradition; and the more contemporary heart of Aberdeen, a bustling hub of shops, cafes, and business. Together, they form a city that feels both intimate and alive with possibility.

 

Aberdeen’s location is a dream for travelers. A short journey takes you to the mystical Scottish Highlands, the windswept Isles, or London via a scenic train ride. Want to spend a weekend exploring castles, hiking coastal cliffs, or roaming stone circles older than the pyramids? It’s all within reach. Or, you can hop on a cheap flight to the European continent for a weekend trip.

 

Step into the world of folklore and legend as you explore Scotland’s stately homes near Aberdeen—grand estates with sweeping gardens, ghost stories whispered in ancient halls, and architecture straight out of a historical drama. Or venture to ancient stone circles and Bronze Age burial cairns, scattered across the countryside like hidden messages from the past.

 

And when spring and summer roll around, you’ll be just in time for Scotland’s famous Highland Games, an unforgettable celebration of Scottish pride. Picture kilts swirling, bagpipes sounding, dancers leaping, and burly athletes tossing cabers sky-high—an energetic, unforgettable fusion of music, sport, and cultural tradition.

 

Whether you're retracing your Scottish roots or simply soaking in the spirit of the Highlands, Aberdeen offers a study abroad experience steeped in heritage, adventure, and discovery. This is more than a city—it's your gateway to the soul of Scotland.

 

 

  • Eligibility
    Minimum GPA 3.00 (Students with GPA between 2.80-2.99 will be considered on a case-by-case basis).
  • Housing

    Single room in a shared apartment or residence hall in the university student village.

  • Excursions

    Overnight trips and day excursions to nearby destinations, such as Loch Ness & Inverness, and Fraserburgh Lighthouse.

  • Academics

    Courses in Accounting, Biological and Environmental Sciences, Business, Chemistry, Economics, Education, Engineering, English, Finance, Geography, Math, Music, Neuroscience, Philosophy, Physics, Politics, International Relations, Psychology, Religion, Sociology, Exercise Science, and more.

DSC_1897_copy
unsplash-image-CvI04S3uAA8
unsplash-image-3rkosR_Dgfg
unsplash-image-wFWQmOyfkkM
unsplash-image-oDpSNMH1MEI
unsplash-image-iObqiTU3SPc

Academics & Eligibility

University of Aberdeen

Founded in 1495, the prestigious University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third and the UK’s 5th oldest university. Originally established to train doctors, teachers, clergy, and lawyers, the University has stayed true to its roots while also expanding to include many other disciplines including STEM and liberal arts courses. It has a student population of around 16,000 and a large international community of students and staff drawn from over 120 countries.

 

The University's picturesque campus is a mix of granite Gothic architecture that sparkles in the Scottish sun, and modern, purpose-built facilities. The 16th century buildings are interspersed with grassy quadrangles, botanical gardens, and woods. Several pubs, small shops and a post office located right on the campus all enhance the more traditional university amenities.

 

Much of the university's social life takes place in its variety of student clubs and societies. With over 100 societies and 50 sport clubs, you are encouraged to get involved.  You can also take advantage of the University's Students' Union, which houses cafes, bars, and nightclubs.

 

For sports and recreation, you will have access to a multi-gym and weights room, indoor game halls, full-size outdoor soccer pitches, indoor courts, outdoor playing fields, and an 18-meter swimming pool. Students can join the University athletic teams and play interscholastically.  Due to Aberdeen's advantageous location, there are a lot of activities that focus on outdoor pursuits such as: sailing, canoeing, skiing, mountaineering and hill walking.

 

Studying abroad at the University of Aberdeen is a great chance to experience the culture and heritage of a city spanning thousands of years.

Despite offering courses in nearly every academic discipline, the University of Aberdeen has been able to maintain a smaller community vibe. The administration at the school is very friendly, personable, & approachable, which is exactly what you want while overseas. Not to mention the campus is a great mixture of historic buildings and cutting edge technology, so you are sure not to go wanting for inspiration!

 

 

Course Information

Courses at University of Aberdeen are organized into 4 levels:

  • Level 1 (first year/freshman)
  • Level 2 (second year/sophomore)
  • Level 3 (third year/junior)
  • Level 4 (fourth year/senior)

Level 1 and 2 courses generally do not have prerequisites and are therefore usually open to all study abroad students.
 
Level 3 and 4 courses generally require that you have already taken at least 4 courses in the subject area (ex: to enroll in a Level 3 History course, you must have already taken at least 4 History courses at your home institution). Entry to most Level 3 and 4 courses is possible as long as the relevant prerequisites can be verified on your official transcript from your home institution

Credit Information

Possible U.S. Credits: You will take 3-5 courses per semester. Most courses are worth 15 UK credits, which normally equates to 4 U.S. semester credits. Your home institution will ultimately determine how many credits you can transfer back for each course you take. The normal course load is 60 UK credits per semester, which is generally 4 courses and approximately 16 US credit hours.

 

Students typically take 4 courses per semester worth 15 UK credit hours each. 15 UK credit hours generally equate to 4 U.S. semester credits. The standard academic load is 60 UK credit hours, so you should plan to enroll as such. Courses can be worth from 15 UK to 30 UK (upper level) credit hours, so be sure to check the credit values when you are pre-registering.
 

46 UK credit hours is the absolute minimum load in order to be registered as a full-time student, but please remember that your corresponding U.S. credits must also total at least 12 (check with your home institution to be sure). Study abroad students may not take more than 90 UK credits in any semester.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Minimum GPA 3.00 (Students with GPA between 2.80-2.99 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Language Requirement: None
  • Completed at least 1 semester at a U.S. or Canadian college/university before applying
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Official Transcript from your college or university
  • ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
  • Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. A scan of your valid passport, is required at latest 2 weeks after the application deadline if you’re applying for an academic year abroad, or at latest 4 weeks after the application deadline if you’re applying for a semester abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.

University of Aberdeen Courses

You must have DOUBLE the number of courses approved than you actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts.

 

Pre-Registration:

On the Course Pre-registration Form you will complete for ASA after being accepted, it is essential you indicate which courses are essential/mandatory for your degree. This will be taken into account when University of Aberdeen approves your selections. (You must have your course selections pre-approved by your home institution before completing ASA’s Course Pre-registration Form.)

 

Course registration is on a first-come first serve basis, and all courses must meet a minimum enrollment requirement to run. 

 

Course Codes: 

The first numerical digit in the course code denotes the Level of the course, while the second digit denotes which semester, or sub session, the course takes place. For example, a ‘0’ indicates a Fall course (First Sub Session) and a ‘5’ indicates a Spring course (Second Sub Session).

 

Assessment: 

Most courses at University of Aberdeen include a combination of continuous assessment, mid-term assignments and an end-of-semester examination.

 

Science Courses: 

Note to students interested in Science courses: The UK educational system was not designed for mixing science courses with other disciplines in the same semester, so students may find there are scheduling difficulties when trying to take Level 1 or 2 science courses with courses from other disciplines such as arts, humanities, etc. In addition, Level 3 and 4 science courses can generally only be taken alongside other upper level science courses from the same discipline. (Ex: 3rd year Biology schedules generally only work alongside the schedules of other 3rd year Biology courses.) If you must take both 2nd and 3rd year science courses in a single semester, or upper level science courses across disciplines, or both arts and science courses, please let ASA know and note this on your Course Pre-registration Form because University of Aberdeen will need to consult the relevant departments to find out if it is feasible. University of Aberdeen will do their best to help students achieve the course schedule that they desire, but they cannot guarantee that timetabling (scheduling) will allow for a mix of courses from different disciplines. We're happy to provide one-on-one course advising - just contact us!

 

Restricted Modules:

Some courses are restricted for study abroad students. Study abroad students are not permitted to enroll in the following courses:

  • Clinical Medicine & Dentistry courses
  • Level 4 English and Linguistics courses
  • Level 3 English Creative Writing courses
  • Field courses within the School of Biological Sciences. Field courses in other degree areas may be restricted as well - check with ASA if you are interested in taking a field course.
  • Level 2, 3, and 4 Education courses
  • Level 4 Engineering Project courses

 

Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.

Costs & Dates

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

US passport holders going to the UK for Fall semester or Spring semester do not need to obtain a visa before departing for this study abroad program in the UK. The visa will be issued upon arrival in the UK. To get your visa, you simply present several documents. ASA will give you details about those documents before you depart.

 

US passport holders going to the UK for a full academic year must obtain a visa before departing.

 

$1,000 discount for Academic Year participation, applied during the second semester!

 

**Academic Year Students – Please Note** A housing surcharge may be added to your Billing Statement for winter break housing.

 

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

ASA is a small program, but that’s what makes it so great. The personal attention can’t be beat and I made plenty of friends outside of the group.

Chelsea Francis

I would recommend ASA to other students because not only was it a great price for what you get, but it was so much fun and the site director was great.

Morgan Pecknold

ASA is a very thorough program. It is well organized and structured, yet allows for plenty of independent activity and personal responsibility. There were many times where I felt foreign, but I rarely felt like a tourist. I engaged in the culture with the ASA program, I didn’t just take a picture and a souvenir

Aaron Bannasch

Housing

You may request to live with a friend by emailing ASA at hello@academicstudies.com. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back. University of Aberdeen is responsible for hall allocations, so we can't always guarantee that you will be placed in the same flat or residence hall as your friend, but we will be happy to pass along your preference to the university as long as you let us know shortly after you're accepted. You will meet your suitemates upon arrival; they could be from the U.S., the UK, or other countries.
 
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. If there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
 

Residence Hall

Residence Halls typically have up to 37 single occupancy bedrooms with kitchens and bathrooms that are shared with up to 9 students.

Housing FAQs

You may request to live with a friend by emailing ASA at hello@academicstudies.com. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back. University of Aberdeen is responsible for hall allocations, so we can't always guarantee that you will be placed in the same flat or residence hall as your friend, but we will be happy to pass along your preference to the university as long as you let us know shortly after you're accepted. You will meet your suitemates upon arrival; they could be from the U.S., the UK, or other countries.
Rooms are single occupancy, but you will share a flat with 3-6 additional students. Flats are usually all gender.
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. If there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.
No, meals are not included but students will have access to a kitchen.

The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.

Students will live a short bus ride away from campus (roughly 12 minutes) or a 15 minute walk.

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

ASA semester programs in Aberdeen include 2 day excursions. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to Slains Castle, Loch Ness, Inverness, and the Isle of Skye.

 

Slains Castle & Bullers of Buchan

Slains Castle & Bullers of Buchan

Slains Castle, also known as New Slains Castle to distinguish it from nearby Old Stains Castle, is a ruined castle in Aberdeenshire. It overlooks the North Sea from its cliff-top site. Bullers of Buchan refers both to a collapsed sea cave and to the adjacent village, situated about 6 miles south of Peterhead in Buchan, Aberdeenshire, Scotland.
Fraserburgh Lighthouse

Fraserburgh Lighthouse

The Kinnaird Head Lighthouse is a active lighthouse located on Kinnaird Head, in Fraserburgh, Scotland. The current light is the 2nd to be built on the headland, superseding the original which now forms part of the Museum of Scottish Lighthouses.
Loch Ness & Inverness

Loch Ness & Inverness

Overnight

Inverness from Scottish Gaelic meaning “Mouth of the River ness” is a city in the Scottish Highlands. It is regarded as the capital of the highlands. Loch Ness is a large, deep, freshwater loch in the Scottish Highlands extending for approximately 23 miles southwest of Inverness. Loch Ness is best known for alleged sightings of the Loch Ness Monster, also known affectionately as “Nessie”.
Isle of Skye

Isle of Skye

Overnight

The Isle of Skye is connected to Scotland’s northwest coast by bridge, is known for its rugged landscapes, picturesque fishing villages and medieval castles. This island is dominated by the magnificent Cuillin mountain range whose rocky slopes provide some of the most dramatic scenery in Scotland.

Inclusions

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A World Of Care" Student Support Suite
  • Housing in a residence hall or student flat with kitchen facilities. Meals not included. See housing tab for more info.
  • Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee.
  • Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
  • Official Transcript: Final transcript is issued by the University of Aberdeen. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
  • Excursions: 2 day excursions, locations to be decided.
  • Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
  • Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Aberdeen (ABZ) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
  • Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.
  • Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included.
  • Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. View "Student Visa Information” to find out if a visa is required for your program.
  • Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation
  • Subscription To Safeture safety-enhancing mobile app
  • Subscription To Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about Mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
  • $150 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Summer program! (Up to 2 Summer programs)
  • $350 Returning Student Credit toward your next ASA Semester program! (Up to 2 Semester programs)

Not Included

  • Round-trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location.

  • Books, materials, lab fees

  • Local transportation

  • Personal expenses

  • Meals

  • Laundry

  • Meals on excursions

  • Visa, if required

  • Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time.

  • Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program.

For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.

Program Calendar

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure dates.

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aberdeen (ABZ) airport on TBA between 9am-5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    UA Orientation & Registration/Welcome Week

  4. TBA

    Classes Begin

  5. TBA

    ASA Excursions - Locations TBA

  6. TBA

    Term Ends

  7. TBA (Students must complete housing check-out by 10am)

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 16, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aberdeen (ABZ) airport on Friday, Jan. 16 between 9am-5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. January 19-23, 2025

    UA Orientation & Registration/Welcome Week

  4. Mon, Jan. 26

    Classes Begin

  5. TBA

    ASA Excursions - Locations TBA

  6. Mon, Mar. 23 - Fri, April 10

    Spring Break

  7. Fri, May 15

    Term Ends

  8. Sat, May 16 (Students must complete housing check-out by 10am)

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. TBA

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Aberdeen (ABZ) airport on TBA between 9am-5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. TBA

    ASA Orientation

  3. TBA

    UA Orientation & Registration/Welcome Week

  4. TBA

    Classes Begin

  5. TBA

    ASA Excursions - Locations TBA

  6. TBA

    Spring Break

  7. TBA

    Term Ends

  8. TBA (Students must complete housing check-out by 10am)

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.

 

  • Culture & Ethnicity

  • Disability Accommodation

  • Food & Diet

  • Financial Aid & Money Matters

  • First Generation

  • Gender Identity & Sexuality

  • Mental Health

  • Non-traditional Students

  • Religion

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

Apply Now