College

Colleges are different from universities. Colleges provide a wide range of vocational courses and are often considered more practical and employment-focused than university degrees. Colleges in Scotland also offer undergraduate or Bachelor’s degrees, certificates and associate degrees. Course lengths can vary from short and intensive half year courses to 3- or 4-year programmes.

Colleges in Scotland are distinct from universities and provide a range of courses varying from vocational to fast-track degrees from the age of 16 upwards. Scotland’s colleges also provide school-level qualifications for people of all ages.

Find out more about colleges in Scotland here. 

You can find a list of all the colleges in Scotland here. Most also offer part-time courses or flexible programmes.

University

Scotland has one of the highest concentrations of universities in Europe and is home to many world-class universities, many of which rank amongst the oldest in the world. Surveys show that 94% of international students studying in Scotland think it is a good place to live and study.  

This website includes a list of all the universities in Scotland.

Most students studying for their first degree will spend three academic years to attain a degree and an additional year to attain an honours degree.

Most universities also offer part-time degree courses. If you are particularly interested in part-time or self-guided or online learning, the Open University has a wide range of courses that enable you to study part-time.

College & University Applications

Applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK universities and colleges are processed by the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS). This includes Scottish institutions. On the UCAS website, students will be able to view every university or college course in the UK by subject.  

The main application deadlines are in October, January, and March, but these often vary depending on the course and the institution. Applicants can choose up to five courses when they submit an application. Please note that each separate course counts for one of your five allotted courses. For example, applying to 3 different courses at the same university means you will have used 3 of your 5 allocated slots. It is often recommended that applicants apply to the maximum number of courses to increase their chances. You can find more information on this subject here: The UCAS Application Undergraduate Application Process Guide.