Scholarships and Financial Support

The University of Aberdeen provides a wide range of scholarships and financial aid options to support students from diverse backgrounds. These opportunities aim to make higher education accessible and reward academic excellence, talent, and potential. International students, in particular, benefit from targeted funding to ease the transition to studying in Scotland.

• International Undergraduate Scholarship: Worth up to £8,000 per year, this merit-based award is available to non-EU students entering undergraduate programs. It covers tuition fees and is renewable for the duration of the degree.
• Postgraduate Taught Scholarships: These include the Aberdeen Global Scholarship, offering £5,000 towards tuition for master's students from eligible countries. Applications are assessed based on academic merit and personal statements.
• Chevening Scholarships: In partnership with the UK government, Aberdeen hosts recipients of these fully funded awards for one-year master's programs, covering tuition, living expenses, and travel.
• Subject-Specific Awards: Faculties like Business, Law, and Medicine offer departmental bursaries, such as the £2,000 Law School Scholarship for high-achieving applicants.

Additionally, the university's Student Funding Team provides guidance on external sources like the Saltire Scholarships for Scottish studies or EU funding schemes. Prospective students are encouraged to apply early, as many scholarships are competitive and deadline-driven.

Career Services and Employability Opportunities

Aberdeen's Careers and Employability Service (CES) is renowned for its comprehensive support, helping students transition from academia to the professional world. With Aberdeen's proximity to Europe's energy capital, opportunities in oil, gas, and renewable sectors are abundant.

Service	Description	Benefits
CV and Interview Workshops	Regular sessions on resume building, LinkedIn optimization, and mock interviews.	Personalized feedback to boost job application success rates.
Internship Portal	Access to a database of placements with local firms like Shell and Total.	Hands-on experience with paid opportunities averaging £1,000-£2,000 for summer roles.
Graduate Recruitment Fairs	Annual events connecting students with over 100 employers, including global consultancies.	Networking sessions leading to full-time offers; 85% of graduates secure employment within six months.
Mentorship Program	Pairing with alumni in fields like engineering and healthcare.	Guidance on career paths and industry insights.

The university also integrates employability into the curriculum through modules like the Professional Skills Development program, ensuring graduates are equipped with transferable skills such as project management and data analysis.

Research and Innovation Opportunities

As a top research-intensive institution, the University of Aberdeen offers undergraduates and postgraduates unparalleled access to cutting-edge projects. With strengths in energy, health sciences, and environmental studies, students can contribute to real-world impact.

• Undergraduate Research Placements: Summer internships funded by the university or external bodies like the NERC, allowing students to work in labs on topics like sustainable energy or marine biology.
• PhD and Research Degrees: Fully funded positions through UKRI grants, with stipends around £15,000 annually plus fees. Collaborative projects with institutions like the Rowett Institute for nutrition research.
• Innovation Hubs: The Opportunity North initiative connects students with startups in Aberdeen's tech ecosystem, offering seed funding for entrepreneurial ideas.

Students often present at international conferences, enhancing their CVs and opening doors to academic careers. The university's ranking in the top 200 globally for research (QS World University Rankings) underscores the quality of these opportunities.

International and Study Abroad Programs

Aberdeen fosters a global mindset through its extensive exchange and study abroad schemes. With partnerships in over 50 countries, students can broaden their horizons without derailing their studies.

1. Erasmus+ Exchanges: EU students can spend a semester at partner universities in Germany, France, or Spain, with grants covering travel and living costs.
2. Global Mobility Fund: Non-EU students receive up to £1,500 for approved overseas placements, including internships in Asia or North America.
3. Short-Term Programs: Summer schools in fields like environmental science at locations such as the University of California, focusing on fieldwork and cultural immersion.

Returning students report enhanced intercultural skills, which are highly valued by employers. The International Office provides visa support and pre-departure briefings to ensure smooth experiences.

Extracurricular and Leadership Opportunities

Beyond academics, Aberdeen's vibrant campus life offers avenues for personal growth. The Students' Association oversees over 160 clubs and societies, from debating to hillwalking, promoting leadership and teamwork.

• Volunteering Programs: Initiatives like the Aberdeen Impact project link students with community service in areas such as education and sustainability, earning credits toward degrees.
• Entrepreneurship Support: Through New Venture Development, students access incubators, pitch competitions, and mentorship from industry leaders, with successful ventures receiving up to £10,000 in startup capital.
• Sports and Fitness: Elite athlete scholarships for those balancing studies with competitions, including access to world-class facilities at the Aberdeen Sports Village.

These activities not only enrich student life but also build networks that last a lifetime, contributing to Aberdeen's reputation for holistic development.

In summary, the University of Aberdeen equips students with diverse opportunities to excel academically, professionally, and personally. Whether pursuing funding, research, or global experiences, the supportive environment ensures every student can thrive in this historic yet innovative institution.