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🎓 University of Aberdeen Scholarships & Funding How to Apply in 2025
Aberdeen's 2025 scholarships guide for international students. Learn funding types, eligibility, and application steps.
📌 Introduction
The University of Aberdeen, one of the UK's oldest universities founded in 1495, is globally recognized for research excellence and academic heritage. In 2025, it offers scholarships for excellence, research, and country-based awards to support international students.
Located in Scotland's vibrant northeast, Aberdeen combines centuries of academic tradition with cutting-edge research facilities. The university's commitment to supporting international students is reflected in its comprehensive scholarship portfolio designed to make quality UK education accessible to talented students from around the world.
Whether you're pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate studies, understanding Aberdeen's scholarship landscape and application processes is crucial for maximizing your chances of receiving financial support. This guide will walk you through the available funding options, eligibility criteria, and proven strategies for successful applications.
🎓 Types of Scholarships
The University of Aberdeen offers several scholarship categories designed to recognize excellence and support international students:
Aberdeen Global Excellence Scholarship
Aberdeen's flagship scholarship program for high-achieving international students, offering a £5,000 tuition reduction for both undergraduate and postgraduate programs. This merit-based scholarship recognizes outstanding academic achievement and potential.
Award Value: £5,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International students with excellent academic records
Application: Automatic consideration upon admission for qualifying students
Criteria: Based on previous academic performance and predicted grades
Programs: Available for most undergraduate and postgraduate taught programs
Country-Specific Awards
Aberdeen offers targeted scholarships for students from specific countries and regions, recognizing the diverse international community:
India: Dedicated scholarships for Indian students across various programs
China: Country-specific funding opportunities for Chinese students
Africa: Scholarships recognizing African academic excellence and potential
Other regions: Additional country-based scholarships available throughout the year
Research Scholarships
For postgraduate research students pursuing PhD or research master's programs, Aberdeen offers comprehensive research funding:
PhD Research Scholarships
Full or partial funding for doctoral research students, often covering tuition fees and providing a stipend for living expenses. Aberdeen's research excellence makes these highly competitive awards particularly valuable.
Research Master's Funding
Support for students pursuing research-based master's programs, including MRes and MPhil degrees. Awards recognize research potential and academic excellence.
Sports & Music Bursaries
Aberdeen recognizes that excellence extends beyond academics. The university offers bursaries for talented students in sports and music:
Sports Bursaries: Financial support for athletes with regional, national, or international achievements
Music Bursaries: Funding for talented musicians with performance opportunities
Benefits: Access to excellent facilities and professional development
Eligibility: Demonstrated excellence and commitment to your discipline
💡 Pro Tip: Check the Aberdeen international scholarships page regularly as new country-specific awards and partnerships are announced throughout the year.
📝 How to Apply
The scholarship application process at Aberdeen is designed to be straightforward, but requires careful attention to deadlines and requirements:
Step 1: Accept Your Program Offer
Begin by applying for your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate program through UCAS (for UG) or directly to Aberdeen (for PG). Once you receive a conditional or unconditional offer, you become eligible to apply for scholarships. Some scholarships, like the Global Excellence Scholarship, are automatically considered at this stage.
Step 2: Fill in the Funding Application Online
Log into the Aberdeen scholarship portal and complete the online application form. This typically includes:
Personal and contact information
Details of your Aberdeen offer and chosen program
Academic qualifications and achievements
Scholarship preferences and eligibility confirmation
Supporting documents upload section
Step 3: Provide Supporting Academic Documents
Submit comprehensive academic documentation to support your scholarship application:
Official transcripts from all previous institutions
Degree certificates or proof of qualifications
English language test results (IELTS, TOEFL, etc.)
Academic awards, honors, or distinctions received
Research publications or conference presentations (for research scholarships)
Step 4: Submit Statement of Motivation
Your statement of motivation is a crucial component of your scholarship application. It should clearly articulate:
Your academic achievements and research interests
Why you deserve the scholarship
How the scholarship will help you achieve your goals
Your potential contributions to the Aberdeen community
Your career aspirations and how Aberdeen fits into your plans
"The Aberdeen Global Excellence Scholarship made my master's program financially feasible. The application process was clear, and the support from the international office was excellent throughout." — Priya, India (MSc Data Science)
💷 Other Funding Options
Beyond university scholarships, international students at Aberdeen can explore additional funding sources to support their studies:
Part-Time Jobs (Aberdeen Has Affordable Living Costs)
International students on a Student visa can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays. Aberdeen's affordable living costs make part-time work particularly effective:
On-campus jobs at libraries, student services, and sports facilities
Retail and hospitality positions in Aberdeen city center
Tutoring and academic support roles
Internships and placements related to your field of study
Lower living costs mean your earnings go further than in expensive UK cities
UK Research Council Funds (For PhDs)
PhD students at Aberdeen can access prestigious UK Research Council funding:
UKRI Studentships: Full funding including tuition fees and living stipend
EPSRC: Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council funding
BBSRC: Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council awards
ESRC: Economic and Social Research Council scholarships
AHRC: Arts and Humanities Research Council funding
External Scholarships Like Chevening
Aberdeen is a recognized institution for prestigious external scholarships:
Chevening Scholarships: UK government's global scholarship program for outstanding master's students with leadership potential
Commonwealth Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries pursuing master's and PhD programs
British Council Scholarships: Various programs for different countries and subjects
Country-specific scholarships: Many governments offer funding for citizens studying abroad
💡 Financial Planning Tip: Aberdeen is one of the most affordable Scottish cities for students. Many successful Aberdeen students combine scholarships with part-time work to cover expenses comfortably.
🔑 Tips for Success
Maximize your chances of receiving an Aberdeen scholarship by following these proven strategies:
Emphasize Research or Leadership Achievements
Aberdeen values students who demonstrate research potential and leadership qualities:
Highlight any research projects, dissertations, or publications
Showcase leadership roles in student organizations or community groups
Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills
For research scholarships, clearly articulate your research interests and methodology
Connect your achievements to Aberdeen's research strengths
Showcase Academic Consistency
Consistent academic excellence throughout your educational journey is highly valued:
Demonstrate steady or improving academic performance over time
Highlight consistently high grades across all subjects
Show progression from undergraduate to postgraduate level
Emphasize any academic awards or honors received
Provide context for any exceptional circumstances that affected performance
Apply Early—Deadlines Are Strict
Aberdeen scholarships have firm deadlines and limited funding pools:
Submit your scholarship application as soon as you receive your offer
Don't wait until the deadline - early applications are often prioritized
Ensure all supporting documents are ready before starting your application
Check scholarship deadlines carefully as they may differ from course deadlines
Late applications are typically not accepted, regardless of merit
Demonstrate Fit with Aberdeen's Strengths
Show that you've researched Aberdeen and understand how it aligns with your goals:
Reference specific research groups, facilities, or academics at Aberdeen
Explain why Aberdeen is the right choice for your field of study
Connect your career goals to Aberdeen's academic strengths
Show awareness of Aberdeen's history and academic reputation
Demonstrate enthusiasm for contributing to the Aberdeen community
"I applied early and made sure my statement of motivation clearly connected my research interests with Aberdeen's strengths in marine biology. The scholarship I received made all the difference." — Chen, China (PhD Marine Biology)
🙋 FAQs
Q. Is Aberdeen affordable?
Yes, Aberdeen is one of the most affordable Scottish cities for students. While living costs are lower than Edinburgh or Glasgow, Aberdeen offers excellent quality of life with comprehensive student support services, affordable accommodation options, and numerous part-time job opportunities. The combination of scholarships and lower living costs makes Aberdeen particularly attractive for international students.
Q. Can I apply for more than one scholarship?
Yes, you can apply for multiple Aberdeen scholarships. However, awards may not stack fully - there are usually maximum funding caps. External scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth can often be combined with Aberdeen awards. Check with the Aberdeen scholarships office to understand which awards can be combined and what the total maximum funding limit is.
Q. When should I apply for scholarships?
Apply for scholarships as soon as you receive your offer letter from Aberdeen. Many scholarships have early deadlines or limited funding, so applying early significantly increases your chances of success. Some scholarships have specific application windows, so check the Aberdeen scholarships page regularly and note all relevant deadlines.
Q. What if I don't receive a scholarship?
If you're not successful with initial scholarship applications, explore other funding options such as part-time work (up to 20 hours per week), external scholarships like Chevening or Commonwealth, UK Research Council funding for PhD students, or payment plans offered by Aberdeen. The university's financial support team can provide guidance on alternative funding sources.
Q. Are research scholarships only for PhD students?
No, while PhD students have access to the most comprehensive research funding including UK Research Council awards, research master's students (MRes, MPhil) can also access research scholarships. The availability and value of awards vary by program and research area, so check with your department for specific opportunities.
🎓 Conclusion
Aberdeen in 2025 provides scholarships that reward academic excellence and support global students, easing financial pressures while offering access to one of the UK's most prestigious and historic universities.
The combination of the Aberdeen Global Excellence Scholarship, country-specific awards, research scholarships, and sports & music bursaries means that many international students can significantly reduce their tuition costs. When combined with Aberdeen's affordable living costs, part-time work opportunities, and external scholarships like Chevening, studying at Aberdeen becomes financially feasible for talented students worldwide.
Remember that scholarship applications require time, effort, and strategic planning. Start early, craft compelling statements of motivation that clearly articulate your research interests and career vision, provide comprehensive academic documentation, and don't hesitate to reach out to Aberdeen's scholarships office for guidance. Your investment in a thorough application can result in substantial financial support for your studies at one of the UK's oldest and most respected universities.
👉 Aberdeen's scholarship opportunities, combined with its research excellence, historic reputation, affordable living costs, and beautiful Scottish setting, make it an attractive choice for international students seeking quality education with financial support.