Dundee · Founded 1881
Modern UniversityUniversity of Dundee
Dundee's medical and dental schools are regularly ranked top 5 in the UK. The university's life sciences research — centred on the School of Life Sciences at the Wellcome Trust Biocentre — has produced multiple drug-discovery breakthroughs. The campus is compact and central, and Dundee's rents are among the lowest of any Scottish university city.
Rankings
- Guardian
- Top 4026
- Times
- Top 4023
- Student satisfaction
- 82%
Cost of Living
- Rent (halls)
- £800/mo
- Rent (private)
- £490/mo
- Other costs
- £650/mo
Dundee consistently ranks as one of the UK's most affordable student cities. Private rents are well below the Scottish average.
Known For
Students
13,500
Location
Dundee
SAAS code
D65
Entry requirements for Scottish students
Typical Higher offers for 2026 entry. Always check with Dundee directly.
Medicine (MBChB)
Chemistry + Biology + one further science
UCAT required; very competitive
Dentistry (BDS)
Chemistry + Biology
UCAT required
Law (LLB)
No specific subjects
4-year degree
Biological Sciences
Biology + Chemistry
Architecture
English-based subject required
Portfolio interview required
Art & Design (DJCAD)
Portfolio essential
Apply via Duncan of Jordanstone
Business
No specific subjects
Psychology
No specific subjects
Entry requirements sourced from University of Dundee prospectus, April 2026. Competitive courses may ask for higher grades.
What it actually costs per month
Realistic monthly budget for a student living in Dundee, 2026.
The SAAS gap at Dundee
- SAAS gives you (max, monthly)
- £950/mo
- Your costs (est.)
- £950/mo
Dundee's low rents mean SAAS support broadly covers typical student living costs. Students in university halls particularly find the numbers stack up well — some even have a small surplus.
Calculate your exact SAAS packageSAAS tuition — what you’ll actually pay
If you’re a Scotland-domiciled undergraduate, SAAS pays University of Dundee’s tuition fee (£1,820/year) directly — you pay nothing. The SAAS code is D65.
Open days 2026
Confirmed 2026 open day dates for Dundee. Always book a place directly via the university website.
17 Jun 2026
Campus
26 Sep 2026
Campus
31 Oct 2026
Campus
Dates sourced from Dundee’s official open days page, checked April 2026. Confirm current details before travelling.
Scholarships & bursaries
Verified funding available to Scottish-domiciled students at Dundee. Always check the university website for current eligibility criteria and deadlines.
Dow Memorial Trust Bursary (Medicine)
£2,000–£2,700/yr
Scottish-domiciled Medicine students; means-tested
Apply / find out moreDow Memorial Trust Bursary (Dentistry)
£2,000–£2,700/yr
Scottish-domiciled Dentistry students; means-tested
Apply / find out moreWho is Dundee best for?
Dundee is the best of both worlds for many families: top-tier medicine, dentistry, and life sciences research alongside one of the most affordable Scottish university cities. The medical school is consistently top-5 in the UK and admissions are slightly less crushing than Edinburgh or Glasgow. The Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art is one of the strongest art schools in the country, sharing a campus rather than sitting separately as at Glasgow School of Art. If your child wants a serious academic degree without Edinburgh or Glasgow’s sticker shock, Dundee deserves a hard look.
Student life at a glance
Students’ union
DUSA — known for its huge club nights and the Mono and Liar venues. One of the best-funded student unions in Scotland with 200+ societies.
Social scene
The campus is walkable to the Waterfront, the V&A, and the Tay. Friendly, compact city. Cheaper nightlife than Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Graduate prospects
Strongest in medicine/dentistry/life sciences, where graduates often go directly into NHS Scotland or research. Art & Design alumni have a distinct presence in UK creative industries.
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Frequently asked questions about Dundee
What is University of Dundee ranked?
University of Dundee is ranked 26 in the Guardian University Guide and 23 in The Times Good University Guide. Student satisfaction (from the National Student Survey) sits at 82%. Rankings shift annually — always check the latest published tables before relying on a specific position.
How much is student rent at University of Dundee?
Average monthly rent in Dundee for Dundee students is approximately £800 in university halls and £490 in private rented accommodation. Other living costs (food, transport, utilities, social) add roughly £650 per month on top. These are indicative averages — actual costs depend on the specific hall or flat. Always check the university's accommodation pages for the latest prices.
What is University of Dundee known for?
University of Dundee's strongest subject areas include Medicine, Dentistry, Life Sciences, Art & Design. These are the departments most commonly cited in league tables and by employers. Dundee also has strong graduate employment in these areas — check the university's own graduate outcomes data for the most current figures.
What type of university is University of Dundee?
University of Dundee is a modern Scottish university with a strong emphasis on applied teaching and research with industry links.
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Browse options →Rankings, rent, and living-cost figures checked April 2026.
Rankings source: Guardian University Guide and The Times Good University Guide. Rent figures are indicative averages from council and university accommodation pages. Entry requirements sourced from Dundee prospectus 2026 entry. Always confirm current prices and requirements directly with Dundee. See our editorial policy for how we source and update this data.