Secure merit scholarships, tuition fee waivers, and financial aid to study at Scotland's leading modern university.
Nestled in the heart of Dundee, Scotland, Abertay University is internationally renowned for its pioneering programs in computer games education, ethical hacking, and modern sciences. As Scotland's leading modern university, it offers an exceptionally welcoming environment for learners from all over the world. However, transitioning to a new country for higher education comes with financial considerations. Navigating tuition fees, living expenses, and currency conversions can seem daunting.
Fortunately, there are various Abertay University scholarships for international students designed to make your educational dreams affordable. From merit scholarships to tuition fee waiver programs, this guide outlines the primary funding options, bursaries, and financial aid packages available to support your academic journey in Dundee.
"Receiving the Abertay International Scholarship took a massive weight off my family's shoulders. It allowed me to focus entirely on my Game Design degree and enjoy life in Dundee without constant financial stress." - Priya Sharma, IndiaThe cornerstone of institutional funding at Abertay is the Abertay International Scholarship. This award is specifically designed to recognize academic excellence and ease the transition for self-funding students from outside the UK.
This scholarship is awarded as a tuition fee waiver, meaning the financial support is directly deducted from your annual tuition fees rather than paid to you in cash. This is one of the most reliable funding options for international applicants.
To qualify for this merit scholarship, you must meet the following criteria:
If you require more comprehensive financial aid, Abertay University supports several prestigious external scholarship schemes. These programs often provide full funding, including tuition fees, living allowances, and flights.
Chevening is the UK government’s global scholarship program, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It target future leaders and influencers. A Chevening award covers full tuition fees, a monthly living stipend, economy class return airfares to the UK, and additional grants to cover essential expenditure.
These are aimed at students from developing Commonwealth countries who want to pursue Master's or PhD studies in the UK. The selection process is highly competitive and is based heavily on academic merit and your potential to contribute to your home country's development upon graduation.
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Abertay University frequently participates in the GREAT Scholarship scheme. These awards offer minimum funding of £10,000 towards tuition fees for students from specific countries (such as China, India, Indonesia, or Kenya) pursuing one-year postgraduate courses.
Abertay is committed to supporting lifelong learning and offers dedicated incentives for returning students. If you complete your undergraduate degree at Abertay and decide to stay on for a postgraduate qualification, you may be eligible for the Alumni Discount Scheme.
This scheme typically provides a 20% tuition fee waiver on postgraduate taught courses. This discount can be combined with other merit scholarships under specific conditions, drastically reducing the overall cost of your postgraduate education.
Dundee is widely recognized as one of the most affordable student cities in the UK. While securing financial aid is incredibly helpful, understanding your day-to-day living costs is essential for accurate financial planning. Below is a realistic estimation of weekly living expenses for an international student living in Dundee:
| Expense Category | Average Weekly Cost (Low-End) | Average Weekly Cost (High-End) | Money-Saving Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| University Accommodation / Private Rent | £115 | £175 | Opt for shared flats or uni halls to save on utility bills. |
| Food and Groceries | £35 | £55 | Shop at Lidl or Aldi near the Dundee city center. |
| Local Transport | £0 | £15 | Dundee is highly walkable; Abertay campus is in the heart of town. |
| Social & Leisure Activities | £25 | £60 | Utilize student discounts via UNiDAYS and Totum. |
| Study Materials & Printing | £5 | £10 | Use the digital resources at the Bernard King Library. |
| Total Weekly Budget | £180 | £315 | Keep track of outgoings using budgeting apps. |
While scholarships are usually awarded prior to enrollment based on merit, bursaries and emergency financial aid are typically needs-based and intended to support students who encounter unexpected financial difficulties during their studies.
Abertay University manages several hardship funds and discretionary trusts. If you face sudden financial distress—due to exchange rate fluctuations, family emergencies, or unexpected living cost rises—the Student Funding Team can offer guidance and potential emergency grants. International students are advised to have a robust financial plan in place, as these hardship bursaries are limited and cannot be used to pay tuition fees.
Studying at Abertay University is an investment in a highly career-focused, innovative education. By taking advantage of Abertay University scholarships for international students, maximizing tuition fee waivers, and planning an affordable lifestyle in Dundee, you can significantly ease your financial burden. Start your preparations early, apply to your chosen course, and pave your way to a brilliant academic future in Scotland.